Triathanewbie.com Homepage
Swim - Bike - Run - Beginner Triathlete Basics - Race Day - Triathlon Events - FAQ - About - Contact - Home
 
Off Season Cross Training!

Todd Jensen, PhD | Tri Faster LLC
trifaster.com | 414-427-1092 | todd@trifaster.com

Triathlon ResourceCross training for triathlon may sound crazy. We already train for three sports, aren't we are already cross training? Yes, we are doing three sports. However, by challenging yourself outside of swimming, cycling and running there is much to gain. By cross training you will enhance your fitness, prevent boredom and stay motivated during the off season. Here are a few suggestions for cross training as a triathlete:

Aerobic rowing machine – Spend 10-30:00 using the rowing machine. Emphasize great posture and pulling your scapulae (shoulder blades) together with each repetition. Triathletes use so much flexion, it can be a huge benefit to balance it out with repetitive extension activity on the rowing machine. Plus it is an excellent full body workout.

Stair Master (the one with the moving stairs) – This machine is a great way to improve your hip strength. Do this machine at a moderate aerobic effort emphasizing using your hip flexors to step up and pushing off with your foot before it leaves the disappearing step. For an added challenge try stepping up sideways at an easy pace while holding the handles for safety. This machine has great crossover for running.

Cross Country Skiing – The snow has not started yet, but surely it is on it's way. Cross country skiing is possibly the most aerobically demanding cross training that you can do. Plus it is a great all over strengthener. One of my favorite challenging winter workouts is a brick – 45:00 of skiing followed by 45:00 running outdoors.

Strength Training – Be sure to lift for success as a triathlete, not a body builder. Emphasize full body movements, single leg strength training, and your core. Also work on sports specific strength by running hills, using challenging cycling gears on key sets, and pulling with paddles in the pool. If you need ideas or motivation, please join us for our Tri Faster Challenge Boot Camp on Sundays.

I promise that if you step outside o your swim, bike, run comfort zone – you WILL benefit. Cross my heart!

  TriathaNewbie.com Recommended Resources:  
You Can Do it!
Follow Us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook Triathanewbie.com SiteMap
Great Triathlon Links

Triathlon SwimTriathlon Swim
-
Get the low-down on gear and read tips for training and events.

Triathlon BikeTriathlon Bike - Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.

Triathlon RunTriathlon Run - Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.

Beginner Triathlete Basics

Why should I Compete in a Triathlon?

How do I Train for a Triathlon?

What do I Wear for a Triathlon?

What happens on Race Day?

What are Average Triathlon Times?

Other Triathlon Tips
Triathlon Stories to Inspire You
"First Triathlon" Stories
Read stories written by people like YOU who talk about their first triathlon.
  Triathlete Profile
Read interviews of people like YOU who give advice on training, balance and much more.
 
 
 
Triathlon Swimming Made Easy: The Total Immersion Way for Anyone to Master Open-Water Swimming
There are so many books written on how to swim, but this book can not only teach a brand new swimmer how to swim, but it can take an experienced swimmer and reteach a stroke that is much more effortless and smooth. A TriathaNewbie.com staff member, who is a veteran swimmer, has begun using this technique in her workouts and has found that her core is stronger, her pull and kick are more efficient and is looking forward to using these techniques in her upcoming triathlons. Although the book is well written, we recommend that you purchase the DVD as a visual companion. The drills and techniques are much easier to understand -- almost as easy as having a personal coach on deck explaining and demonstrating them!

Editor's note: Our staff member, who swam the 2004 MA Danskin .75 miles in 00:10.42 with great effort, was able to swim the 2005 MA Danskin .75 miles in 00:10.32 with very little effort using the Total Immersion techniques learned from the book and DVD above. The energy she saved from the swim was used to improve her bike time. Congrats!!!
 

There are Newbies Starting Triathlons Every Day. Today Just Happens to be YOUR Day!

Triathlon Key: E equals Events, I equals Inspirational, N equals Nutrition, ? equals Question and R equals Resource

SWIM
RESOURCES
 
BIKE
RESOURCES
RUN
RESOURCES
Triathlon ResourceHow to Care for your Swim Gear - Quick and easy ways to care for your swim gear so that it lasts.

Triathlon ResourceWhat is the Difference Between Swim Caps? It can be very confusing to pick out the best swim cap for your swim needs, so we're here to help.
Triathlon QuestionNew to Triathlon Biking - Do you have any suggestions for someone who hasn't ridden a bike since she was 12?

Triathlon QuestionDealing with Dogs While on Your Bike - My husband and I have been having problems with loose dogs chasing us on our bike rides.
Triathlon QuestionTriathlon Training with Shin Splints - How can I tackle my run training without fear of those splints knocking me out of action?

Triathlon QuestionIncreasing Stamina and Speed - What would you suggest to increase both stamina and speed on the run?
  More Triathlon Swim Resources >>     More Triathlon Bike Resources >>     More Triathlon Run Resources >>  
     
TRIATHLON
EVENTS
BEGINNER TRIATHLON STORIES
MORE TRIATHLON RESOURCES
  Triathlon EventMaryland Triathlon, Terrapin Triathlon - "...a good way to introduce new triathletes to the sport without all the stress..."

Triathlon EventOhio Triathlons - Defiance Optimist Sprint Triathlon - Flat course and cash prizes. Check it out!
    Triathlon InspirationContest - Why Do You Tri? - Teri Dewitt - Why do I tri? Because 12 months and 75 pounds ago, I promised myself I would...

Triathlon InspirationContest - Why Do You Tri? - Javier Manrique - I am inspired by the many people over 60 that have fiished Triathlons
    Triathlon QuestionBalancing Weight Loss and Nutrition- While I'm doing this I also want to loose 10 pds but I want to eat correctly too.

Triathlon QuestionFollowing Training Guides - Should I continue to follow the program or scale back my biking and concentrate on the other phases?

  More Triathlon Events >>     More Beginner Triathlon Stories >>     More Triathlon Resources >>  
 

Tritahlon Swim - Triathlon Bike - Triathlon Run - Triathlon Race Day -Triathlon FAQ
Triathlon Events - Contact - SiteMap - Home ---- Back to Top

Copyright © 2008 TriathaNewbie.com; Content and images are the property of TriathaNewbie.com and may NOT be copied or
reproduced for any reason without the written permission of TriathaNewbie.com. The information on this website is the opinion of TriathaNewbie.com
and the opinion of its contributing writers. We offer this website as testimony to our experiences. Please consult your
doctor before following any advice, training solutions, health/nutrition solutions or injury recovery solutions listed on this website.
Outside Links: The website owner is solely responsible for all content.

Web design and illustrations provided by Click-on-Nik.com.