Cardio is a vital part of your exercise routine. Running is a very efficient form of cardio. Cardio exercise speeds up your metabolism and improves muscle tone in the largest muscle group of your body-your legs! You probably run forwards because it is natural. But have you ever considered the benefits of running backwards?
Running backwards requires an entirely different set of muscles than the muscles you use while running forwards. If running is a regular part of your exercise routine, then your body will get used to the exercise. Your muscles need to be surprised and challenged instead of getting accustomed to the same old routine. Running backwards forces your muscles to work harder because they are having to work in a way that they are not used to.
Running backwards is not something that you should rush into. Begin by walking backwards to avoid falling over. Gradually build up your speed as you get comfortable. You certainly don’t want to injure yourself by trying to do too much too quickly. Once you are comfortable running backwards by building your balance, try skipping backwards. Mix it up to keep your muscles guessing! This will insure that you get the best results from your cardio routine.
I am sure that you have fallen into a lull in your cardio workout routine if you do the same exercises over and over again. You may think that you have gotten stronger, and you are correct, but your body has gotten used to your routine and doesn’t work as hard as it did before. You should be out of breath and sweating every time you do cardio. If you can talk easily in the middle of your cardio session, then chances are you are in a lull. If you keep at the same pace then you won’t reap the benefits of a workout with challenges.
If you are running and not getting any type of burn in your muscles, then it is time to switch your routine around. Mix it up! When your muscles are challenged, lactic acid build in the muscle tissues being used. This is where the burn comes from. You will build more muscle to keep up with the exercise you are doing and the burn will lessen and go away entirely once you have built up enough muscle. Running backwards will bring the burn back because new muscles will be challenged. There will be muscles burning that you never knew you had because you don’t use them on a regular basis.
You want to feel a burn every time you do cardio. Eventually, your muscles will adapt to running backwards as well. This is okay. Try running sideways by shuffling or running at an angle while letting one of your legs lead. Then switch. Mixing up your running routine will build more muscle and make your metabolism faster and more efficient. So the next time you hit the gym, try running backwards on your treadmill. You will surprise your muscles and probably a few of the other runners around you!
