What is your favorite form of cross-training during the winter months?

Since I live in the South San Francisco Bay Area running is possible year round. We don’t get any snow and even winter mornings are not too cold to get out and log a few miles. BUT…I think it is good to pull back from running and mix it up.

That being said, I enjoy a good Spin class. I have been doing it for years. It’s easy on the joints and when done properly provides a great cardio workout. Impact is minimal and you can really work on leg strength by playing with the resistance. A good instructor will know how to mix things up with good music to keep you entertained.

I also like to get in the pool. I will often do a combination of water running and swimming. Both are excellent ways to get in some great upper and lower body work without any impact. For those of you prone to injury this allows you to keep moving joints, increase blood flow, expand the lungs without the pounding. Some times I’ll just grab a buoy place it between my legs and swim using my upper body only. Feels good to let the legs float.