Runners, You Should be doing Crossfit

Why you Should Consider Crossfit

  CrossFit is based around improving your  respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. All of which can have a great impact on your running. While crossfit and running couldn’t seem more different, it can reduce your injuries, increase your flexibility, and build your endurance.

The Problem With Running

“The challenge is that runners think that their legs are strong, and they are strong at that one movement pattern. But life is more than just that one movement pattern,” says Reebok CrossFit ambassador Yumi Lee, who trains Jessica Alba. Since running is a linear, repetitive movement that involves mostly your legs, it can cause an imbalance in the rest of the body, which can lead to injury now or down the road. 

Why CrossFit Is a Good Complement to Running

“CrossFit exercises involve your whole body rather than isolated muscle groups,” which strengthens your overall body and makes you a better runner, explains marathoner and CrossFit instructor Shirley Brown of CrossFit LA. Yumi explains that specifically, CrossFit combines power lifting, strength training, and gymnastic training, all of which benefit your fast twitch muscles used for sprinting and your slow twitch muscles used for long distance. 

How Often Should Runners Do CrossFit?

CrossFit instructors agree that it all depends on your goals. If running is your focus, use CrossFit as a supplement and do it as often as it fits into your workout schedule, about two to three times a week. “Don’t overdo it. You might think you’re capable of running and doing CrossFit every day,” but taxing your muscles without rest days is a surefire way to an injury, Meghan says.

Here is the perfect Crossfit exercises for runners…

Read full article here

Photo credit here

mail[ninja-popup id=1377]