Running is my favourite form of physical activity, however coming in a close second and third are Les Mills Body Pump and Body Attack classes. Body Pump is weights based class, and Body Attack I often describe as a more extreme form of aerobics! I have been attending both classes for about two years now and have definitely noticed my strength improve through Body Pump classes, the results being visible in the weight I can now add to my barbell. Body Attack I find helps considerably with my power and speed, the plyometric type exercises teaching my muscles to fire a bit better. So I definitely can vouch for the benefits that cross training has on my running performance. With this in mind, and as I approach my last few planned races of 2015, I am thinking ahead to what my 'training' plan should be for the remainder of the year. I think it may be wise to cut down on the number of runs I complete a week, just focusing on quality runs which I enjoy - especially considering the state of my legs over the last few weeks! This year I have massively increased my running distances, going from 10k to half and full marathon training, and I want to make sure I can enter 2016 feeling refreshed and ready to undertake whatever challenges and goals I want to tackle. So that leaves me with the option of exploring a bit more cross training... but what? What do other people find compliments their running regimes? Would be great to hear any advice! |