If you are preparing for your basic training with exercise, you are probably focusing on improving your running time and endurance. Although nothing can beat a good, old-fashioned run when trying to increase speed and stamina, there are several alternative exercises that you can incorporate into your workout routine that will also help you reach your running goals. In addition to keeping your workouts fresh and interesting, these running alternatives will also be gentler on your body, and decrease your risk of injury from overtraining. Mix up your workouts and improve your speed with some of the ideas detailed below.
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Swimming
If you have access to a pool, swimming can be an excellent, low-impact form of exercise to increase your endurance for running. As a full-body workout, swimming will improve your muscle tone and flexibility while also training your lungs to breathe more effectively while you work out－something that can definitely come in handy when you are pushing yourself on your next run.
Cycling
Want to increase your endurance and fit in a calorie burn without stressing out your body? Outdoor biking or use of indoor stationary bikes are easy ways to mix up your training, and give your body a break from the perils of running. You will be testing your endurance and building muscle, without risking the injuries associated with frequent running.
Interval Training
Alternating short bursts of high-intensity exercise with periods of lower intensity exercises is a great way to get your heart pounding and increase your endurance. Mixing two minutes of moderate exercise with 1 minute bursts of high-intensity activity will increase your calorie burn and overall fitness, leading to improvement in your run time.
Elliptical
If you are seeking out running alternatives to minimize the effects that running has on your joints, the elliptical is an excellent option. An elliptical will allow your body to mimic the motion of running, and increase your heart rate, providing similar health benefits to running, while also giving your knees a break from strenuous, daily runs.
Water Running
A low-impact version of running with serious endurance building benefits, water running is a great way to mix up your training. Moving your run to the water will be gentler on your body, while building muscle, cardiovascular strength and endurance.
If you are looking for ways to improve your run time, mix up your workouts or want to give your body a break from the high-impact of running, try out some of these great alternatives to a traditional run. Switch up your routine, keep moving and you will see improved speed and endurance in no time!