We all have our favorite type of workout, but mixing it up can do more that reduce our risk of injury. Mixing up a workout routine is a sure-fire way to get better results, work different muscles, and (almost most importantly) keep us from falling into that dreaded workout rut. Over the past few years I have realized a few killer combos that keep workouts interesting, and best of all, help improve performance in each. These three workout combos are some of my absolute favorite weekly combos for getting some ridiculously good results.
Running and Yoga
Running and yoga is the first combo on this list because it is, hands down, my absolute favorite. When it comes to getting my core in shape, there is nothing better than yoga for the upper abs and running for the lower. A study completed a few years back switched the fitness routine on three yogis with the fitness routine of three runners. By the end of the trial, the runners had more stamina and the yogis had more strength. When these yogis and runners incorporated both into their workout, results skyrocketed. This is because both running and yoga help different areas of our body perform better. Yoga can also improve a runner's balance and joint mobility.
To really get the yoga and running results, try alternating between running and yoga in your weekly workout. Another way to get the benefits of this combo is to use your run as a warm-up, then complete a yoga flow. Trust me, your body will thank you for it!
Ballet and Pilates
The first step in loving this combo is understanding how uncharacteristically sore you will be the next day. When I was training in ballet, Pilates was my go-to workout after class. Pilates is great for conditioning the body and help stretch the muscles. This makes ballet so much easier and improves strength for those super difficult movements. Ballet is also a massive cardio and toning workout that will help get all those muscles ready for some of the intense isometric workouts Pilates requires. In fact, a lot of the Mary Helen Bowers workouts use a Pilates/ballet fusion!
Both of these on their own are fantastic, but when put together, you have a winning combination. To get more of these benefits, try completing a barre workout followed by some Pilates. There are also some great ballet fusion workouts that incorporate Pilates or yoga. These are great for all the muscles (big and tiny) of the arms, core, bum, and legs. Seriously, after just a few fusion workouts you will feel like the most toned in all the land!
Swimming and Cycling
This is my favorite workout combo to do when we are on a vacation. Most people do not consider their vacation to be a time to sweat at the gym, but there are plenty of ways to get a workout that do not require heavy equipment, or even, workout shoes. Swimming is a great workout that is light on the joints and gets a great cross-body tone. Pair this with cycling, and you have a combo that is hard to beat. Other great replacements for swimming include surfing, paddle boarding, or SUP. All of these will work the upper body and give you a great cross-body workout. Whether you prefer an intense cycling class that will shed 800+ calories, or a Sunday stroll on your beach cruiser, both are great when paired with swimming.
This workout combo is especially good for those with joint pain or previous injuries that may limit range of motion or athletic performance. Swimming is commonly used as a form of physical therapy and cycling puts limited pressure on the knees but gives the legs a massive toning. Both of these workouts also increase the heart rate and can burn some serious calories!
