As a runner, cyclist, or triathlete, you may be wondering how to keep your training up during the winter months. After all, it's hard to run or bike when the weather is cold and snowy and Zwift repeats can get monotonous. You also want a good excuse to keep practicing your sports nutrition strategy with our 7 Summits Snacks endurance bars. That's why cross training is an essential for the athlete who wants to stay in shape during the winter months.
What is cross training?Cross training simply refers to working out using methods other than your core athletic pursuit, in most of our cases, running or cycling. Here are some of the best ways to cross train effectively in the winter.
Swimming
Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for runners, cyclists, and triathletes because not only does it strengthen the muscles used in these activities, it builds stabilizer muscles you might not usually use without putting too much stress on the joints. It's also great for your heart and lungs. If you don't know how to swim, now is a great time to learn! There are many beginner-friendly classes offered at community pools. You can also check out the Social Swims put on by Triathlon Alberta as a way to get some structure into your swimming routine.
Weight Lifting
Weight lifting is another great way to stay in shape during the winter months. Strength training helps improve your power and endurance, both of which are essential for running, cycling, and swimming. You don't need a lot of fancy equipment to lift weights—a few dumbbells and bands will do the trick. If you're new to weightlifting, there are many helpful tutorials available online and you can shoot us a message as co-founder Leanna is also a Personal Trainer offering online support.
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Yoga
Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility and core strength, both of which are important for runners, cyclists, and triathletes. Practicing yoga can also help reduce your risk of injuries for precisely those reasons (flexibility and strength building). Other benefits of yoga include stress relief, mental health balance, and the reduction of inflammation… it sounds like yoga and our made in Canada superfood chocolate bars make a perfect match!
What are some added benefits of cross training other than a justified excuse to continuously fuel with our endurance bars?
Improved mental balance. When you’re forced to switch up your training routine, it can bring you a sense of balance and stability that you might not get from hammering away at the pedals or treadmill day in and day out. This is because you are adapting to new challenges and stimulating other areas of your brain that you might not be used to developing. Cross training can help you become more resilient and better able to handle anything that’s thrown your way, both on and off the bike.
Increased strength and power Doing different types of workouts can help you target different muscle groups and create well-rounded strength. This is important for cyclists and triathletes because having strong major muscles will help you generate power when you’re cycling or swimming. It is also the best time to work on your stabilizer muscles as a way of preventing injuries from rolled ankles.
As a cyclist or triathlete, cross training during the winter months can actually be beneficial for your performance. It can help improve your mental balance, increase your strength and power, and improve your all around flexibility. So don’t forget to add some variety to your training routine this winter… and keep your fuelling regime en pointe with our superfood endurance bars.