Cross training for walkers

CROSS TRAINING FOR WALKERS

Cross training is generally considered participating in any fitness activity other than your primary sport. Cross training is more important and beneficial than many walkers realize. Cross training is used to improve your fitness level and stay active without over using walking muscles. Using a different activity also helps strengthen muscles not used by walking. The result is better walking workouts and less injuries. One of my favorite ways to cross train is bicycling. I choose this for several reasons:

It's fun
Can be done outdoors or indoors
Benefits cardio system
Strengthens quadriceps
Cycling at high rates trains legs to move faster, improving walking turnover rate.

Some popular crosstraining activities might include:

Cycling (outdoor or stationary)
Swimming
Hiking
Rock climbing
Inline skating
Elliptical trainer
Stair machine
Nordic Trak (ski machine)
Step videos or other aerobic videos
Snow shoeing
Cross country skiing
Sports such as football, soccer, boxing, etc.

In addition to cardiovascular crosstraining I highly recommend a good strength training routine. Strength activities can include things such as:

Weight training
Pilates
Yoga