The importance of Doing Something Else

Last Friday night a few of us friends and team-mates decided to head over to the Westside aquatic center for a free water polo lesson.  It seems that around this time of the year, some of us begin looking for things to do, other than riding our bikes.  This is not only a fun thing to do for a change of scenery, it’s necessary.  For those of us who participate in one sport and spend our year training for, and racing that one thing, we need to consider cross-training.

Cycling and running are both very linear sports, and though they use different muscles, both sports are repetitive, and move in only one direction.  This is just asking for trouble.  When we do the same move over and over again, with increasing strength and speed and power, the muscles involved shorten and begin to place enormous strain on the tendonous attachments.  The body becomes unbalanced, and injuries occur. 

To create balance, we must participate in activities that use other muscles.  It’s not necessary to do these as often as we train for our primary activity, but at least twice a week would be a good goal.  Choose activities that you enjoy, but make sure you are moving your body and working in all directions. 

Here are some ideas that will give you a great workout:

Core strength training is essential and will fit this need well. 

Taking yoga classes is a great way to get your stretching in. 

Playing a water sport is a great way to get a complete body workout without loading the joints. 

Dance lessons are a fun way to get up on all the latest dance moves ready for the next wedding you’re invited to.

Pilates (floor or reformer) is a great way to strengthen core muscles and get your flexibility training in.

Find a personal trainer.  A trainer will help design a training program to keep you balanced and focused on your primary sport.