Strength Training For Runners

Fleet Feet Sports has a strong focus on runners. It's pretty obvious. We even have five training programs, most offered year round, specifically for runners. With all the events and runner specific products Fleet Feet Sports offers, why do we offer a sixth program? One which involves no running, has no goal race to train for and something anyone, non-runners included, are encouraged to join?

 Let's call Fleet Feet Cross Training (FFXT) the sixth sense when it comes to the running world. FFXT is the strength training program offered through Fleet Feet Sports. It's a program which confronts all the small things most runners like to avoid; stretching, warming up, strengthening muscles, injury prevention, a focus on recovery, and high intensity workouts. It's the answer to everyone's questions!

 "How do I get faster?"

"How is it possible that I can run 5 miles, 5 times a week, but not lose even 5 pounds in 5 weeks?"

"Why are people passing me at the end of a race?"

"How do I get fit?"

 There are a number of reasons to join FFXT:

 " I joined FFXT to get stronger later in a marathon." - Eric Neubauer

 "We joined FFXT because we were looking for a cross training activity that was focused on helping us become healthier and improve our overall running performance. " - Bob and Nicole Teska

 "I joined to challenge myself physically and have some fun." - Beth Brown

 FFXT is a program devoted to fitness as well as injury prevention through strength training. With adequate warm ups, participants are able to commit themselves to more intense workouts; push ups, squat jumps, butt kicks, mountain climbers, burpees, Russian twists and a myriad of other goofy sounding activities. With a focus on methodical movements and a healthy level of intensity, improvements in running become apparent as well as increased energy throughout the day.

 But does FFXT actually produce results? The best people to ask are the athletes who've gone through the program.

 "While the workouts were amazing, probably the biggest benefit we gained was from the knowledge the Coach Shared during the classes…how your body recovers, proper nutrition, how to burn fat, the importance of warming up and cooling down.  These elements were the “little things” that when added to our normal routine made a huge difference."

 "I improved my marathon time by over 15 minutes and finally broke 7:00 pace for a 5K."

 "I do feel a little more buff.  Not like I'm going to enroll in a fitness competition tomorrow or anything, but better than when I started."

 One aspect of FFXT which is no different than any of the other programs through Fleet Feet Sports is what participants walk away with and what is gained from the atmosphere of the programs.

 " I am a much stronger runner because of the program."

 "FFXT was very enjoyable.  The group setting and like mindedness of everyone in attendance, everyone just trying to be the best version of themselves, helped us push harder in the workouts to get even more benefit from it.  There was a nice mix of joking around and sweating….with lots of 80’s music and some embarrassing dancing from one participant in particular J (totally calling Brian out here)  The program is such that individuals at every fitness level would benefit from participation.  The Coach is constantly mixing things up so the workouts are never stagnant or boring and always challenging.  There is definitely a high return from the personal investment made into the class."