In collaboration with Sportsmaster. Photo: Sportsmaster
If you run actively, you have probably heard that you should train alternatively, not just running. This is how you can benefit from other forms of training and become a better runner. Alternative training involves other types of training activities than the main activity. The purpose is to improve form, strength, endurance and general health. For you who run, this often means training with less stress on the body, as running is very taxing on knees, hips, ankles and other joints. Advantages of an elliptical machine as an alternative exercise Training that provides good cardiovascular or muscular training, but less strain on the body, can make you a better runner in the long run. Alternative training that produces less impact than running will be injury-preventive. The elliptical machine provides similar cardiovascular training without subjecting the joints to shock loads. This is probably the training that is most similar to running, and can be a beneficial training device to use to prevent injuries in runners who train a lot or too hard.
As a runner, you need time to recover between hard runs. This does not necessarily mean that you have to take a complete break from training. The elliptical machine provides the opportunity to carry out an active recovery session. This type of exercise increases blood flow to the muscles, reduces stiffness and contributes to faster recovery, without putting extra strain on the body.
The elliptical machine can be used to complete long endurance-based sessions without the strain that comes with long runs. This is particularly useful for runners who want to improve their endurance but cannot or should not run long distances regularly due to risk of injury or wear and tear. Training on an elliptical machine gives you the opportunity to challenge both your fitness and your muscles over a longer period of time without the same risks as long-distance running.
