Cross Training For Runners: The Secret Weapon for Speed, Power and Endurance

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If you want to reach your potential as a runner, the work doesn’t stop on the road. Racking up the mileage is a great way to improve your endurance, but elite athletes know that what you do on your ‘Off Days‘ is just as important — and that’s where cross training for runners is key. Every runner can benefit from a healthy mix of low-impact cardio and strength training.

We are what we are repeatedly do, therefore excellence is not an act but a habit.

Aristotle

Cross Training For Runners

The Gym Equipment Every Runner Should Use

If you want to improve your running, it’s not just miles on the road that need to be logged. Every elite athlete knows that cross-training and how you spend your ‘off’ days is key to Race Day performance.

Time to put that gym membership to good use! Here’s our pick of the best gym equipment for runners. Put in the work and watch your times tumble…

Gym Workouts and Routines For Runners

Nobody says you have to pay a pricy gym membership to become a great runner, but there’s no denying that gym work can go a long way to improving overall fitness. It’s a convenient way to log some low-impact cardio, or to develop the muscles that will drive you faster, for longer, on race day. We’ve got a variety of gym workouts for runners that will complement your existing training program:

Elliptical trainer for runners

Gym For Runners: The Best Gym Equipment That Every Runner Should Use

Running is a great full-body workout that is practically free, as you can run just about anywhere. But, for some, running simply isn’t enough, so they hit the gym for … Read more
What muscles does a rowing machine work?

What Muscles Does A Rowing Machine Work?

The rowing machine is possibly one of the most underrated exercise machines in your local gym. Often neglected in favour of treadmills, exercise bikes and stairmasters… this trusty machine has … Read more
Stairmaster vs Treadmill

Stairmaster vs Treadmill: Is A Step Machine Better for Cardio?

We all know that regular cardio is an essential part of any fitness regime. This is why the Stairmaster and the Treadmill are two of the most popular machines at … Read more
What muscles does the stairmaster work?

What Muscles Does The Stairmaster Work?

Many people skip the Stairmaster machine at the gym, mainly because it’s a tiring form of cardio. However, what are the advantages of a Stairmaster? For example, does it work … Read more
What is a smith machine good for?

What Is A Smith Machine Good For?

You might be new to the gym and want to try the smith machine, or you have been using it and heard rumors about it not being great. It is … Read more
Air vs Magnetic Rowing Machines

Air vs Magnetic Rowing Machines: The Key Differences

Rowing is a terrific low-impact cardio activity that will increase your endurance and get your heart racing. It’s a total-body workout; you don’t need a boat and can do it … Read more
The Best Treadmill Workout Apps

16 Best Treadmill Workout Apps

Running on a treadmill can become boring fast. One of the main arguments for running outside is that the alternative – using a treadmill – can get repetitive, which can … Read more
Elliptical vs Treadmill

Elliptical vs Treadmill: Which Is The Better Workout?

Two of the most popular cardio devices in gyms are the elliptical and treadmill. Both machines may give good cardiovascular exercise, burn calories, and enhance aerobic capacity, but each has … Read more

Cross Training Ideas To Improve Your Running

Runners who adopt a healthy active lifestyle can reap benefits that have a ‘flywheel’ effect on their ability to crush Personals Bests. From yoga and pilates, to weight lifting and playing sports… there are many ways you can prime your body to perform well at a high level. Below we take a look at some of our favorite cross-training activities. These are fun, healthy habits that work in tandem with your running routines.


Greg Glassman, founder of Crossfit on the power of Cross-Training

“Typically the world’s best athletes are minimalists when it comes to their training. They work hard and fast with few exercises. They master the fundamentals and work with them for years. This is the secret that no one wants to hear.

Greg Glassman, founder of Crossfit
#1 Cross Training Book For Beginners
Cross Training: 1,000 WOD's To Make You Fitter, Faster, Stronger
$18.99

This is your one-stop guide to Cross Training. This book will not only introduce you to this amazingly effective and often transformative sport, but it offers you 1,000 sample workouts to choose from. I will also show you how to design your on WOD's. 

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
05/28/2023 09:35 pm GMT

Cross Training FAQs For Runners

Design a Complete Training Plan to Boost Your Performance

Cross training is a great way to power up your training plan, but you still have to take care of the fundamentals. That means getting in shape, eating well, and looking after your body. These are the building blocks for every successful runner. See our resources below to make sure you are setting yourself up for success:

GET IN SHAPE TO TRAIN HARD

A base level of fitness is required before you can start trading in your Rest Days for Cross Training. Get there fast:

Nutrition for runners

There’s no point in running hard and hitting the gym hard if you’re going to fill your body with empty calories! Fuel well to run well.

injury AND Recovery

Feeling the aches and pains? Learning how to prevent injury and recover effectively is key to rapid progress: