Running is a great workout, but make sure you round it out with strength and flexibility training! Credit: lululemon athletica
Today we’re featuring an Ask the FBGs post. This feature allows readers like you to ask the FBGs for advice. Nothing is off limits, although we do prefer that it’s fitness or nutrition related, so send your undying health questions to AsktheFBGs@fitbottomedgirls.com. You just might see them posted on the site in the future!
Hi FBGs,
I am starting to get into running but I have a question…Since you are a runner yourself, what other workouts do you do? Is running sufficient by itself? Or should I do Jillian workouts DVDs and such?
XOXO,
—Helen
Hi Helen,
Glad to hear you’ve found an exercise to do in addition to your yoga! Any good well-rounded workout plan needs to have three components to it: strength, cardio and flexibility. Now, running covers the cardio dang well. And your yoga? Well, that helps with your flexibility. So, at this point, you just need to add some strength training into your weekly workout routine. You can get strength training by lifting weights at the gym, working out to a strength DVD (they aren’t all as hard as Jillian’s), doing this circuit workout that requires just your body weight or trying this special workout for 2012, which gives you cardio and strength training in just 20 minutes.
Do three types of workouts seem like a lot? Well, it doesn’t have to be. A sample workout schedule could be something like this, where your yoga makes for three easier active-recovery days:
Monday: 30 minutes running
Tuesday: 30 minutes yoga
Wednesday: 30 minutes strength training
Thursday: 30 minutes yoga
Friday: 30 minutes yoga
Saturday: 30 minutes strength training, 30 minutes running or cross-training
Sunday: Rest day
Just remember that no matter how your weekly exercise schedule works, you should have one to two days off a week to just recover and chill. Also, be sure to not lift weights on back-to-back days—and always listen to your body! Follow these general guidelines and you’re less likely to get injured, be stronger overall and even improve your running workouts.
Let us know how it goes, Helen!
—Jenn
