Winter Is Coming: 3 Pieces Of Equipment To Stand-In For Running

Oct 14, 2020by Vikki Schembri

Yes, winter is coming.

And yes, we posted this last year. But that's how seasons work - they come back, year after year. So it is that time to prepare for the cold... unfortunately... again...

We don’t want to admit it; but pretending it’s not right around the corner ain’t gonna stop winter from knocking the wind out of our lungs when we go for a run in a couple of weeks!

SO WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT?

Well, you can try jogging in your snow pants and parka. But especially if you live in a Northern climate, it might be in your better interest to start planning for running alternatives.

FINDING RUNNING ALTERNATIVES IS ABOUT SAFETY

If the temperature is below 0 degress Fahrenheit (or -18 degrees C), be advised you should not run more than 30 minutes outside.

Stephen Fealy, M.D.,describes that ignoring this advice can result in hypothermia, frostbite, and – since your ability to feel pain is reduced in the cold – you might overwork yourself or agitate old injuries without realizing.

For these reasons, we want to tell you about three pieces of equipment that you can use to train your endurance and get your heart rate up; but without having to step outside.

Battle Ropes

Battle Ropes have been LAUDED for their awesomeness. They are fun to use and provide great results! Dan Saldino (Ryan Reynold’s trainer) refers to them as a “pulse-pushing exercise”. He goes on to say:

“Most cardio modalities are done using your lower body, and you don’t develop endurance in your upper body... The ropes are great for someone who is completely healthy and needs to give lower body a bit of a break, but can also work for people who are recovering from a lower body injury."

These ropes can train your upper body’s power, strength, aerobic capacity, and also build lean body mass. You can “improve your rotational and multi-planar strength and stability, scapular health, force production” and also use them as a tool for decompression, says Vice.

Runners Blueprint, a running magazine, is stoked on Battle Ropes and says they are one of the best total body workouts you can do – and working with Battle Ropes should also improve your running!

Skipping Ropes

Skipping is one of the most efficient ways to get your heart racing, body sweating, and fat melting. Plus, it makes for incredible accessory work for various facets of athleticism!

Skipping can burn up to 1600 calories an hour; it improves your coordination, stamina and focus; and it is probably the cheapest running-replacement piece of equipment! Our Synergee Jump Ropes come with 2 cables that can be adjusted to your exact height, so you can get a rope that suits you perfectly!

Like running, skipping increases your heart rate, making your heart muscles work harder to pump blood across your body, and making it stronger and reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Plyo Boxes

While box jumps aren’t exactly like running, Plyo Boxes are awesome for getting your heart rate up when you are in a confined space.

"PLYOMETRICS” refers to the use of explosive, jumping training that forces muscles to exert maximum force in short intervals of time with the aim of increasing power – i.e. increasing speed and strength together. This style of training is meant to make you better, faster, stronger, and more powerful! That is, this way of training is meant to be a means to an end (i.e. be a more badass athlete), rather than an end on its own.

Scared of jumping? Don't worry - we've got Ouch-Proof Boxes as well as Wooden ones! What's your preference?!

Plyo Boxes are the key to unlocking some very effective training secrets, so get jumping!