Helpful information on how runners can use cross training for injury recovery and prevention. Preventing running injuries is more important than treating them. Most people unfortunately think about their problems when they finally become problems. Most doctors are glad to help you nurse your injury, but do they focus on helping you prevent the next one. Sometimes, wearing inserts, and core stability regimens can help, but sometimes you need to think a little bit out of the box at things like form, bad habits, over training and mixing it up. You are more likely to injure yourself by doing the same thing all the time, since your body requires other activities for the development and maintenance of proper movement patterns. Cross training helps the athlete maintain better form and function by mixing it up. Here is an article with some great tips on using cross training for injury prevention. Kellie McKinney: Cross-training can help runners rehabilitate injuries, more Runners and cross-training Injury prevention is by far the most widely recognized benefit of cross-training among runners. Runners can also use cross-training to rehabilitate injuries, improve fitness, promote recovery, enhance motivation, rejuvenate the mind and body during breaks. Related to the benefit of injury prevention, cross-training can also prolong your running career. Supplement your running with a little strength training, flexibility training, and endurance cross-training for example cycling or swimming. Injury Prevention Overuse injuries are the curse of the running life. Nevertheless, injuries aren't inevitable. Most overuse injuries can be prevented, or at least prevented from returning. Four factors contribute to injury: 1. Inadequate recovery (when your body doesn't fully recover from one run to the next); 2. Biomechanical irregularities (such as overpronation); 3. Muscular imbalances caused by running itself (tight hamstrings and weak quadriceps are an example); and 4. Improper or worn out foot wear. Rehabilitation Read more