Gym on rest days ?

[kmcxo]

I'm moving to a new city and I will be within walking distance to a gym finally ! So I am thinking on joining a gym and going on my rest days but I was wondering whether it will negatively affect my running ?Especially since most of the machines I would use will work out my legs.

[no-excuse Graduate]

I go to the gym on rest days and do all sorts of things. I'm sure it's helped with my running. I usually do some resistance work and rowing, and give the treadmills a miss. Go for it ! X 😊

[rmnsuk Graduate]

If you are in ANY doubts about the usefulness of using weights and running, search the forum for posts by "Rignold". He is enthusiastic about people doing squats and lunges. I hope they are useful cos I've just hired a PT to show me how to do them properly.

[gary_bart]

I do both. I actually started on gym, and didn't for a moment imagine that I could manage running. It shouldn't be a problem for you.

I've started skipping the leg strengthening exercises for the time being, and am leaving that part of my exercise routine all up to the running, so that's one strategy you could try. However, for a long time, on my gym days I would do some leg exercise. The only thing I stopped was the calf machine, because it was hurting my back at the time (and I have quite strong calves, for some reason). It didn't seem to have any negative impact. It might have even helped, because to compensate for my strong calves I have weak hamstrings, which gym made stronger.

Do small, incremental experiments, and you'll find a nice mix for yourself.

(Actually the main reason I do upper body training is just to tell the metabolism, when it's foraging for body tissues to consume, that "these muscles are already sore as it is; don't eat them".)

[Vixchile Graduate]

I use the gym in between runs. Get a trainer to show you the weights and other machines. I look at it as i rather be there than watching tv etc

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

I don't go to the gym but do some light 'cross training' at home. Mainly squats, lunges, core work and building some strength in my (spindly weak) arms. I am pretty sure it has been positive for my running. Take it steady but I'd see it as a plus

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

Cross training can only help. I'd avoid the treadmill, but everything else should be good!

[Coddfish Graduate]

I think mixing up different sorts of exercise will help rather than hinder your running. Weights and strength work is a really good complement to running, as is swimming (if you have a pool).

[pidgeon92]

I do my running mostly on the track at the gym, three days per week. I try to do at least one class at the gym six days per week. I do a barre class twice a week, and a group core and Pilates class once per week to strengthen the abdominals and back. I also do a group weight lifting class and a boot camp for more strength work and a bit of cardio.