Cycling Intervals Can Make You a Faster Runner
Looking for variety, or are you just trying to get out of your way to heal your injury? Short interval stationary workouts on a stationary bike can help you increase your running speed, according to new research.
The study, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research , included 32 runners who were already running at least 25 miles a week. Some continued with their workout routine, while others added three short cycling workouts every week.
You might think that extra exercise would naturally make runners more athletic, but only one in three cycling workouts tested resulted in a reduction in running time after just two weeks. It was one that consisted of six ten-second full-power sprints with a 30-second rest in between.
Since this workout takes less than 15 minutes (even including warm up and recovery), it can be a great addition to your running program or a way to keep fit if you need to cut back on your run due to injury. Read more at the links below.
High Intensity Cycling Training: Impact of Work-Rest Intervals on Running Performance | Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research via Runner’s World
Photo by Elliott Brown .
Vitals is a new blog from Lifehacker dedicated to health and fitness. Follow us on Twitter here .