Gravity Fx Fitness

Cross training might help you avoid injury and increase performance.  In a recent newspaper article, a trio of local physical therapists were featured in their preparation for an Ironman Triathlon.

According to one therapist, “I have done three marathons, but the daily running was always causing some sort of injury.  The cross training keeps me fit and injury free.”

I’ve worked with a few runners over the years and overuse injuries seem to be part of the training.  I can remember the first year that we had a local marathon.  I did massage therapy with three people that had become injured while increasing their mileage to prepare for the race.

Adding in biking and swimming can take some of the pounding off your muscles and joints.  If you don’t want to do a triathlon, add in some resistance training that focuses on single leg stance, such as lunges and stepups.

You can also focus on recovery methods such as massage and stretching.  You need a combination of strength and flexibility built into your muscles – they should be elastic, like a rubber band.

Hard training athletes need quality massage therapy on a regular basis.  My massage mentor had one of his athletes set the NFL record for most carries in a season by a running back, while getting weekly massage.

Self-massage is a more viable solution for most of us.  This can be a foam roll, tennis ball, or rolling massager like the Stick or Tiger Tail.  Follow this up with various types of stretching and throw in some strengthening exercises, as well.

Don’t forget to engage in sport or recreational activities that work the muscles in different movement patterns, like lateral movements.  For specific strengthening exercises, check out my other running articles.

Get moving!

Brian Morgan

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