Anyone do strength and flex podcast?

[Plinth]

I had a look at this but it seems to involve a need for outdoor equipment I just don't have access to. Any ideas?

[runningnotwalking Graduate]

Hi Plinth. Yep I started the Strength & Flex course although I have stopped while completing C25K. I did it indoors and it seemed to go ok.

[PastyMan Graduate]

Hi Plinth

Did a few of the weeks but honestly didn't feel it very stretching (no pun intended )

Seen this last week on the Guardian's Running blog and found it much more useful

guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle...

[CouchCarrot Graduate]

Strength and flex is a nice addition to your cardio workout, because you need to strengthen you core. I had pain in my upper back with longer runs - it got better when I started on strength and flex. No special equipment needed - a bench and some railings at shoulder height, that's it. A nearby park is a good place to start.

[Plinth Graduate in reply to CouchCarrot]

It's the railings causing me trouble. The only ones in our park are behind / inside thick bushes! Nothing st shoulder height.

[rockchick69 Graduate]

I do it inside and use the door jamb ( I don't know the spelling when you open the door I hold onto the side parts). It's not ideal but it works. I am now on Week 5 and it has really helped with my core muscles and I can feel a difference in my posture when running. I don't do it in the park because I would feel such a tit doing some of the exercises in public..lol. Give it a try it's worth it

[Plinth Graduate in reply to rockchick69]

Oooh. Good idea! Thanks!

[MickMyles]

I do strength and flex in my home. I use a sturdy coffee table for a bench, the wall instead of a tree, and a pole held horizontally across a doorway instead of shoulder height rails(if the pole isn't strong enough it can snap and you'll go flying backwards so be careful). I am also fortunate that the rooms in bottom floor of my home all connect and makes a small circular route for me. Hope this helps!