For the past few weeks, I’ve been going to a Whole Body Strength class at my yoga studio. It’s a 1-hour circuit training class and it’s enjoyable and convenient. And…it’s also getting comfortable. As in the last 2 times I went (despite upping my weights) I woke up the next day not sore at all. Don’t get me wrong, I’m challenged during the class but the next day I want to feel like I did something. And, it being a circuit training class, we do some drills and jumping which I’m not a fan of.
Marathon training is taxing enough. Each time your foot stikes the ground it has to absorb two to three times your body weight…multiply that by miles per week and you got a helluva lot of pounding. Add drills and jumping during your strength training class and I get very nervous about injury. Call me a nervous Nellie but I’ll save CrossFit and Bootcamp for the off season. I even asked my PT about CrossFit (since I have a Groupon) and she told me to be very careful. She treats a lot of patients because of CrossFit.
So I’m looking for strength training that is marathon training-friendly (i.e., minimal impact). Here are the options I came up with:
BodyPump
I would love to do this but, unless I join a gym, it’s not feasible 🙁
Pure Barre
Per the website, Pure Barre is intelligent exercise. The technique protects your joints as it does not involve any bouncing or jumping. Each strength section of the workout is followed by a stretching section in order to create long, lean muscle without bulk. The workout launches a full blown attack on the areas of the body all women struggle with: abs, hips, seat and arms. It defies gravity by tapering everything in and lifting it up.
Defies gravity?! We’ll see. I have heard that you feel like you got hit by a truck the next day. Sweet. Just what I’m looking for. And I can unleash my inner Black Swan. Look out.
Power Yoga
A new yoga studio opened up around the corner and they only offer power yoga. I used to take an athletic yoga class years ago that always kicked my butt to the curb. And I don’t even need to list the ways yoga benefits runners.
I’m thinking a power yoga and Pure Barre session each week will work out just dandy with marathon training. We’ll see. I plan on going to Pure Barre tonight so, as long as I’m able to type tomorrow, I’ll let you know how it goes.
Ever take a Pure Barre class?
Do you enjoy the hit-by-a-truck feeling post-race or post-strength training? I have to admit I love it. It’s a nice reminder of what you accomplished!