Welfare Wednesday
Welcome back to Aprils edition of Welfare Wednesday!
Our second cross training suggestion for you speedy runners is…
Swimming! 🏊♂️
On the surface, running and swimming seem about as compatible as chalk and cheese. The former is dry, vertical and performed on land. The latter is wet, horizontal and performed in the water. But this is a case of opposites attracting. As a low-impact aerobic activity, which works the hearts and lungs but spares the joints, swimming is a brilliant complement to running.
So what are the benefits?
🏊♂️ Low impact - perfect for those cross training days
🏊♂️ Whole body workout
🏊♂️ Improves cardiovascular fitness
🏊♂️ Helps with muscle tone and upper body strength
🏊♂️ Supports recovery from injury
🏊♂️ Helps to build endurance
Swimming can also improve your running performance. Swimming focuses a lot on breathing - the process of conserving air between breaths helps to build your lung capacity, as the lungs become more attuned to the process involved in swimming.
So, grab your swimming kit and pop to your local leisure centre or open water swimming space and enjoy a low impact workout! 🏊♂️
The Welfare Team 🌼