Try alternative exercises as cross-training for the Geist Half Marathon

Cross-training is an important part of a runner’s training regimen, and the options for alternative exercise plans are endless. The idea behind cross-training is to give your body the chance to move in other ways besides running a straight line. So here’s a few to consider when stepping out of your normal routine.

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Instructor Heidi Tumbarello of Geist Jazzercise (at Fox and Oaklandon roads), says one-hour, choreographed dance routines give you the cardio work you need, plus some stretching and even some weight training.

“It is important to give your body other motions than forward propulsion and pounding pavement,” says Heidi.

Another great form of stretching for runners is Pilates. Kara Reibel, owner/instructor at Geist Pilates (9780 Lantern Road) says she trains a lot of runners.

“Pilates definitely helps with stretching — runners can be the worst at this — as well as toning and basic injury prevention,” says Kara. She can train up to four people on her in-studio reformers (just like the ones in the movie “Juno”), which are part of the Still Point Family Chiropractic center.

Then, there’s the Latin dance craze exercise plan, “Zumba.” Yes, even Zumba can help with running. Instructor Jackie Marden, who teaches weekdays at the fire station at 116th and Brooks School Road, says Zumba can make you light on your feet.

“You don’t just run in a straight line when you run a marathon,” says Jackie. “You have to dodge people and weave in and out of the pack. You learn those moves with Zumba!”

There are also facilities such as Geist Fitness (11234 Fall Creek Road) that you can join and take advantage of a number of alternative exercise classes. You’ll find mat pilates, cycling and the 50-minute body pump to get your heart and body pumping. There’s even a “Yoga Fit” class, which is calming and mind-strengthening for runners.

So, whatever you choose, runners keep your body moving every-which-way possible besides just in a straight line throughout your training, and you should be ready to go this May!

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