Do you want to get better at running and increase your performance? Combine it with other sports. You will support your training, strengthen different muscle groups and prevent possible injuries from overload. I’ve picked out six that you can do right now:

Swimming

It stretches the body, muscles, is gentle on joints and tendons and at the same time develops endurance. It also strengthens the arms, which are very important, and often neglected, in running. However, proper technique is important. If you can’t handle the freestyle, which is the most effective, you can swim the classic breaststroke, but be careful, never with your head above water. You wouldn’t swim very far, and you would also put strain on your trapezius and neck.

Cross-country skiing

The sport that is most similar to running, but means much less strain on the knees. In addition, it teaches runners to breathe better and use their arms properly. After all, it is said that when you run, you should think of it as holding a pair of chopsticks and swatting them away as you run.

Ski Mountaineering

The increasingly modern sport, often called ski mountaineering, is actually the origin of both downhill and cross-country skiing. Thanks to special bindings and skis with so-called seal strips, you go up, which develops endurance, and, after switching bindings and boots, you go down, as on classic ski slopes. Pedalling up is a blast – it’s not only great for your legs, but also for your arms and middle section of your body.

Yoga

Runners often suffer from shortened muscles, and yoga is a great complement to stretching. It also teaches proper breathing and helps to train the head, which, especially during long races, is very important. It is also great for strengthening the middle of the body, which is so important in running.

Cycling

Cycling is one of our most popular sports. There are many reasons, but athletes especially appreciate the great opportunity to learn to work with pace. Again, there is a great benefit in bulking up, where the knees don’t suffer and the body is still perfectly prepared for the race load.

Cross-fit

Running is a very one-sided load on the body. Many runners have strong legs, but the middle of the body and the arms get significantly behind. Therefore, every runner should incorporate strength exercises into their training at least once a week. The middle of the body is like an engine. Those who have a strong middle are faster and can last longer distances. Why Cross-fit? Precisely because of its versatility and also because it is not necessary to go to the gym, you can use anything as a gym, a tree, a bench, etc.