Cross training question

[jdbyogi]

Is there a guideline for cross training from your primary activity- like time, effort, distance, etc? I run, and my primary cross training is swimming and yoga. I've basically just been swimming until I'm tired, usually 1000-1600m, or a yoga practice of 60-90 minutes. I walk my dogs daily, plus some bike riding, body pump and hiking.

Do you cross train for a specific amount of time? Until tired? Bike or swim a specific distance?

[katinthehat]

I try to reach the same amount of perceived effort in each exercise, be it my primary activity of running or cross training like swimming and cycling. Meaning, I push pretty hard in those activities. I'm new in both sports, so it doesn't take much for me to feel pretty worn out, but I try to throw in some cycling intervals now and building up my endurance in swimming.

For something like yoga, I don't view it as cross training as much as I view it as a complementary activity because it's just impossible to get your heart rate so high as you do in running, so you aren't going to get the same physological benefits, but it's still very good and beneficial to your body to do it.

Does that make sense?

[theoriginalbean]

I agree with everything katinthehat said. I try to push myself in my cross-training activities, which include discs from Insanity/P90X and bike riding.

[hjohnson050711]

I just try to keep it all the same - intensity wise. one day i might run 3 miles, the next day i will do an hour and a half yoga class, the next day i would lift weights for 45 min etc etc

[gt7301b]

For me it is all about time in my schedule or the schedule of the facility. If I do yoga or skate I typically finish the class or session which puts the amount of time between 40 min - 100 min.

I agree with kat on yoga, I enjoy doing it and think my running benefits greatly when I do it, but I don't "count" it as cross training on my training plan.

[jdbyogi]

Thanks for the feedback re: intensity. As far as yoga, I will do a 90 minute practice and walk on my "active recovery" day, or yoga and swim on a cross training day. I feel like it's really helpful for me- physically and mentally- but I don't think even my 90 minute class is the same as a track workout or a good swim.