Can Group Fitness help your Running?
While some may believe that running and weightlifting are incompatible, we know that the opposite is true — Group fitness can make you a better runner.
First, let’s get one thing straight: Group fitness is not just for people who want to lift heavy weights and grunt a lot; it’s a functional training method that can benefit anyone, regardless of their fitness level or goals.
So, how can group fitness make you a better runner?
1. INCREASED STRENGTH
Running is a high-impact exercise that can put a lot of stress on your joints and muscles. Group fitness can help build up your overall strength and stability, reducing the risk of injury and improving your running form. Incorporating weightlifting movements like squats, deadlifts, and lunges into your workout routine allows you to build up the muscles in your legs, core, and upper body, giving you the strength you need to power through your runs.
2. BETTER ENDURANCE
Group fitness workouts are designed to be challenging but scalable to your fitness level. This means you can gradually increase your endurance by pushing yourself to do more reps, lift heavier weights, and complete workouts faster. This increased endurance will carry over to your running, allowing you to run longer or faster with less fatigue.
3. IMPROVED FLEXIBILITY
Running can be tough on your muscles and joints, especially if you don’t take the time to stretch and warm up properly (a subtle reminder to warm up before your next run). Group fitness workouts typically include dynamic movements that can help improve your flexibility and introduce you to new ranges of motion.
4. MENTAL TOUGHNESS
Group fitness is known for its mentally challenging workouts — it requires you to push yourself to your limits and keep going even when uncomfortable. Running can be a lonely, grueling sport, but group fitness can help you develop the mental fortitude to power through those challenging moments. Whether pushing yourself to finish a brutal WOD or cheering on your fellow athletes, group fitness can help you develop a positive mindset and a “never give up” attitude that will carry over to your running.
A WELL-ROUNDED FITNESS ROUTINE IS KEY TO ACHIEVING YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS GOALS.
By incorporating group fitness into your training program, you can become a stronger, more resilient, and more confident runner. So lace up your shoes, grab a barbell, and let’s get to work!
Contact us today to get started in our top-rated group classes!