Cross-training for Runners - Gym Benefits

Whilst I have been a loyal member of the local gym for nearly 2 years now, I have to admit that my 'attendance record' has been looking a little patchy recently, and I had begun to question whether the rather large sum of money leaving my bank account was really worth it, or whether it would be better spent elsewhere (new shoes, anyone??). My new found love of running outside had meant that the treadmill, once my favourite, most only used piece of gym equipment, had lost its appeal and was now used solely on the rare occasions that running in the great outdoors wasn't an option. Given that, since my last shopping trip and with a little help from Santa, I am now fully geared up for winter, these occasions are few and far between, and so my gym bag has been left gathering dust while my trainers collect rather a lot of mud! I was, however, a little reluctant to actually 'do the deed' as it were, and cancel my membership. Whilst i didn't want to run at the gym, a few little niggles had started to crop up during training and I had been advised by a more knowledgeable running friend to do more strength training and incorporate some cross-training into my schedule - and this meant the gym could become a lot more useful to me! Or was there an alternative?

As I was toying with the idea of cancelling my membership, I came across an article (I think it was in an old edition of  womens running - another of my favourite magazines, always full of tips on nutrition, training and injury prevention that I find invaluable!) on how to recreate a 'gym' in your local park or along your regular running routes. Now, everything in the article sounded great. Obviously your cardio work was included in the running, but it also detailed how you could target each of the major muscle groups with different exercises, along with stretches and warm-up/ cool downs. This, I thought, was going to seal the deal - gym was going out and the great outdoors was.. coming in?!?

And so, carefully memorising the instructions for each exercises (it was raining and so taking the magazine along on the day wasn't an option), I filled up my water bottle and headed off to the local park - literally a 2 minute walk from my house, compared to the 10 minute drive to the gym, even better! Completing the designated warm up and starting off with a short run, I swiftly moved on to what I really wanted to try out - strength work. This incorporated the use of park benches (think triceps dips, push ups..), trees (for some stretches) and series of squats/ general strength work which didn't require any 'props' at all. I started the first set of reps with enthusiasm, quite liking the idea of this 'outdoor gym'. However, by the end of the second set, I have to admit that the enthusiasm had dwindled. Now, the article I was basing this on had been written/ published back in the summer months - and I do honestly believe that, with a bit of nice sunshine and, most importantly, DRY weather, I would have enjoyed the workout. As it was, the sleeting rain had made the benches slippery to work with. The ground, which I had to come into contact with both hands, feet, and, reluctantly, body, was (obviously!) wet and muddy. And the few dog walkers who happened to be using the park at the same time were definately giving me odd looks - for good reason, a part of me thought!

By the time I had trudged back to my house 20 minutes later (I did cut the session a little short... I was not having fun!), I was feeling a little more inclined to return to the gym to see what it could offer. Not that I was giving up on the outdoors workout completely - come the summer I will definately be re-visiting this - but right now, in mid-winter, I have to say that I was not a fan! Wanting a bit more structure to my gym sessions if I did go (and needing reminding on how to use all the machines I hadn't actually used since my first induction...!), I decided to book a session with the fitness instructors there. I am lucky that this is a free service offered by my gym (maybe all gyms? But I have never joined any others..) - they will discuss what your goals are, test your fitness level if you like (I skipped this bit but probably should take them up on the offer at some point..) and then create a 'program' for your time at the gym.

To be honest, I wasn't particularly expecting too much out of this, thinking it would be a bit of a brief introduction, a quick, one-fits-all-program and not much more (skeptical of me I know!). But how wrong could I be! The girl who I met was fantastic - genuinely interested in what I wanted to achieve and very knowledgeable on both strength work and cross training options for running, alongside some new stretches that would be beneficial after the gym. So, I now have a strength work programme, focusing on my core but also the major leg/ bum muscles to help with hill work, some cross-training routines to alternate with running days- using rowing machine, cross-trainer and the bike. She also explained some of the classes to me, and I am now booked onto body pump and a spin class! All not only great for my running, but fingers crossed I will end up with a perfectly toned body at the same time! I am back in love with the gym! Anyone else find particular gym classes help their running, or got any gym workout tips for me?