As any seasoned runner will tell you, the key to looking aft er your joints and improving your form is finding a secondary exercise to supplement your training. Th ere are several types of cross-training, but swimming, with its low impact and ability to work your cardiovascular system and improve motion, is one of the most eff ective.
“Oft en runners start swimming because they’re injured”, says Alexa Duckworth Briggs, a running coach with coaching service We Run. “However, it also complements running because it off ers a cardio workout without the impact load on your muscles, bones and joints. Swimming is good for core control, stability and shoulder mobility too; areas to work on to improve your running.” It also helps aerobic efficiency, which can help improve the body’s uptake of oxygen.