It takes a willingness to grind, an embracing of the process, and a willingness to push your body (and mind) to its limits.
But endurance running can also be extremely rewarding and even euphoric.
When it comes to training for these types of runs, high intensity cardio is almost always the way to go. With The Real Runner™, the ultimate low impact, high intensity cardio machine, it’s possible to improve just about every aspect associated with running — from stride length, to stride frequency, to acceleration, to speed, and ultimately endurance.
High intensity cardio is amplified through The Real Runner™, which utilizes multiple levels of resistance and high intensity intervals in order to simulate a runner’s stride without the high impact of running. The benefits of high intensity cardio training are well documented and far-reaching, which is why runners of all ages and levels utilize this method in order to build strength, enhance endurance, and improve their stride for endurance running purposes.
Keep reading to learn more about high intensity cardio training and buy The Real Runner™ today.
The first step toward achieving your endurance running capability — whether you’re looking to complete the New York City Marathon or simply conquer your very first local 5K — is to stay on task at all times.
Set your goals and make them well-known and unforgettable. Post sticky notes on your bathroom mirror. Write them on your hand while you’re training. Whatever it takes to remind you of the end goal, do it. Being disciplined with your training helps retain focus and motivation when times get tough.
That also means being consistent with your workouts, not skipping out on training sessions, and focusing on the benefits of high intensity cardio to improve your longevity while running.
Of course, one of the most obvious ways to train for endurance runs is to actually practice by going on long distance endurance runs.
You should always work you way up and respond to what your body is telling you.
However, if you are training for a marathon, don’t try running 26 miles on your first go.
Start with a five-mile jog, work up to 10 miles, then 15, then 20. It’s going to take some time, but the important thing is that you’re training your body to handle a larger volume at a sustainable pace.
And remember: it’s not a sprint. When you’re training, you should always focus on going at a slow, reasonable pace to improve endurance before you start working on speed.
Another effective training method which builds endurance is high intensity cardio.
Through high intensity interval training, or HIIT, athletes of all levels have found that their endurance was amplified and performance was maximized.
High intensity cardio training utilizes multiple reps of short bursts of output, typically something like six reps of 30-60 seconds of high intensity exercise.
With high intensity exercise machines like The Real Runner™, this helps to increase endurance through resistance training and by simulating the runner’s stride without the high impact on the joints. Whether you are new to endurance running or have been a veteran of many races, preserving your joint health is imperative for long distance running success. That’s where The Real Runner™ high intensity cardio trainer becomes even more handy.
Recovery time is just as crucial as training time. Your muscles are what carry you to the heights which you wish to achieve, so it’s imperative to provide them with the rest, recuperation, and nutrients that they deserve.
That means taking proper breaks in-between high intensity cardio intervals, getting a good night’s sleep before and after a long distance run, and of course proper stretching throughout each of these activities.
It also includes maintaining a healthy diet which is conducive to endurance running (think carbs). And as always, remember to drink an ample amount of water to stay hydrated and absorb the nutrients your body craves before, during, and after a high intensity workout.
Like we touched on briefly above, part of a proper endurance running training regimen is providing your body with the nutrients it needs in order to perform for long periods of time.
Carbohydrates are one of the body’s main sources of energy fuel, so you’ll need to be conscious about that when developing an endurance running diet. You should also think about having carb-based meals before a run, and even providing your body with carbs and protein immediately after you finish a run in order to replenish your body.
The Real Runner™ is the ultimate high intensity cardio machine for runners. This innovative exercise method is specifically designed to develop speed and conditioning through a unique, functional method which simulates a runner’s motion and applies resistance without exerting high stress on the joints.
Collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes have benefited from The Real Runner™ workouts to improve endurance and overall performance through a myriad of arenas, whether it be endurance running, mixed martial arts, football, or swimming.
Check out some Real Runner reviews to see for yourself what people are saying and bring home the best high intensity cardio machine in the world today.
]]>For some, it’s to win a state, national, or world title in their sport of choice. For others, it’s to get up and run every day. And for others, it’s to be able to feel good about themselves by losing weight and getting into shape.
When it comes to burning fat and losing weight, high intensity cardio interval training is the absolute best method. Why? Well, it’s simple.
High intensity interval training, otherwise known as HIIT, focuses on the best parts of working out. It increases heart rate and blood flow, which ultimately provides more oxygen to those hard-working muscles. It utilizes intervals to factor in rest time, which is a critical component of fitness training. And best of all, it invites people to go “all-out” for short periods of time, burning calories and fat at an amplified pace.
So if you’re looking to lose weight, don’t fall into the next fad diet trap. Instead, learn more about high intensity cardio and bring home The Real Runner™ today for the ultimate high intensity, low impact workout.
First, we need to understand what exactly HIIT is — and why we place such an emphasis on the “cardio” part.
At The Real Runner™, we believe that cardio training is one of the best methods to not just lose weight, but also get in shape, improve endurance, and increase strength. That’s why we designed our high intensity cardio trainer and specialized workouts for those looking to burn fat and improve their overall cardiovascular health.
In a nutshell, high intensity interval training involves alternating periods of maximum effort, followed by periods of rest or “low intensity” effort.
The goal of HIIT is to push the body to its limits, metabolically speaking, while also allowing for recovery time which is crucial to fitness development.
Going “all-out” doesn’t mean exerting yourself so hard that you pass out, though. During high intensity cardio intervals, for example, you should listen to your body and push yourself to about 90 percent of your all-out effort. This is sometimes referred to as your “VMax”, which refers to the maximum volume of oxygen that your body can use.
Finding that sweet spot can help you not only build your endurance, but also maximize your workouts to burn more fat and lose more weight.
This is a good question. While the emphasis is on the high intensity intervals, which typically don’t last for much longer than one minute at a time, people are often left wondering how it’s possible to burn fat with a quick workout that lasts just about 30 minutes total.
Well, it’s been scientifically proven by multiple studies that shorter, high-intensity cardio workouts actually result in a greater amount of fat loss over time than longer, low intensity workouts (like going for a long jog).
That’s because during high intensity cardio workouts, you are using your full body in order to complete the exercise. You’re often incorporating your arms, legs, core, and more — and at darn near maximum effort, mind you.
That total-body effort burns a heck of a lot more calories during exercise than say, a walk or a jog would. One study even showed that four to six 30-second sprints actually burned more fat than 60 minutes of incline treadmill walking.
That’s high intensity cardio for weight loss at its best.
A lot of this depends on personal preference, but there are many high intensity cardio workout options available — even if you don’t have a gym membership.
You can organize your very own high intensity cardio workouts by deciding which option would be best for you. Some of the most common high intensity workouts include:
However, what if we told you that there was another high intensity cardio trainer which you could utilize within your own home and reach those health and fitness goals you’ve always wanted? Well, there is. Allow us to introduce The Real Runner™.
The Real Runner™ implements low impact, high intensity cardio like never before. This innovative, state-of-the-art workout machine simulates a runner’s movement without the stress caused by actual running or sprinting.
What’s more, it provides resistance during both the extension and flexion motion in order to burn more calories, build more strength, and enhance cardiovascular endurance.
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts of all ages, shapes, sizes, and levels have renowned The Real Runner™ for its ability to offer a comprehensive workout with high intensity and low impact.
Through a few of these high intensity cardio interval workouts, you can learn how to improve strength, endurance, and ultimately lose weight.
It’s time you meet your resolutions. Buy The Real Runner™ today to get started.
]]>Nobody said being an athlete would be easy.
It takes long hours of pushing your mind and body to their physical limits, trying and failing, and ultimately never giving up on a dream.
But with the right mindset, the right tools, and the right workouts, you can make it easier than ever before to achieve peak performance.
That’s where high intensity interval training comes in.
With high intensity interval training, more commonly referred to as HIIT, athletes of all ages, sizes, and levels have been improving their endurance, strength, speed, and overall performance. HIIT has been labeled as one of the most innovative trends to hit the fitness industry in quite some time, and with good reason, too — because it actually works.
How does it work? Easy. With this workout method, an athlete goes “all-out” for a short burst of time, rests, and then repeats. It is these short, intense bursts of exertion which help to increase the heart rate, burn fat, and torch calories in less time.
Through high intensity cardio training with The Real Runner™, that same concept can be taken and enhanced through a simple-to-use solution. The Real Runner™ brings high intensity cardio to a new level, using resistance-based methods to simulate a runner’s stride while providing a full range of motion with low impact.
The Real Runner™ is the world’s only high intensity cardio mechanism which utilizes isokinetic resistance to develop stride length, stride frequency, endurance, speed, and power. The Real Runner™ is best used in short bursts, for 20-60 second intervals at a time, making it the ultimate high intensity interval trainer on the market.
It’s that simple. It’s that special. Learn more about the benefits of high intensity cardio training and buy The Real Runner™ today.
As an athlete or even just a fitness enthusiast, one of the most challenging aspects of working out is simply finding the time and the place to do so.
With work, chores, errands, and other obligations getting in the way, it can be difficult to carve out the time you want for a high intensity workout.
Well, not anymore. High intensity interval training is so unique because of its ability to pack in a complete, hardcore workout in a fraction of the time that it would normally take.
Through short bursts of all-out exertion, HIIT makes it easier than ever before to break a sweat and get results.
Not to mention, working on that high intensity cardio can be done right from the comfort of your own living room. With The Real Runner, the ultimate high intensity cardio machine, you can bring the gym right to you and you don’t have to sacrifice your time or your workouts anymore.
Simply identify what area you want to train (stride, strength, acceleration, or speed), choose your Real Runner™ workouts, and get going! Most workouts take fewer than 30 minutes, with six sets of 8-10 reps and a one minute rest in between sets.
When searching for high intensity cardio workouts, the main goal most people have in mind is to increase their endurance and get “in shape.” Well, with high intensity interval training, that is easier and more efficient than ever before.
High intensity cardio implements a work-then-recover method, which is known to tap into the body’s ability to use its energy much more efficiently, alter the cellular structure of muscles, and ultimately increase endurance for a wide range of sports and activities.
Runners, football players, mixed martial artists, and many other athletes have praised high intensity cardio training with The Real Runner™ for those very reasons. Check out some Real Runner™ reviews to see for yourself.
One final key benefit to high intensity cardio training is that it gets results. The Real Runner™ is designed specifically to use high intensity, low impact workouts in order to:
How does The Real Runner™ work? That’s simple, too. Check out some of our high intensity cardio workouts, read some reviews and testimonials, and learn about how to finance your home cardio equipment.
Experience the benefits of high intensity interval training and buy The Real Runner™ today.
]]>While running is one of the best traditional cardio workouts, it can be difficult for longtime athletes to run or even jog like they once used to.
Even if athletes can still handle a high amount of “impact,” which in this case refers to pounding on the joints, for extended periods of time — whether it’s while running, playing sports, or even dancing — it’s sometimes best to give our bodies a break from the constant throttle.
So what about low impact workouts? Sometimes that can turn athletes off because they associate low impact with being low intensity. However, that’s not always the case — in fact, it’s rarely the case.
There are many benefits of low impact workouts. Low impact workouts can be just as efficient, burn just as many calories, and improve athletic performance just the same, if not better, than high impact workouts like running.
So what are the best low impact cardio workouts? We’re glad you asked. Take a look at some of the low impact workouts you can do with The Real Runner™, the best high intensity cardio workout machine in the world, and keep reading for some other low impact cardio workout tips.
Before diving into some of the best low impact workouts, we should first understand what the term “low impact” actually means.
For most fitness enthusiasts, coaches, and trainers, a “low impact workout” is one in which at least one foot is in contact with the ground at all times. That means less pressure and shock on the joints, which can typically occur with activities like running, plyometric jumping, and a number of other sports and activities.
Walking doesn’t seem like the high intensity workout that most athletes crave, but it can be a simple, stress-free solution to get the blood flowing early in the morning. Taking a stroll outside or even on a treadmill burns calories all the same. If you’re looking to amp up the intensity on this low impact workout, you can always take a walk up a hill, carry light weights, or increase the incline on the treadmill.
Cycling has long been one of the most beneficial low impact workouts around. Most athletes grew up riding a bike, so it’s not all that difficult to pick back up again when searching for an efficient cardio workout. What’s more, cycling doesn’t place hardly any strain or stress on the joints, making it a great recovery workout as well.
There is no shortage of low impact cycling workouts out there, from interval training to hill climbs to sprints. All it takes is a positive mindset and a set of wheels.
Another low impact workout which doesn’t require a whole lot of training or equipment — other than a pool or a large body of water — is swimming.
When it comes to intensive cardio workouts, swimming is up there with the best of them.
This activity is a great way to improve lung function, work your shoulders and other muscles, and develop strength and endurance without damaging those precious joints.
Believe it or not, yoga can be a great workout. Consider trying out a hot yoga studio, or simply practicing from the comfort of your own home.
Yoga is so advantageous as a low impact workout because it has the ability to stretch and provide some much-needed attention to our muscles — whether it’s before or after a high intensity workout. Sure, yoga itself isn’t always very intensive, but some of the advanced practices have the ability to challenge your limits as an athlete and improve your performance overall.
If you’re looking to amp up the intensity while still staying with a low impact workout, consider a stair climber. Climbing stairs, whether on a machine or au natural, can effectively burn calories and improve cardiovascular health just like any other exercise.
Try going at intervals and at a high pace — you’ll soon find that this low impact workout is no joke.
If you have access to a canoe and a body of water, then this is a low impact workout that you can practice while exploring nature in all its glory.
However, many people don’t have that kind of access — and that’s OK! There are rowing machines galore at the gym, or you can even purchase one of your own to add to your home workout equipment.
Rowing is one of the best low impact workouts which builds strength and endurance for your arms, back, core, legs, and more.
Those exercises are all well and good — but what is the best low impact workout?
There’s only one answer that comes to mind: The Real Runner™. Our high intensity, low impact cardio workout machine simulates the movement and feel of a runner’s stride without the highly stressful pounding on the knees and other joints.
The Real Runner™ workouts have been known to help athletes of all shapes, sizes, and levels to improve performance, increase stride length, maximize speed, build strength, and enhance endurance. Through high intensity interval training, isokinetic resistance, and full range of motion, The Real Runner™ serves as an explosive low impact workout with a variety of athletic applications.
Whether you’re looking to improve cardio, develop core strength, train for long distance runs, or evolve as an athlete, The Real Runner™ can take you there.
Learn more about our low impact workout machine and get yours today.
]]>When it comes to fitness training, athletic training, and exercise in general, chances are you’ve heard the words “impact” and “intensity” a time or two.
These words, though both very important in their own rights, are not interchangeable. For example, you can have a high intensity workout that produces a low impact on your joints — such as with The Real Runner™ low impact trainer.
On the flip side, from time to time you will also encounter some low intensity workouts which actually produce a high amount of impact, such as light jogging for example.
The key to functional training and elite performance is striking the proper balance between the two. As an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or even just someone trying to improve their cardio and overall health, it’s important to find the right low impact exercises which drive results with the right amount of intensity.
But why low impact? Low impact exercise can be beneficial for a number of reasons. If you’re looking for a high-intensity, low impact cardio trainer which provides a full range of motion to develop strength, endurance, acceleration, and power, look no further than The Real Runner™. Shop today and see why low-impact exercise is the way to go.
With low impact exercise machines like The Real Runner™, athletes get the opportunity to train efficiently and in a way that will target proven results through short intervals.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) is all the rage these days, and with good reason — it really works.
Low impact exercise through a HIIT cardio machine allows for strength building and power by simulating a runner’s movements without the detrimental impact on the joints. Low impact exercise still allows an athlete to train for acceleration, power, and speed through resistance training without having to worry about injury or hyperextension.
The Real Runner™ still allows for assured muscular hypertrophy in the lower back, abdominals, hip flexors, hamstrings, quads, calves, shins, and feet.
Our machine has helped collegiate, professional, and even Olympic athletes to achieve results and improve performance.
Low impact exercise is the best option for longtime runners who are tired of experiencing sore knees and general joint pain after exercise.
Through low impact training, runners still have the opportunity to take part in cross-training, improve cardio, increase endurance, and even maximize their speed and acceleration for when it matters most.
Whether training for a marathon or just looking for an alternative cardio fitness option, low impact exercise can be a great method for runners of all ages.
Another key benefit of low impact exercise is that it’s applicable to a wide range of sports.
For instance, The Real Runner™ has helped athletes from several different disciplines to achieve peak performance through low impact, high intensity interval training.
Low impact exercise is great and advantageous for athletes in the realms of football, baseball, basketball, hockey, mixed martial arts, track and field, swimming, running, wrestling, and a whole lot more.
Other unique advantages of low impact exercise include:
As was touched on above, just because an exercise is low impact doesn’t have to mean it’s also low intensity. With machines like The Real Runner™, low impact exercise is done the right way.
High intensity training carries a number of unique benefits of its own, not the least of which is that it tends to burn calories more efficiently. This leads to better cardiovascular health, sure, but it can also assist with efficient weight loss.
Through high intensity interval training, you can get proven results even with short bursts of output.
When searching for the best low impact exercise machine available, there’s only one name you can trust: The Real Runner™.
The Real Runner™ is the world’s first and best high intensity, low impact exercise machine capable of transforming the way you approach cardio and strength training.
Utilizing isokinetic resistance in both the flexion and extension of the runner’s movement, our low impact exercise trainer can help athletes of all ages, sizes, and levels to improve performance, stride frequency, stride length, acceleration, power, speed, and more.
Buy The Real Runner™ today to see the advantages of low impact exercise for yourself and get free shipping on all orders over $99.
]]>Better endurance means better workouts. Better workouts mean better health. Better health means a better life.
It all comes full circle, and that’s why we want to help you improve your cardiovascular endurance so that you can get in the best shape of your life! Whether you are an athlete who wants to improve endurance so that you can perform longer and better, or you’re simply a health nut who loves the euphoria of a long, high intensity cardio workout, we’re here to help.
With The Real Runner. you can experience high intensity cardio like never before — but more on that later.
First, let’s take a look at five ways in which you can improve cardiovascular endurance to perform better and for longer.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the hottest new trends in the fitness community. Surely you’ve heard all about it by now; but just in case you haven’t here’s the gist of it:
Along with high intensity cardio comes high intensity diet and nutrition guidelines. During any workout regimen, you must stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the course of the day, especially before, during, and after workouts.
Not only that, but your diet has to be conducive to your cardiovascular health. Greasy, fatty foods are not going to be helpful to building cardiovascular endurance. Rather, you should focus on wholesome, carbohydrate-rich foods to provide the energy your body need during high intensity cardio workouts and athletic performances.
In order to build elite cardiovascular endurance, you’re going to have to love the pain — at least to some degree. Through high intensity cardio training, long-distance running, and even strength training, your body is going to be worn out and worn down at times.
It’s imperative that you identify your goals, keep the end result in mind at all times, and truly learn to love the process as your optimize and train your body for peak performance.
Don’t let a little bit of pain and suffering scare you off, but also remember that recovery time is just as important as training time.
Part of endurance training is not getting too comfortable with any specific routine. For example, if all you’re going is running five miles each day, you’re going to be in good shape for running specifically.
However, if you are looking to improve your cardiovascular and muscle endurance for other sports and activities, then it’s important to work on different things and focus on different muscle groups.
If you’ve been sticking with your daily jog, switch it up with some high intensity cardio intervals on the stationary bike.
If you’re been doing the stationary bike for a few weeks, mix in a day of hill climbs or a stair master.
Even if some of these activities work the same muscle groups, they are working them in different ways. That helps prevent fatigue and overuse injuries while also developing a well-rounded stamina.
By simulating a runner’s stride and providing isokinetic resistance in both the extension and flexion of the hip and knee joints, the Real Runner helps athletes develop strength, speed, and most importantly endurance.
If improving cardiovascular endurance is truly on your list of priorities, then you need to buy The Real Runner today. Our innovative workout machine utilizes the best of high intensity interval training without the high impact stress that is associated with other workouts.
The Real Runner is the perfect high intensity cardio training tool which is applicable for just about any and every sport where endurance is necessary.
Among the advantages of The Real Runner include single and double leg plyometric presses, hip flexor workouts, core strength and development, speed training, stride length development, and more.
Get yours today and start working toward excellence in cardiovascular endurance.
]]>Everyone deserves to be in good shape, or at least have a fair chance at getting in shape. While sports and fitness may not be cut out for everyone, the reality is that countless Americans and people around the world have the internal drive to get moving and strengthen their bodies. However, bodily pains like shin splints, runner’s knee or lower back pain when running have the ability to bring a high-intensity workout to a screeching halt. If you’ve been running with shin splints or looking for the most efficient HIIT cardio workout on the market, the team here at The Real Runner™ has some good news to share with you!
Our revolutionary, high-intensity training machine allows the user to reap the benefits of running without any of the typical drawbacks associated with this harsh, high-impact exercise. By accurately simulating actual running and sprinting movements, The Real Runner™ is the only machine of its kind that allows resistance in both the extension and the flexion of running movement. Using our low-impact running machine will help you intentionally develop speed and conditioning by training the muscles of the lower body in a unique and functional method, making the time you put into your workouts actually count.
Our cardio machine doesn’t only improve speed and cardiovascular endurance. Ideal for use as a plyometric press and a single leg press, The Real Runner™ allows for complete flexibility in stride length and pace used. This makes our machine great for alternate and therapeutic use where strengthening of the upper body or the core is necessary, while minimizing or virtually eliminating the jarring impact of conventional running and other cardio workouts.
Learn more about our recommended workouts that you can do with this incredible HIIT running machine by visiting here.
We use the term “low impact” and “high intensity” quite often, but how is impact defined in the fitness world, exactly? A high-impact exercise receives that label only if both of your feet leave the ground at the same time during your workout. This includes activities like running, jumping rope, jumping jacks and certain cardio dance moves. In other words, in a high-impact activity, your body is experiencing the maximum extent of impact possible every time you land and hit the ground.
Low-impact exercises, conversely, are when only one of your feet leaves the ground at any given time. This includes activities like walking, hiking, and most step aerobic programs. Biking is technically a “no-impact” exercise as there is no body contact with the ground, and that is one of several reasons why biking is a popular cardiovascular activity.
While even the most cushioned and supportive shoes on the market can help reduce this harsh impact, years of high impact exercise can take its toll on the human body. In fact, most physicians and physical trainers recommend that adults over the age of 50 do their best to steer clear of high-impact exercise altogether.
The brilliance of The Real Runner™ is that this incredibly versatile cardio machine is perfect for nearly all age groups and demographics. We’ve worked with many collegiate sports teams and programs to condition and train the players with workouts that are geared toward their actual muscle movements during gameplay. We’ve also worked with a number of professional athletes to help better their performance and strengthen their cardiovascular endurance without any of the high-impact drawbacks or shin splint pain associated with running.
Athletes and sports teams aside, however, high-intensity interval training is now ideal for older folks as well as those who have been living more of a sedentary lifestyle. The treadmill can lead to crippling IT band knee pain or lower back pain when running, but with the best cardio machine from us, HIIT exercises are accessible and completely manageable for the older population. Due to the fact that resistance levels are customizable on The Real Runner™, there’s a workout intensity that’s perfect for the lightest, easiest session all the way to a grueling, challenging elite athlete workout and everything in between.
Using a treadmill or even an elliptical as a machine for running is now an antiquated practice. Why subject your body to landing on hard surfaces or get less out of your workouts when you can combine upper body strength training, core training and high-intensity interval cardio training all into one convenient motion? Perfect for the gym or at home, using The Real Runner™ for even just a few minutes is time well spent.
Athletes and aspiring distance runners, stop looking for the best treadmill for running. The best shin splint relief isn’t an ice pack or a compression bandage - it’s identifying the problem at its source, and making the transition to the most efficient high-intensity, low-impact workout that’s currently available. To learn more about The Real Runner™ and how to get the best HIIT workout, visit this page.
]]>If you’re going to put in the painstaking effort that it takes to master your sport and become the athlete you’ve always wanted to be, then you’ll also want your efforts to be worth it. What good is hitting the gym for hours at a time, expending great amounts of energy, only to see minimal returns in the way of aerobic capacity and strength gains?
Here at The Real Runner™, our HIIT cardio experts have seen and used our fair share of exercise equipment - in fact, our understanding of fitness products on the market actually contributed to the development of our signature running machine. From stair steppers to ellipticals and a massive variety of treadmills, we’ve been able to see what works and, more importantly, what doesn’t work.
Nowadays, more people and athletes than ever are realizing the incredible benefits that come from a HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout. By doing things like burning more calories and fat, increasing your metabolism and even extending the calorie burn long after you’re done exercising, HIIT workouts pack an efficient punch. To get the most out of your workouts in the shortest amount of time possible, HIIT is highly recommended - and no HIIT cardio machine on the market does it better than The Real Runner™. Learn more about this incredible speed training and endurance machine.
While HIIT is extremely effective, putting in the effort required for a HIIT workout is certainly no walk in the park. This type of training technique requires the individual to give one hundred percent of their effort through quick but intense bursts of exercise. These rapid bursts of activity are then followed by short recovery periods of rest, which are quite necessary in order to catch one’s breath and restore the energy needed to do the next burst of activity.
What happens during this process of rapid activity and recovery is that the heart rate stays up during the exercise period, burning more fat in less time. The main point is that a high-intensity workout will increase your body’s need for oxygen during the effort, creating an intentional oxygen shortage. Essentially, the body asks for more oxygen during the recovery periods, eventually resulting in what is known as an “afterburn” effect. The afterburn effect, also known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) is the primary reason why intense exercise will help burn more fat and calories as opposed to regular aerobic and steady-state workouts.
In other words, instead of jogging at a slow pace for long periods of time, it makes way more sense to run a lot harder for shorter periods of time, going on and off to give you, your muscles and your lungs a chance to catch up. The Real Runner™ was designed and engineered with this concept in mind, giving the user the most efficient and useful workout possible in the shortest amount of time.
It’s true. Combining high-intensity workouts and cardio activity with interval training results in EPOC, which then speeds up your metabolic rate. Depending on the severity of the workout, this metabolism boost may last up to 48 hours after a complete HIIT routine. So, to the delight of many people using our HIIT cardio machine to shape up, you’ll still be burning fat hours after you’ve left the gym and moved on with your day.
You’re more than welcome to go running for hours and hours, but at the end of the day, the best use of time is spent doing a HIIT workout. While we recommend following some of our workouts, even spending as little as five to ten dedicated minutes (on and off) on our workout device can result in some considerable calorie burn. Even if The Real Runner™ is not accessible near you, a complete HIIT routine can be done just about anywhere with little to no equipment. HIIT might be tough and exhaustive, but it’s the real deal.
Whoa! What do these words mean and why do they matter? Well, when you are working hard and giving it your all during those first ten to twenty seconds of your workout, that’s when you’re using a high-intensity energy source known as phosphocreatine. This is what your body initially burns to make your intense bursts of activity possible.
After about twenty seconds or so, however, you start to feel like death. Right? This is because your phosphocreatine levels start to run low, and anaerobic glycolysis kicks in. Your body primarily draws on sugar (glucose) as an energy source for exercise, but once you’ve deprived your body of useful oxygen, the remaining glucose is converted to lactic acid as a fuel source. As your lungs are working overtime, you’ll begin to slow down, and maybe even feel nauseous thanks to the change in blood pH levels. Make sure to recover in between bursts of intense activity, taking the time to catch your breath and replenish those O2 levels. Optimal hydration is also key.
Other cardio equipment on the market just doesn’t come close to the performance that The Real Runner™ offers. If you’re experiencing knee pain running or your HIIT cardio workout isn’t as effective as you’d like it to be, know that we offer the best HIIT workout you’ll find - period. Check out The Real Runner™ here!
]]>Whether you’re a collegiate athlete, high school athlete or a professional athlete, The Real Runner™ is your best friend. Playing sports is a good thing - it’s a celebration of the human body and its physical capabilities, and it is our hope that people never stop playing sports. However, the jarring impact of playing in many different team-based sports over the years can result in unfortunate consequences for the human body. While it is true that our bodies can withstand a great deal of abuse and high-impact movements, doing so frequently at a young age tends to wreak havoc on muscles and joints years down the road.
Fortunately, with the power and grace of our high-intensity cardio machine, The Real Runner™, you’ll be able to do the sports you love and train safely without setting your body up for the consequences of living an active lifestyle. Not only that, but our HIIT training machine packs a punch, meaning that you’ll be getting an effective workout that’s perfectly tailored to your fitness level. So, regardless of what sport(s) you play, how much time you have available to exercise or if you simply can’t handle the harsh impact of the treadmill, we have the best cardio machine and HIIT workout for you!
Keep reading below to learn more about how The Real Runner™ can help you train for just about any sport, especially ones that involve a lot of cardio. If you’re curious about how about HIIT running machine actually works, check it out here.
To kick things off, soccer players come to mind for an obvious reason: they run, and they run a lot. It’s common for soccer players to run around 7-10 miles in a single game, which makes sense given how big the field is and the fact that the ball is constantly moving around. So, while strong cardiovascular endurance is important in just about any sports activity, being a successful soccer player relies on being fast. The Real Runner™ is perfect for building speed endurance, or the amount of time you can stay at your top speed. Speed endurance is vitally important for soccer players because, oftentimes, scoring a goal, passing to a fellow teammate or blocking a shot is determined by being in a certain spot on time. If a player’s speed endurance gives out before they’re able to make it to where they should be on the field, this can lead to major performance issues.
The activation of the hip flexors is important for building speed endurance, but this muscle group is often overlooked when it comes to standard training for sports and fitness. The Real Runner™ is the only explosive training device that also stimulates and strengthens the core while simultaneously activating the hip flexors. By using our signature HIIT cardio workout, soccer players will be able to run at their peak speed for longer periods of time, being there for teammates when it counts.
Though a basketball court is much smaller than a full-blown soccer field, it is a high-impact sport that involves constant movement. For precise ball handling, passing ability and to shoot accurately, significant amounts of upper body strength and core strength are required in addition to general cardiovascular endurance. As you’re probably able to guess, The Real Runner™ addresses all of these areas of basketball mechanics in one convenient, streamlined workout experience. Our HIIT training machine is great for plyometric exercise and can be used as a plyometric press and as a single leg press, allowing the user to target specific areas and muscle groups of the body to be strengthened.
IT band knee pain, as well as shin splint pain, are common complaints of basketball players, given the constant jumping and jarring impact of the hard court surface. By using our cardio equipment to train off court, this preserves important muscle groups and spares the shins of players due to our low-impact (really, virtually no-impact) workout technology.
These activities, while recreational in nature, require immense levels of dedication and training to succeed at the professional level. Successful track runners, distance cyclists, and swimmers all have one main thing in common: impressive cardiovascular endurance. Now, track might be the only activity that really involves the harsh impact of the ground, but athletes of all of these sports could greatly benefit from training with The Real Runner™. No other HIIT workout machine on the market strengthens the core and the upper body while simultaneously mimicking the running experience, ensuring that the user gets the most efficient workout possible.
Regardless of what sport(s) you play or coach, The Real Runner™ is a tried and true HIIT cardio machine that will condition you in a way that an elliptical or a treadmill simply cannot. Don’t take our word about the best HIIT workout on the market - check out our reviews or get in touch with our high-intensity training experts today!
]]>Through a unique and functional method, The Real Runner is specifically designed to develop speed and conditioning by training the muscles of the lower body. We’re special because The Real Runner is the only machine of its kind that allows resistance in both the extension and the flexion of the running movement. So, you’ll be able to get in all of those crucial high-intensity cardio workouts while also strengthening other parts of the body at the same time. Check out The Real Runner in action here.
We could go on about this all day, but don’t take our word for it! Check out what people have to say about The Real Runner.
“The Real Runner™ is a vital piece of training equipment for us at Synergy Sports Performance. We love the angle it puts the athletes in and the strength speed challenge it provides our athletes. There is no doubt in my mind the difference The Real Runner™ makes with our athletes. We’ve had our Real Runners for years now and use them daily.”
-Scotty Smith, Owner of Synergy Sports Performance Green Bay
We’re excited to hear that you’ve been using our product for years, Scotty! There’s no doubt that using a cardio machine like The Real Runner is more effective than using a treadmill or other traditional forms of aerobic and strength-training exercises.
“I have been using isokinetic hydraulics exercise for decades first as an athlete and later when I became known as the Dunkmaster teaching athletes to become more explosive improving their vertical jumps and learning how to dunk a basketball. The Real Runner™ leg machine develops powerful hips; this translates into speed and power. The Real Runner™ is a winner. Every athlete should be training on it.
It’s so nice to hear those words from The Dunkmaster himself! Thank you, Gil. While our high-intensity cardio machine improves aerobic capacity, it definitely works on the hips, helping athletes jump higher and farther - ideal for basketball players, track competitors, and more.
“(I’ve) been using The Real Runner™ in my facility since its inception (and) could not imagine training my athletes without this invaluable piece of equipment - whether part of one of my acceleration workouts or to finish up our workouts with some hardcore conditioning, The Real Runner™ is an integral part of my athlete's’ training regimen.”
We’re really glad to hear that you and your athletes have been sticking to using our cardio machine, Bruce. It really is difficult to imagine training without using an incredibly efficient device like The Real Runner, isn’t it? Once you’re used to it, you just can’t go back.
“The Real Runner™ has been a cornerstone for speed and power in my athletes. It puts them at the proper angle for speed and builds not only the downward force but also fires the hip flexors and quad on the upward motion. The Real Runner™ teaches the most efficient way to run and we all know more efficiency and power means more speed!”
We appreciate the positive feedback, Dan. Speed and power really are everything when it comes to conditioning your athletes - after all, you don’t have the time or energy to waste, so getting in an efficient workout is incredibly important.
The only way to really understand our high-impact cardio workout machine is to try it out for yourself. As your go-to source of low-impact running, shop The Real Runner today!
]]>If you haven’t noticed by now, the main benefit of The Real Runner is the fact that there’s little to no impact associated with using our low-impact cardio workout machine. This means that if you’re prone to running or high-impact-related sports injuries, you can still reap the cardio benefits of running without worrying about subjecting your body to the harsh impact of the ground. In today’s blog post - in the spirit of traveling around and spreading the good word of The Real Runner - we’re going to look at low-impact versus high-impact workouts, as well as the difference between impact and intensity.
To read what others have boasted about our revolutionary low-impact running exercise machine, check out our testimonials here.
The terms “impact” and “intensity” are often confused with one another. Impact simply refers to the force of your body when it is used in a particular exercise. Intensity refers to the level of difficulty, focus and power required to execute an exercise.
High-impact exercises typically consist of things like running, plyometrics (i.e. jumping), and other activities where the body is making constant contact by repeatedly pounding the ground. Low-impact exercises, on the other hand, usually means that one foot stays in contact with the ground, including activities like walking, climbing, using an elliptical, or riding a bike.
Now, low-impact workouts do not necessarily mean that they’re low-intensity. Since high-impact exercises tend to put a lot more stress on the joints - particularly the ankles, knees, hips and back - it’s a good thing that low-impact exercises (cough cough The Real Runner) can be quite intense. You can preserve your joints, bones, and muscles while getting an aerobic, cardiovascular-enhancing workout by doing things like increasing your range of motion, increasing your speed and adding resistance, changing directions or even ramping up your incline.
Besides using The Real Runner to get an efficient and effective low-impact workout, power walking and swimming are two great examples of activities that provide no impact on your joints. Adding short bursts of speed or an occasional steep hill to your walking workouts can actually help you increase the intensity of your workouts, in addition to your overall calorie burn.
Other great examples include things like climbing stairs (those stair stepping machines are no joke after a while), riding a bike or pedaling on an elliptical. While the intensity of these workout methods generally depends on your personal effort, they’re a great way to get your cardiovascular exercise in without worrying about putting unnecessary pressure on your joints.
Walking lunges while pressing hand weights overhead is a great way to get an intense workout without climbing on a cardio machine. We also recommend the side step with deep squats and a resistance band around the ankles for a workout that will have you feeling the burn for an extended period of time. Lastly, don’t forget about dancing and aerobics, as these activities generally incorporate a lot of overhead arms and movement by using large ranges of motion.
We get this question quite a bit when we go around and showcase The Real Runner. Ideally, just about everyone can use our low-impact running machine with little to no issues, provided they have normal use of their muscles.
Usually, low-impact exercises are the most appropriate for beginners as well as people with arthritis or osteoporosis. Older adults, individuals who are obese, pregnant women and other people with bone, joint or connective tissue injuries are a good fit for low-impact exercises, and should generally avoid conventional ‘pound-the-pavement’ running. As you can guess, this is because low-impact exercises tend to be less jarring on the body and joints, while also being less intense overall. Indeed, according to the American Council on Exercise, keeping at least one foot on the ground at all times will reduce your risk of musculoskeletal injury.
If you can work in some high-impact cardio exercises without any pain or harming your body, it’s a great way to strengthen parts of your body that aren’t strengthened in the same way with low-impact activities. So, if you can actually run, that’s great, but you’ll also want to balance it out by taking a spin class or doing something else to keep the weight off your feet. If you’d like to run but it’s too painful, that’s where we really shine…
The brilliance of our low-impact running solution is that individuals who like to run but can’t due to knee pain and joint complications now have a viable option! We’re proud to show people of all walks of life how using our low-impact cardio machine is beneficial and a great, safe way to do aerobic training. Discover more about The Real Runner here!
]]>There are so many seemingly healthy foods out there that actually aren’t very good for us, despite how they’re advertised or perceived. As a runner or an active athlete, you probably have a pretty good idea of what kind of nutrients your body needs, but you might actually be surprised at what you once thought was healthy for you to eat before your workouts. Think about eating the right foods as a form of cross-training for runners or athletes, in which your nutrition matters as much as your workouts do.
The Real Runner is happy to support a healthy diet as a strength training program for runners. With our low-impact cardio workout, we specialize in helping people running with bad knees and reducing the pain in knees after running. Discover more about this awesome runner’s workout by checking out The Real Runner in action!
To continue our series on exercise nutrition, let’s continue breaking down some foods that are actually less-than-healthy.
A staple for sandwich lovers and those who need a quick lunch fix, deli meat is great for a ready-to-eat protein that you can take on the go. After all, by making lunch at home as opposed to eating out, you’re saving calories and money, right? While that is true, deli meat isn’t the best source of protein to fuel your day, and especially your workout.
Packaged deli meats actually hide a number of added salt and nitrates that are used to preserve their freshness and color. As a healthier alternative to convenient meat-based protein, consider buying a ready-to-go rotisserie chicken or cook up a turkey breast that’s lean in fat and high in protein.
This is a tough one. ‘Trail mix’ is a rather broad term, and depending on what you have in the mix, it could be nutrient-packed or it could be bad for your long-term health. Many ready-to-go, store-bought trail mixes are often loaded with sugar in the form of chocolate chips, M&Ms, candied fruit, or yogurt-covered nuts. The best way to ensure that your trail mix is actually assisting your workouts is to make it yourself. It’s pretty easy, too - just buy the right ingredients, mix them together in a bowl, and portion them accordingly. Check out this power trail mix recipe from Runner’s World that’s a verified, healthy way to get an energy boost before your runs or workouts. Packed with Vitamin E, health-building antioxidants and trace minerals, you’ll thank us later after you try it out.
Who doesn’t love a good, salty pretzel? Hard pretzels are fairly cheap and easy to snack on, and they’re also quite delicious (don’t even get us started on soft pretzels). While seemingly wholesome, these salty snacks lack healthy fiber and fat, meaning that you can destroy half a bag and still feel hungry. At an average of 250 calories per 10 hard, twisty pretzels, these empty calories aren’t doing you or your workouts any favors.
Instead, opt to snack on truly wholesome, nutritionally-dense fruits and vegetables instead. Not only will you feel better going into your workouts, but your sense of accomplishment after you smash your personal record will be a better feeling than eating even the most delicious foods.
Known colloquially as “Froyo,” this dairy treat swept the nation in the late 2000s and early 2010s (apparently, that’s what we’re calling it now). While frozen yogurt is a tried-and-true healthier alternative to ice cream, it’s not great pre or post-exercise fuel. Most type of frozen yogurt tends to be low-fat, but they’re high in sugar and the calories tend to add up.
To put frozen yogurt in perspective, most nonfat “original” or “plain” flavors (typically the lowest-calorie flavors available at shops) fall around 30-35 calories per ounce with about 20g of sugar. This means that a large 16-ounce cup weighs in at 380 calories and a whopping 76g of sugar - and that’s before you even add any toppings. Yikes!
Energy bars are similar to trail mix in the sense that they’re highly generalized. While some nutrition bars are actually minimally-processed and contain ingredients that naturally sustain energy, others are chalked full of sugar and unhealthy fats. Protein bars are, of course, calorie-dense to help you gain muscle, but if you’re chowing down on them right after a light workout or eating them if you’re not exercising, that’s bad news bears. Be wary of add-ins and processed ingredients, and, if possible, only eat nutrition bars as a quick nutrient-fix when you’re highly active.
When you’re properly fueled up, you’ll get the best performance when it comes to endurance running, running with bad knees, or doing anything else related to cross training for runners. Learn more about what The Real Runner and low-impact running can do for you.
]]>In a post that’s quite the opposite of our recent post about quality nutrition for athletes, we thought our readers might be interested about what not to eat before you go run or exercise. Even if you’re doing low-impact running by using The Real Runner, it’s still crucial that you put the right things in your body before reaping the benefits that the best low-impact exercise machine on the market has to offer.
Check out more on how to use our machine to get the best low-impact cardio workout by visiting here and learning more about why The Real Runner is so incredible. From something as nutritionally-deficient as a Twinkie to other foods that might seem okay to eat before you exercise, let’s take a look at some of the things that you should avoid putting in your body.
Rice cakes are pretty great because they’re simple, easy to eat, and cheap. They’ve long held a “healthy” reputation, but the reality is that this staple diet snack is practically empty as far as real nutrients go. The low-calorie count of rice cakes is an attractive dieting prospect if you’re looking to drop some pounds, but it won’t help you keep your energy levels up in the heat of intense exercise.
Consider the glycogen content in rice cakes as well. Sending your blood sugar soaring, these seemingly-innocent snacks can have a glycemic index rating as high as 91, while pure glucose has a rating of 100. For a better source of carbohydrates, consider eating an English muffin or fruit.
We know that Wonderbread uses some enticing packaging for their iconic white bread, but there are better sources of nutrients and fiber out there. The same goes for most white pastas, rice, and bread. Why? Refined white flour is made from stripping the fiber, wheat germ, and essential B vitamins from the original wheat kernel. So, what you’re left with is a highly processed food product. When consumed, this will raise insulin levels in the body and result in uneven levels of energy as well as potential weight gain. All things considered, sticking to whole-grain products as opposed to white flour is a good idea.
A go-to nutrition option for movie lovers and desperately broke college students alike, microwave popcorn is delicious and couldn’t be any easier to make. However, whether your popcorn is popped at the theater or just made at home, this snackable food isn’t going to do your body much good for those intense workouts. Microwave popcorn is fairly saturated with unhealthy fats, high levels of sodium, and in many cases, artificial chemicals and flavorings.
As a healthier alternative to this well-loved food, air popping the kernels or popping popcorn on the stove with a small amount of coconut oil are both options to enjoy this snack guilt-free. With a hearty dose of fiber and high levels of antioxidants, popcorn not made in a microwave becomes something worth eating.
We don’t mean to come across as confusing here - fruit juice is good for you because it has fruit in it, right? While fruit juice does have certain levels of vitamins and minerals, it’s also usually packed with high levels of sugar. Another major problem with fruit juice is that it lacks the skin and fibrous flesh that contains the majority of the nutrients. You’re also not chewing the fruit, and so the sugar in fruit juice (primarily fructose) is sent to the liver rather quickly, being stored as fat.
If fruit juice is your thing, try unsweetened cherry or grape juice. These fruit juices can actually help you recover after a difficult or strenuous workout by keeping your blood flowing properly, boosting your cardiovascular health, and filling your body with essential antioxidants. Just keep in mind that even unsweetened fruit juices still contain a good amount of sugar.
Instant oatmeal is praised because it is incredibly easy to make and sticks to the stomach really well, leaving us full for an extended period of time. The problem with instant oatmeal packets lies in how they are prepared. Instead of whole, rolled oats, what you’re typically consuming is steamed, flattened, pre-cooked pieces of dehydrated oats. Rolled whole oats aren’t dehydrated or pre-cooked, eliminating some of the processing from the equation.
But the flavoring packets are the true enemy here - they contain a lot salt and sugar. Though that’s what makes instant oatmeal taste so delicious, try opting for plain instant oatmeal and flavor it with real cinnamon or whole fruits like cherries, strawberries or blueberries.
Eating some of these foods before using our low-impact exercise machine will only hold you back from your greatest performance levels. We want to see everyone succeed when they use our low-impact running device, so keep in mind what you’re putting in your body before you get started. Any questions? Reach out to find out more about the best low-impact cardio of your life.
]]>When you combine a healthy, exercise-centric diet with the power of our low-impact cardio machine, the result is the most efficient way to train and get cardiovascular exercise without subjecting your body to the harsh impact of normal running. By working out your core and other upper body muscles, The Real Runner is also more effective than biking, serving as the ultimate cardio experience that you can do at home, at the gym, or wherever life takes you.
Discover more about our aerobic endurance machine and cross training for runners by taking a closer look at The Real Runner here. Below, we’ll discuss some nutritional pieces of information that are critical for optimal athletic and cardiovascular performance - let’s take a look.
Let us start out by saying that, no, you shouldn’t cram down a plate full of pasta 20 minutes before you start working out. That wouldn’t be good. Michael Scott from the popular TV show The Office makes this mistake before running a work-sponsored 5k by eating noodles (“carbo-loading”) as he’s running, leading to a world of hurt for him. While carbohydrates are an important source of fuel for athletes, you’ll want to make sure that you eat the right amount and give yourself enough time to digest and process the carbs.
As your body converts the carbohydrates into glucose and stores it in your muscles as glycogen, this gives athletes a source of energy to draw from. When you exercise, your body changes glycogen to energy. If your workout is longer than, say, 90 minutes, you’ll want to make sure that your body has plenty of glycogen stores to utilize.
Protein is key to proper nutrition, even though it actually doesn’t provide a lot of fuel for energy. However, protein is used to maintain the muscles. Make sure that you’re getting the right amount of protein in your diet - the average person needs around 1.2 to 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. That amounts to about 150 grams of protein for a 200-pound athlete.
There’s something to be said about quality protein sources, too. Getting too much protein can actually put strain on the kidneys, so instead of protein supplements or isolated whey protein compounds, stick to high-quality protein sources. These include things like lean meats, fish, poultry, nuts, beans, eggs or milk. Drinking some milk is a great recovery method after running a race or completing a particularly strenuous workout, primarily due to the balance of protein and carbohydrates. Milk also contains casein and whey protein, which are absorbed quickly and can help speed recovery immediately following a high-performance event.
Healthy fats are important for our bodies. For longer events like marathons, your body will start to draw on your stored fat for energy when your carbohydrate levels start to run low. Most typical athletes usually get all the fat they need by following the basic dietary guideline of consuming unsaturated fats. Foods that are rich in unsaturated fats typically include things like nuts, avocados, olives, vegetable oils, and fatty fish like tuna or salmon.
On the day of an event, however, avoid consuming fattier foods as they can (and will) upset your stomach - the last thing you’d want to deal with.
Dehydration is something that affects all people. Athletes are particularly prone to dehydration due to constantly sweating out fluids, especially when it comes to intense exercise in hot weather conditions. All high-intensity athletes should drink fluids early and often, especially if you’re a distance runner. Ideally, you shouldn’t wait until you’re thirsty because, by the time you start to feel parched in your mouth, you might already be seriously dehydrated.
Of all the nutritional pointers we’ve covered, quality hydration and fluid consumption is by far the most important takeaway. All too often, runners succumb to the pain of “side stitches” because they didn’t go into a run hydrated enough or didn’t continue to hydrate throughout the workout. Endurance athletes or long-distance cyclists should drink 8 to 12 ounces of fluids every 10 to 15 minutes during an event, especially if it’s hot outside. It sounds excessive, but your body needs a high volume of water and electrolyte-fortified drinks when it’s constantly sweating them out.
Protip: Chilled fluids also help your body cool down and are more easily absorbed than room-temperature water. Plus, drinking ice water is just so much more satisfying than tepid water when it’s hot out and you’ve worked up quite the sweat.
Life is too short to squander your athletic physique at a young age. Improve your muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance by training with The Real Runner today! Shop here for more information.
]]>You guessed it - The Real Runner really is the real deal. Our low-impact running machine is great because it provides all of the incredible aerobic benefits that you get from running without any of the complications caused by the often-painful high-impact component of running. Plus, our low-impact cardio workout puts the user in a plank position, making it so that your upper body and your core are all getting put to the test. We’re clearly very excited about this true total body workout, and we want to share our excitement with you! Visit here to learn more about The Real Runner.
Now, let’s get back to the ins and outs of proper core training.
When you perform any type of core exercises, it’s extremely important that you maintain your lower back’s natural curve. This natural curve is also known as neutral spine and is usually lost when performing things like sit-ups and back extensions that people do in hopes of strengthening their core. Maintaining your lower back’s natural curve is a principle that applies to all exercises - core and full body - to minimize the stress placed on the spine.
A popular core exercise with elite athletes known as the ‘axe chop’ is a highly functional way to maintain a neutral spine in the standing position. The axe chop involves a forward step while quickly drawing a medicine ball from the ear to the opposite hip with an abrupt stop. This exercise is effective in strengthening and conditioning the core of the body because this halt requires an enormous amount of anti-rotation core stability to maintain a strong, neutral and supported spine.
With a functional approach like this exercise, a challenge for many athletes is to appreciate a new level of kinesthetic awareness. There is less of a ‘burn’ during functional exercises, and because most of us are taught that you need to hurt a little bit in order to work out hard and see results, it can be difficult to appreciate or understand the functional exercise approach right off the bat.
For one, core endurance is more important than core strength in regard to injury prevention with running. As such, this should be a major focus in your workout regimen. Another point to keep in mind with core strengthening is to use the “bracing” method that we covered in our last blog post - when you do it, make sure to breathe during the process. Lastly, instead of isolating abdominal muscles with partial sit-ups and back extensions, focus instead on training the core to function as an integrated stabilizing system.
Now, let’s take a brief look at a few functional exercises for core strength and endurance.
Begin by going into a front elbow plank with your toes on a slippery surface. A towel on a hardwood floor usually works pretty well. Then, brace your abdominals to keep your spine neutral, and squeeze your legs together and squeeze your gluteal muscles at the same time. Move your body forward and back by pushing and pulling with your elbows. Maintain the lumbar curve throughout the movement, and go back and forth slowly for about 15 seconds.
Repeat this process 4 times to complete a minute-long set. Perform 3 to 5 sets three times a week to get the best results.
The unilateral carry is also known as a single-arm farmer’s carry, and it is a fantastic exercise to develop lumbar and pelvic stability. You’ll start with the exercise by walking with a heavy weight held in one hand, in which your lower back and abdominal muscles have to stabilize the lumbar spine and the pelvis. The gluteus medius and minimus muscles on the stance leg also have to contribute a lot of stability to the pelvis, which makes this exercise even more effective.
Walk around your house or the gym for about 30 seconds and repeat on the other side. Perform this exercise for 3 to 5 sets per side three times a week.
The bird dog exercise is a classic core exercise that emphasizes lower back strength and balance. While your first few reps may seem awkward if you’ve never done them before, we promise that it’s a worthwhile exercise. To start, go on your hands and knees and brace with a neutral spine. Without moving your spine, reach out one leg and the opposite arm. Then, outline a square with each outstretched limb while maintaining the curve in your spine.
Return both your leg and arm to the starting position and repeat on either side. Perform 6 repetitions per side and perform 3 to 5 sets three times a week.
...With The Real Runner! Our low-impact cardio machine is incredibly convenient as it will save you time, effort and frustration by making your workouts much more effective than they were before. From casual runners all the way to elite athletes and everyone in between, The Real Runner is the clear low-impact cardio machine that you need. Check out more here!
]]>So why are we highlighting core strength? Well, The Real Runner promotes core strength in the body as you use our high-intensity cardio workout machine. By holding the plank position, an effective way to build core strength that has proven to outperform traditional crunches, you’ll be getting nothing short of a full body workout that emphasizes core strength. To learn more about how The Real Runner actually works and how it can revolutionize your fitness game, check it out here.
Let’s take a look at why core strength matters for runners.
Depending on your form, strength, and experience with running, a lot of things can be going on as you’re putting the pedal to the metal. Are your arms failing all over the place, or is your trunk excessively rotating? Are you biomechanics breaking down?
On the other hand, are your arms pumping like pistons going back and forth with your legs, powerfully propelling you forward with strong, stable pelvis? All of the efficient mechanics that we’ve just mentioned above can be attributed to properly stabilized and integrated core strength.
Doing core strengthening exercises is great, but are you making the best use of that time and working out efficiently? While many runners are aware of the importance of good core strength - and many of them do know that good core strength goes way beyond the visual appeal of six-pack abs - they’re still not exercising their core correctly (or ‘core’-ectly, should we say - we’re sorry about that one, but we just had to make that joke). These traditional core exercises include things like sit-ups (crunches) and back extensions, but they do not prove to be very helpful in building core strength.
It is unfortunate to say, but many of these core-strengthening exercises and their associated variations can result in excessive compressive and shear forces on the spine, which can lead to significant spinal injury. Additionally, these exercises just don’t do very much to actually improve the function of the core itself, which is to prevent excessive torso rotation, transfer force and stabilize the spine.
Core stability requires the involvement and correct coordination of a number of team players in the body - in fact, the core is much more than just the abdominal muscles. Other muscles that play an important role in core function include the transverse and rectus abdominus, internal and external obliques, pelvic floor muscles, multifidi and paraspinals, and the diaphragm.
When it comes to pure respiration, the diaphragm is actually the body’s most important muscle. The diaphragm also happens to be an integral core stabilizer. You see, when the diaphragm is properly positioned, correct breathing patterns are better facilitated and your core function is improved, resulting in a more economical stride. The ideal posture for diaphragmatic function occurs when the lower back is neutral, the pelvis is level and the chest isn’t sticking out or hunched over.
Developing effective communication between the nervous system and the muscular system is another important aspect of proper core conditioning for runners. Think of the relationship between your nervous system and the rest of your muscles as something like a phone conversation. With a better connection, the exchange of information becomes more and more efficient. This will result in improved movement with greater strength, power, and endurance.
All things considered, the less energy wasted by the body trying to control movement, the more energy there is available for running fast.
Long-time Olympic runners claim that stride frequency and efficiency is improved by optimal neuromuscular core function, as we touched on above. These elite athletes also encourage the neuromuscular exercise of abdominal bracing, which involves simultaneously co-activating all of the muscles that surround the spine. The purpose of this is to teach the body how to prepare for stabilization when you’re actually in motion. For instance, if you’re jostled in a race, or you lose your footing on a trail run, your core brace should automatically engage as a reflex, stiffening your spine and improving your ability to quickly reposition.
First off, bracing should be performed during all core and whole-body strength and stability training. To practice bracing, pretend that you’re about to be punched in the stomach (we know that this is an unsettling thought but bear with us). If you pretend hard enough, you should be able to stimulate all of the muscles to tighten around the spine - the trick, however, is to be able to do this without holding your breath.
Training your body to brace itself independent of breathing is, while easier said than done, essential for optimal exercise execution and performance in sport. This brace will also help “groove” this supportive pattern so that, over time, it will activate with an unconscious effort.
Using The Real Runner is enough of a core strengthening workout on its own, but it's important to know some of the biomechanics. We’ll follow up with another blog post about core strength training, but until then, shop our high-intensity exercise machine here.
]]>With our low-impact running simulator, The Real Runner allows you to reap all of the benefits of running and high-intensity cardio without all of the drawbacks associated with high-impact stress. So, areas of your body that are sensitive to high-impact activities like running are spared by using our running machine, and you’ll even get a great core workout due to the clever design of our product.
Want to learn more about The Real Runner? Check it out here. Now, let’s dive into our conversation about knees in today’s blog post.
It’s hardly any secret that most people experience knee pain at some point in their lives. Sports, exercise and other activities can cause muscle strains, tendonitis, and more serious injuries to your ligaments and cartilage. For some, knee pain can be so severe that it limits daily activities, and for others, mild knee pain might be a chronic hindrance to the active lifestyle they desire. Whatever the case is when it comes to knee pain, the problem shouldn’t be ignored.
The knees provide support for the body. The knees allow the legs to bend and straighten, which is crucial in everyday life and especially in sports or active movement. Both flexibility and stability in the knees are needed in order to do things like stand, walk, crouch, jump, and turn. There are other parts of the body that help the knees do their job, and those parts include the bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These parts of the body, while they support your knees, also cause severe knee pain for many people.
Injuries to the knee ligaments can be intensely debilitating and painful. The ligaments, one of the parts of your body that works with your knees, actually connect your thigh bone to your lower leg bones. Your ligaments also hold your bones together and keep your knees stable. Unfortunately, knee ligament sprains are very common sports-related injuries and can occur to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL).
As you can imagine, tearing cartilage on the knee is not fun. Cartilage is a semi-hard (tough, but flexible) tissue that covers the end of your bones. Knee cartilage comprises the two menisci on either side of the joint: the medial meniscus, located on the inside of the knee, and the lateral meniscus, positioned on the outside of the knee. The term “meniscus tear” is (unfortunately) somewhat common, and knee cartilage tears like these typically require surgery.
Many people with knee problems struggle with osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis. This is a progressive wearing of the cartilage in the knee joint and occurs primarily in individuals 50 years of age and older. Osteoarthritis of the knee causes pain, limited range of motion, stiffness of the knee, swelling of the joint, tenderness, deformity and general weakness.
Causes of osteoarthritis include things like age, weight, genetics, previous injuries, infections and illness (like a tumor or gout). As you can imagine, osteoarthritis can also be caused by sports-related injuries and wear and tear resulting from physical work in occupations, such as construction and manufacturing.
Doctors diagnose arthritis and other knee problems by using x-rays and a physical evaluation. You will be asked about your pain level, knee flexibility, and function as well as general mobility. By using a series of special tests, medical professionals can identify the type of arthritis that’s affecting your knee.
Knee pain usually becomes worse as arthritis progresses. Common treatments for arthritis in the knee include weight loss, strengthening exercises, wrapping, and pain relievers like acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly known as NSAIDs. While osteoarthritis is the most common surgical patient diagnosis, those with severe pain from any type of arthritis may benefit from surgery, including a partial or total knee replacement. It’s crucial to discuss and explore all possible treatment options with your doctor before opting for surgery.
When you really sit down (thanks to your knees) and give it some thought, your knees really are an incredible part of your body, but they’re also sensitive and rather injury-prone, especially when it comes to high-impact sports activities like running. In light of all these knee problems, The Real Runner has the solution…
If the constant impact on your knees and body bothers you when you attempt to run, be bothered no more! The Real Runner is proud to deliver an effective high-intensity cardio solution that saves your knees and your body while strengthening your core. Athletes, coaches, and people of all types are continually amazed at their performance with the help of our high-intensity running machine, and we want you to be next! Shop The Real Runner now.
]]>At The Real Runner™, we acknowledge all of the discipline and hard work that you put into your training. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate low impact running experience that accurately simulates real running without any of the conventional drawbacks associated with actual running. With our running equipment, you’re actually running...that’s why we’re called The Real Runner™!
In today’s blog post, we’re going to shift gears and focus on some helpful race day tips to help you stay calm and put your countless hours of training to use. Don’t forget to check out the details of our low impact cardio workout machine, or feel free to shoot us any questions about our product.
The worst time to try out something new is to do it the night before or the morning of a race. From what you eat to the clothing that you wear, do what you’ve been comfortable with and don’t change anything right before your race. This also includes racing with a pair of shoes that are broken in and you’ve been comfortable wearing.
You’ve been training for a long time just for one morning, so what’s an extra hour or two of dedication the day before the race? Make sure to properly hydrate and eat a dinner that gives you plenty of carbohydrates, but is not going to upset your stomach or cause you to feel overly stuffed. Consider staying away from overly acidic foods as well.
Take it easy the night before and get plenty of sleep. Yes, that means avoiding alcohol and keeping your physical activity to a minimum in order to preserve your muscles for the race. Even consider meditating the night before, or doing whatever it takes you to get in the right mindset for a race.
When it comes to racing, pace is everything. If you start out going too fast, you’ll burn yourself out before the race is over, and if you’re too slow, you might not hit your ideal time. Wearing a tracking watch is recommended to help keep your pace in check, but another thing that you can do is follow someone else running. Pick a runner that’s going just fast enough to finish around your desired time, but also reasonable enough to keep up with. Establishing a smooth rhythm and cadence is paramount to maintaining a quality pace, which is essential to running a good time (and having a good time during the race!).
The old cliche is true: pain is temporary, but glory lasts forever. The Real Runner™ is proud to provide athletes, casual runners and people of all fitness backgrounds with a safe and effective way to build their running endurance and get in better shape. So after all of the hard work that you’ve put into training, enjoy the race! Get in touch with us today with any questions about The Real Runner™.
]]>Well, with The Real Runner™, what if we told you that you could wear just about any shoes you wanted in order to use our high intensity exercise machine? Honestly, as our high intensity running workout involves virtually no impact, you could get a full running workout in without wearing any shoes whatsoever. And while we acknowledge the legitimacy of the barefoot/minimalist running trend, this has proven to be very dangerous and unsafe for countless runners.
All things considered, The Real Runner™ is here to make your cardio workouts easier, more simple, and more effective. Just hop on the machine and go!
“Are you looking for a high-cushion, high support shoe? Do you need stability reinforcement if you’re an overpronator? What about shoes designed for underpronators, or even supinators? Do you need a brand that specializes in a ‘zero-drop’ shoe, or are you looking for a lot of heel drop? What about energy return? Would you like a shoe that absorbs more impact in the cushion or returns it to you, adding a spring to your step? Oh, and we haven’t even looked into our selection of running socks…”
If the above paragraph makes your head spin, we understand. While going to a specialized running shoe store is necessary to get the right fit, The Real Runner™ makes this somewhat undesirable situation a problem of the past. So if you haven’t pulled those dusty 15-year-old Reeboks out of your storage closet in awhile because you’ve been rotating between your $160 trainers (we’re still unsure if rotating shoes to preserve cushion is a myth or not), consider that your beat up sneakers are just as good on The Real Runner™ as the most expensive, cushioned shoes on the market. The brilliance with our high intensity cardio machine is that what you wear has little to no effect on the experience, unlike actual running.
Sure, The Real Runner™ might cost way more than multiple pairs of running shoes, but consider this: As you continue to regularly run, you’ll have to spend more and more money on new socks, shoes, inappropriately short-shorts, energy gel packs, visits to your jaded podiatrist who explains that you just need to take it easy, and so forth. The Real Runner™ is different because it is a one-time investment. Besides basic maintenance and care, you’re looking at a similar price of other modern gym equipment that offers infinitely more value as a cardio workout that’s actually useful and safe. When you compare our training solution for runners up against other forms of cardio, going with The Real Runner™ is more or less a no-brainer.
The benefits of running are no secret, but your knees, legs, feet and other parts of the body will take a toll over years of training. After all, if you’re particularly young, you’ll want to think about your muscles, bones and joints years and decades from now. Wouldn’t it be nice to continue doing what you love when you’re 65? Well, The Real Runner™ can help! Check it out here.
]]>The Real Runner™ is a runner’s best friend! Actually, any athlete or anyone looking to improve their cardiovascular endurance can benefit from using our low impact cardio workout machine.
The Real Runner™ is specifically designed to develop speed and conditioning by training the muscles of the lower body in a unique and functional method. This method accurately simulates actual running and sprinting movements without the drawbacks of actually impacting the ground with each stride, which serves as the cause of pain for many people’s backs, legs, feet, knees, and so forth.
If you’re running with bad knees, you want to improve your running speed, or you just want to get in better shape overall, The Real Runner™ is the most effective solution for you. This is the only explosive resistance training device that both stimulates and strengthens the core while simultaneously activating the hip flexors.
While The Real Runner™ accurately simulates the normal running experience, for those that still want to run and train normally, our cardio machine works great as a cross training device to help you take a break from the high impact stress of running. So for those that are still pounding the pavement with their running shoes, we’re going to dive into a few tips to help you improve your running mechanics and form. Let’s take a look.
At a fundamental level, the runner’s stride is actually pretty complex. It is a mix of two different energy sources: metabolic energy produced by the muscles, and elastic energy produced by tendons and other connective tissues that stretch and recoil - like a series of springs - that propel you forward as you move. A runner’s fitness level will limit the amount of energy the muscles can produce, while the functional strength of the soft tissue will dictate the most efficient way for a person to run.
So, good running form is more of a byproduct of continually improving your fitness level and functional strength as opposed to a conscious effort to employ a certain footstrike or adopt a one-size-fits-all style of running.
Well, we think that you should always run with a sense of pride and dignity (remember, no matter how far or little you run, you’re lapping everyone on the couch), but ‘running tall’ can help you improve your form. Taking a top-down approach to your running form and aligning your head, shoulders, torso, hips, and legs will promote balance within your form and allow your foot to land under your center of gravity. The best part is that this is regardless of what part of your foot actually strikes the ground first. Think of running tall as sitting up straight, in the sense that it stacks your posture properly and gives your mechanics the best opportunity to work correctly.
By simply giving yourself the cue to ‘run tall’ while you’re running, you can straighten out most of your running inefficiencies that way. Additionally, incorporating various drills like straight-leg running after easy runs will encourage you to stay upright while getting more leg extension from behind and landing squarely underneath your body.
Run forward landing on your mid-foot, keeping your legs straight and your ankles dorsiflexed, pointing upward. Making sure to not to lift your feet too high off the ground, maintain a tight torso and focus and executing a quick turnover and landing directly underneath your center of gravity. Additionally, perform two 50-meter reps as part of your warm-up routine before you set out for a run. Progress up to four as you build up your coordination.
If you make a conscious effort to shorten your stride and employ a quicker turnover, this will encourage you to land lighter. In turn, this will reduce the impact forces on your legs, regardless of how your feet strike the ground. Overall, a softer impact on the ground should lessen the likelihood of injury. Exercises like butt kicks and high knees are two effective drills that you can do that encourage a shorter stride and quicker cadence. Try and carry these out two to three times a week following easy runs as part of your warm-up for faster workouts.
To do butt kicks, use short strides, almost as if you were running in place. Lift your knees slightly and try to bring your heel directly under your butt with each stride. Alternate your legs rapidly and focus on executing a quick turnover. Perform two 15-meter reps and progress to 30-meter reps as your coordination improves.
As for high knees, run in place, lifting your knees to waist level while landing lightly on your forefoot directly underneath you. Stay tall, rigid and don’t lean too far backward or forward. Start by performing one 15-second set, progressing to two or three sets with 15 seconds of rest in between as your coordination improves over time.
Why should you start doing plyometrics? Well, by doing a series of explosive jumping exercises two to three times a week while you’re building up your running mileage, this helps to stiffen your tendons and also develops your body’s ability to make better use of the energy return from the ground. This is an important component of running fast as well as preventing your form from breaking down.
Plyometrics doesn’t have to be complicated - jump rope for 5 to 10 minutes three times a week as part of your warm-up before running. Try alternating between two-legged hops, one-legged hops, and alternating your feet.
We know that sprinting isn’t fun, and even most runners dread the fast exhaustion that comes from sprinting. Well, practicing sprinting has its benefits whether you want to do it or not. Sprinting short distances helps strengthen tendons and connective tissue while improving your basic speed and power.
One to two times a week after an easy run, practice sprinting for 10 to 15 seconds at close to top speed. Repeat this sequence 8 to 10 times with one to two minutes of recovery in between reps. Also, performing short sprints on a moderately steep hill will help you recruit more muscle fibers and accelerate gains in your tendon strength and explosiveness. Remember, run tall and stay relaxed even when you’re running fast!
We truly believe that our low impact cardio workout machine is the best way for athletes, runners and people in any life situation to improve their cardiovascular endurance and get in better shape. Got questions? Get in touch with us at The Real Runner™ today.
]]>You might also find that, after using The Real Runner™ for an extended period of time, your body is tired, aching, and sore. And hey, that most likely means that you’re getting a great workout and ultimately strengthening your body. But whether you’re just sticking to our low impact cardio workout machine or you just finished an all-out ultra marathon, it’s worth making sure that you know how to take it easy afterward and let your body properly recover. If you don’t, you’ll risk a potentially serious injury, and let’s be honest: No one has time for that.
So, that’s why The Real Runner™ is dedicating yet another running-related blog post to some recovery tips to help you relax and minimize any pain or soreness that you’re feeling after an endurance race, using The Real Runner™ itself, or doing anything that involves endurance running (chasing your six-year-old around the house endlessly definitely counts as a quality and tiring endurance run). Anyway, let’s take a look at some of these necessary yet often-overlooked recovery tips.
This tip is incredibly obvious and perhaps even a little patronizing, but it’s not a joke. Seriously, the best thing to do to recover from a long running event is literally just not to run. Walking is fine, but even then, you might want to limit how much time you’re spending on your feet and exerting your muscles, especially your leg muscles.
There are many other ways to achieve ‘active recovery’ that don’t involve the harsh impact of running. Impact forces from running produce the primary mechanical and muscular stress that your body goes through during an endurance event. So, to recover optimally, you’ll want to avoid impact as much as possible. Even if you’re completely obsessed with chasing the ‘runner’s high,’ just remember that there’s always time in the future to run safely after your body has properly recovered.
This recovery tip works for everyone in their daily life, regardless of their level of physical activity. Human beings are delicate creatures, and we are required to continue consuming solids and liquids in order to sustain our survival. Well, when you go through an endurance race like a marathon or even an ultramarathon for those who have totally lost their marbles, your body’s need for more water and nutrition essentially skyrockets. Typical, in an ultramarathon, the average runner burns roughly 600-1000+ calories per hour of racing - and these events usually take multiple hours to complete. So what you have here is race participants burning what some people consume over multiple days in a matter of several hours. This takes a pretty dramatic toll on your body, and even in the endorphin and dopamine-fueled glory of crossing that sweet finish line (we swear that it's not a mirage at that point), you’ll still need to replace those lost calories, fat deposits, protein build ups, and so forth.
Do we sound like your mother on a school night? Perhaps, but the human body recovers the most rapidly and most effectively when you’ve fallen asleep. Rest is such a vital component of recovery that it’s probably the most important thing that you can do after running a long race. Of course, we’re not suggesting that you pass out right after you cross the finish line (and please don’t do that out of exhaustion, either), but once you’re home with the proper amount of food and nutrients in your body, and you’ve showered at least six or seven times (joking), it’s probably a good idea to call it a day and hit the hay.
If you don’t have a muscle roller, you should get one. If you’re already a serious runner, chances are that you have several of them. By firmly rolling down a particular muscle path repeatedly in the same direction, you’ll significantly increase blood flow to that area, helping your muscles and bones heal faster. Plus, this will reduce some of the soreness that you’re probably dealing with after a run, too. Most muscle rollers are relatively inexpensive and they pay themselves off after a few uses because it’s really nice not having to be as sore for an extended period of time as you otherwise would without a good muscle roller.
As with many bruises, sore areas, shin splints and so forth, using the RICE method is a great idea: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Practicing RICE will help make sure that you’re taking good care of your body after your ambitious endurance event. All things considered, just listen to your body and you should be just alright.
If you want to make sure that you’re safely training and recovering safely after a race, you should do it with our low impact exercise equipment. We urge you to try out The Real Runner™ for yourself because you really just have to try it out for yourself to believe it. Contact us to lock down the best low impact cardio machine today!
]]>At The Real Runner™, we believe that people deserve to know factual, honest information about this activity, whether you’re someone just reading about running all the way to an Olympic athlete and everything in between. High intensity exercise like running can be...well, intense, and so maybe it makes sense that there’s a lot of misunderstands floating around about this topic. Loved and adored by many and realistically loathed by even more, running has interesting effects on the human body in a sense that it’s hard to generalize the experience.
With The Real Runner™, you’ll enjoy all of the positives that one can get from running without all of the negatives associated with this sport such as shin splints, injured knees, back pain, foot pain, broken bones, torn muscle, and so forth. You get the point. Find out more about what our high intensity cardio solution can really do for you by visiting here. Otherwise, we’re going to take a look at some of the more popular myths about running.
Actually, the truth is quite the opposite. If you train every single day without taking the necessary recovery days to let your body heal and rest, you’ll definitely injure yourself, either temporarily or even permanently if you train too hard. So, to run smart, consider running every other day, or train a couple of days in a row and then take a day or two off. This might be difficult to hear if you’re really motivated to train hard for a race or some other event, but progressively ramping up your mileage and speed over the long term is a lot smarter than burning yourself out in the short term.
This is absolutely not true. Anyone with any body type can get into jogging or running. It all starts with small steps and being active, even if it’s for relatively short distances and little amounts of time. There’s an interesting saying that we find relevant here that goes along the lines of “Even if you don’t think you’re going very fast or very far, just remember that you’re still lapping everyone on the couch.” How’s that for motivation?
If you don’t believe us about this myth, go to a race and watch everyone who participates. You’ll notice that there are all kinds of people racing!
People might seem to think this one because they believe that runners only use their feet and legs when they perform, but that’s not true. Strengthening your muscles and supplementing your runs with hip mobility exercises is necessary to maintaining good form, preventing injuries, and even helping you speed up your times and reach that new personal goal. Plus, with strength training, you can also dedicate some time to those “gains,” so that’s nice.
Now, we’re not totally invalidating the barefoot running phenomenon because people do it (carefully) and there are many who report positive experiences. After all, the human body was designed to run barefoot because that’s its natural form, right? Well, in modern times, that’s not exactly the case anymore. With hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt, there’s no denying that the surfaces we walk and run on are a little bit different than what our ancient ancestors used to walk on, even if you sometimes run on grass, dirt, etc.
“Minimalist running” is worth looking into if you take the time to do your research and ease into it. In other words, going from running in high-cushioned trainers for two years and suddenly running five miles in minimalist or even barefoot running shoes will likely put you in a world of hurt, like a stress fracture on the foot. So, while it is possible to safely run barefoot, you’re more likely to get injured if you suddenly switch to barefoot running than if you just stuck to your tried-and-true running shoes.
This myth is just plain silly. How often are there hydration stations for your upcoming race? You don’t want to over hydrate yourself, especially during a race, where you could just throw it all up before you even cross the halfway mark. Just listen to your body like you normally would - if you feel thirsty, drink some water. If you don’t feel thirsty, just continue running past the water station. It’s not rocket science. Honestly, we’re baffled that this myth is even circulated around the running community to begin with.
That’s right! Tried and true by countless professional sports players, The Real Runner™ is the real deal. For the best high intensity training workouts without subjecting your body to impact-based strain, our low impact running machine is the best way for you to get in better shape and steer clear of being associated with any of these running myths. Contact us at The Real Runner™ today to get your very own!
]]>Do you know what is ideal for cross training? That’s right - having something as convenient, safe and effective as The Real Runner™. With our low impact cardio workout machine, you’re obtaining all of the benefits of actually running on the ground without any of the negatives associated with running. And if you’ve read our recent blog about common running injuries, it’s all the more reason to train and increase your cardiovascular endurance by using The Real Runner.
So, The Real Runner™ is giving the benefits of a cross training day by not being conventional running, but gives you all of the running-like benefits. What we have here, folks, is the ultimate cross training machine for nearly any athlete or person who wants to get active. Now, besides taking advantage of the incredible benefits that The Real Runner™ offers, let’s take a look at some other good cross training options for runners in today’s blog post.
Cycling or casually biking around town, like local trails, is an easy, fun and practical way to get some cardiovascular exercise and workout your legs in the process. Remember that bikes build up pretty quick speeds - especially when going downhill - so just make sure that you’re careful, especially if you only ride your bike occasionally and casually.
I guess we just can’t keep our minds off of jogging. Well, with aqua jogging - where you run (or at least attempt to run) in the pool, the main benefit is that there’s no impact involved. So, any runner looking to increase their cardiovascular capacity without any wear and tear on the muscles should consider taking a dip in the pool. With tremendous resistance from the water, your heart rate will skyrocket and your muscles will get quite the workout. And again, the best part is that there’s no harsh impact.
Now, compared to the brilliance of The Real Runner™, using an elliptical might seem like an inefficient waste of time. But if that’s your only low-impact training option, it’s not a bad one to consider. To a degree, an elliptical still mimics running better than most other activities or pieces of gym equipment. To get good cross training use out of an elliptical, just make sure to crank up the resistance to ensure that you’re elevating your heart rate and sweating out that frustrating day at the office.
Depending on where you live and what time of year it is, nordic skiing may or may not be a realistic option. But if you can do nordic skiing, it’s one of the best and most efficient cross training options for runners and all types of athletes. As it turns out, elite Nordic skiers have some of the highest VO2 max capacities in the athletic community, which is a pretty big deal. By taking a load off of your hard-working joints, Nordic skiing offers runners who live in colder climates a chance to train outdoors in the winter.
This is one of the ideal low-intensity counterparts to running. Sure, the cardiovascular workout isn’t nearly the same, but the big plus is that you’ll be using the same muscles that you use when you’re running. Additionally, walking is easy, you can do it virtually anywhere and your non-running friends can join you. And best of all, your dog will thank you for those extra walks every week.
We briefly mentioned aqua jogging above, because we figured that would appeal to runners more so than actually jumping in a pool and swimming in it. The horror! All jokes aside, swimming is, in fact, one of the best non-weight bearing cross training exercises for runners. Like aqua jogging, it will also get your heart rate up while offering a total body workout. In fact, if you want to work out your upper body and core more, swimming is a better cross training choice in comparison to aqua jogging.
While Nordic skiing is arguably a much better and more strenuous cross training workout, it could also be argued that downhill skiing is a more fun workout. Locked into skis, even an hour or two of downhill skiing could really help with things like quad strength. Plus, when you’re flying down the mountain, it will help you maintain things like posture and stability, which are also important when you run.
If anything, using The Real Runner™ is closer to normal training, i.e. actual running, than cross training. But we appreciate that you want to get out and do multiple kinds of activities, because as great as running is and as much as it kicks your butt, variety is the spice of life. If you’re trying to improve your endurance running, you’re dealing with knee pain while running, or you’re solely concerned about training for runners, shop The Real Runner™ today!
]]>So many people out there have an interest in running, knowing the benefits that come from this intense cardiovascular workout. Some might have even been avid runners in the past, running track competitively in high school or college, only to become burnt out as they grew older. But the main thing that holds countless individuals back from the wonders of this activity is the sheer pain of it all.
Now, earning those miles and breaking personal records were never meant to be an easy experience. After all, you have to work hard to get in better shape and achieve your desired results. But the many injuries associated with running can’t be dealt with by just continuing to run and dealing with the pain. From bad knees to tendon pain and more, physical complications will bring down even the most motivated of individuals, and our product, The Real Runner™, is the ultimate solution to your running woes.
Instead of messing with the right pair of shoes, the right training plan, or the right stretches to do before a run, our low impact exercise equipment presents a simple yet effective solution to an otherwise complex issue for runners. By accurately simulating the running experience without your feet even making contact with the ground, you’ll be able to burn calories, improve cardiovascular endurance and strengthen your muscles without the usual pain that accompanies running.
In another blog post about running-related injuries, The Real Runner™ is going to take a look at even more typical injuries that runners experience - things that would be a problem of the past by using The Real Runner™. Learn more about our company’s history here, and continue reading on below to discover some of the issues that you might be dealing with now in your runs.
Plantar fasciitis is a foot complication that all podiatrists frequently help people with. Seeing as running involves our feet constantly absorbing several times our body weight, there’s probably no surprise that about 15 percent of all running injuries involve the foot (if anything, it might be surprising that number isn’t any higher). Plantar fasciitis involves small tears or inflammation of the tendons and ligaments that go from your heel to your toes. It is known to be one of the most noticeable and painful foot injuries, especially for avid runners, causing intense pain on the bottom of the foot with each step that you take. The pain is typically worse the first thing in the morning and then gets more manageable as you put weight on it and circulate blood flow to your feet throughout the day.
Runners with particularly high arches and those with very low arches (flat feet) seem to be particularly vulnerable to plantar fasciitis. This is due to the fact that these foot types that lack an ideal, moderate arch to the foot will cause the plantar fascia to be stretched away from the heel bone. Other causes for plantar fasciitis are extreme pronation (where the foot rolls inward when it strikes the ground) and extreme supination (the foot rolls outward when striking the ground). Like other running-related injuries, ramping up your mileage too quickly can also contribute to plantar fasciitis. Standing on hard surfaces like concrete or hardwood floors for long hours at a time without proper, supportive footwear may also exacerbate the chances of developing plantar fasciitis.
Running through plantar fasciitis is possible, but not recommended, as this may significantly delay the healing process. Ideally, a complete break from running an extended period of time and cross-training with other activities that don’t involve running’s characteristic high-impact qualities can also help one heal from plantar fasciitis. To prevent plantar fasciitis from occurring again, having the right type of orthotic inserts as recommended by a footwear professional or podiatrist can also play a huge role (besides using The Real Runner™, of course!).
Shin splints are a runner’s natural worst enemy. After all, if you were totally in the zone and crushing a run, only to be suddenly be brought down to a painful walking pace by the pain in your shins and lower legs, wouldn’t you be frustrated? Shin splints can completely kill a run, even when the heart, lungs and other muscles are performing just fine.
The more scientific term for shin splints is ‘medial tibial stress syndrome,’ which refers to an achy pain that results when small tears in the muscles occur in the muscles around the tibia, or your shin bone. Shin splints are estimated to make up roughly 15 percent of all running-related injuries, so it’s a pretty important one to go over. If you’re new to running or you’ve recently returned to pounding the pavement after taking extended time off (to recover from a different running injury or any other reason), then you might notice considerable pain in your shins after a few runs. In these cases, it is unfortunate but natural to experience some extent of shin pain.
Wearing the wrong kind of shoes, constantly running on hard concrete (as opposed to a soft track, grass, dirt, etc.), or rapidly increasing your mileage can all lead to experiencing shin pain. Part of navigating shin splints is simply strengthening your body over time by subjecting it to controlled doses of impact with your feet and the ground. If you’re really being bothered by the pain in your shin(s), you should at least decrease your weekly mileage for awhile until you’re able to jog again while little to no pain in your shins. Again, maybe stick to a grassy area or a nice dirt trail instead of running on your local bike paths so that you’re pounding against a softer, more forgiving surface. Lateral movement might also be something to consider - try picking up a game of soccer, basketball, or another activity that has you shuffling from side to side. The lateral movement uses your muscles differently than repeatedly running in the same direction. Plus, you get to have some friendly, competitive fun in the process.
This runner’s injury concerns the IT band, or the iliotibial band, which runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the knee. As you run, your knee flexes and extends, causing your IT band to rub on the side of your femur. Over time, this can cause significant irritation of the IT band, or also cause complications if you ramp up your mileage too quickly. Track work and downhill running are also known to exacerbate issues with the knees and the IT band.
If you overpronate when you run, have issues with varying leg lengths, or suffer from a weak hip abductor or gluteal muscles, you might also be more prone to developing something like ITBS. To avoid a full-blown flare up - something that could put you out of running for months - take some rest days, and if you have a good muscle roller, use that along the muscle path of your IT band. Doing exercise routines to strengthen your hip abductors like lateral side steps, side leg lifts, and one-legged squats can also help combat ITBS.
We don’t even need to explain to you that fracturing a bone, or anything, for that matter, is a bad thing. However, unlike acute fractures that occur as a result of an event like a slip or fall, stress fractures develop as a result of consistent and cumulative strain on a bone. The shin, feet, and heels are areas of bone that are particularly susceptible to stress fractures for runners. Stress fractures are a serious running-related injury and cannot run through. Recovering from such an injury requires extensive time off from running, for fear that returning to the high-impact activity too soon will cause some real, long-term damage to your bone(s).
Improving your bone density with weight training may help you heal from a stress fracture, depending on the situation. As always, make sure that you’re getting the proper nutrients and daily calories that your body needs to support strong bones and strong overall health. If you’re unsure about the severity or extent of a stress fracture, or any one of these running injuries, for that matter, contact a doctor or sports physiologist about it.
While it is clear that running can result in a host of complications for the body, the low impact running experience that you’ll get by using The Real Runner™ is a great way to circumnavigate all of these potential complications. Who would want to deal with plantar fasciitis or stress fractures? No one does, but everyone should value their health and cardiovascular endurance. Discover the amazing benefits of The Real Runner™ for yourself today!
]]>Our unique running machine accurately simulates the running experience without any impact on your body, while still providing a vigorous, high-intensity workout. How? Learn more about The Real Runner™ by visiting this page. In today’s blog post, we’re going to cover a host of common running injuries associated with conventional running - all things that you’ll never have to deal with when you use our low impact cardio workout machine! Let’s take a look.
Running and getting injured is a pretty well-known correlation. Whether you naturally have weak bones, got into an accident that hurt your spine, or simply started to train too hard too fast, some estimate that nearly 80 percent of runners are injured each year. Yikes! The majority of these running-related injuries are most likely caused by overuse - things like applying repeated force (impact) over a long period of time.
Sudden changes in training volume and doing the same type of run every day also contribute to these running-related injuries. The point that we’re trying to illustrate here is that injuries, as they relate to running, have been a major issue in the past and continue to plague those who want to get into better shape.
Runner’s knee is an extremely common running-related injury and really prevents many people from being able to handle the high-impact of traditional running. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), or runner’s knee, refers to the irritation of cartilage on the underside of the kneecap, or the patella. The knee plays such a large role in running-related injuries that roughly 40 percent have something to do with the knee. Patellofemoral pain syndrome can flare up during more times than just running - well after your run is done, and even after sitting down for long periods of time and climbing up and down flights of stairs.
Pretty much anyone with biomechanical factors that put an extra load on the knee are prone to runner’s knee. So, this includes runners, hikers, tennis players, skiers, and so forth - really, many types of activities that involve frequent and repetitive motion with the legs and knees. Additional risk factors for getting runner’s knee include overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot when you strike the ground), weak quads, weak hips, and weak glutes.
While it is possible to run through such an ailment, one must do so very carefully - taking extra rest days and reducing your overall mileage is necessary. Because strong gluteal muscles can help fight against runner’s knee, running uphill on a treadmill or another surface is sometimes recommended to work through runner’s knee. Just make sure to pay close attention to how your knees feel, and also keep in mind that running (and even walking) downhill generally causes more stress, pressure and weight on your knees.
Achilles tendonitis, or the irritation/inflammation of your Achilles tendon, is also a fairly well-known injury related to running. Runners have frequently reported feeling fine several miles into a good run, and then experiencing the feeling of being ‘brought down’ due to the pain on the backside of one (or both) of their feet, despite the fact that their lungs, heart, other muscles, and so forth feel completely fine.
The Achilles tendon is important because it connects the two major calf muscles to the back of the heel. When subjected to too much stress - especially repetitive, impact-based stress - the tendon will tighten and become irritated. Runners who run consistently without taking enough downtime or those who dramatically increase their training distances and intensities are more prone to Achilles tendonitis. The chance of developing Achilles tendonitis is even greater if you frequently train on hills or do speed work. Those with tight, weak calves are also more likely to develop this nasty foot pain.
As with many injuries, running-related or otherwise, the RICE method helps: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. But ultimately, the most effective way to deal with and overcome something like Achilles Tendonitis is what most dedicated runners will absolutely hate to hear: taking time off of the high-impact activity. The less time one puts pressure and weight on the affected area(s), let alone suffer through the constant yet inherent impact of running itself, the quicker their Achilles tendon will strengthen and heal. If the back of your foot or both of your feet flare up with pain mid-way through a run, don’t try to finish it out to hit your ideal distance, even if you’re having an otherwise great, euphoric run - stop immediately before your Achilles tendon worsens!
Hamstring issues are frequently associated with many professional sports and physical activities, but pure running acts as a breeding ground for hamstring-related injuries. And, anyone who’s ever gone through severe hamstring issues will tell you that it is not fun to deal with (not that any of these injuries are, of course).
The hamstring represents important muscles that ‘run’ down the back of the thighs. The hamstring helps facilitate important motions like bending the knees, extending the legs, driving up hills, kicking motions, and so much more. If your hamstring has ever been too tight or weak to perform optimally, then the chances are that you’ve probably noticed it, and quickly, too.
Like other running-related complications, hamstring pain typically surfaces because the muscles are too weak, from being too short or too long. Contrary to what one might believe, being overly flexible in general might make you more prone to hamstring issues because over extended or stretched-out muscles are generally more vulnerable to damage. This is why things like dynamic stretching are typically recommended over static or ‘regular’ stretching, because the stretching motions you make actually mirror the motions in your activity of choice, and don’t over-stretch these muscles before they’re actually put to the test. In running, this is especially important.
Having the right amount of flexibility is important to safeguard your hamstring, because overly tight, short muscles are under great tension. A true hamstring pull might leave runners out of the game for months, while a significant overextension could be remedied with a little time off, a muscle roller, or cross-training activities like biking, swimming, hiking, and other things that don’t involve such a high-impact like running - even a brisk walk is a great way to keep the blood flowing and increase your heart rate when you’re recovering from a running-related injury.
All things considered in regard to these common running injuries, you can probably guess what our take is on the situation at The Real Runner…
We’re not trying to sound too much like Captain Hindsight over here, but the most effective way to deal with, overcome and avoid the issues that come with running is to actually not run at all - well, not in the traditional sense of “shoes-meet-the-pavement.” Instead, get all of the well-known benefits of running without repeatedly striking the ground with your feet - with The Real Runner™, our cardio workout equipment will help you improve cardiovascular endurance, avoid injuries, and preserve your body altogether.
Regardless of your running background, The Real Runner™ is the perfect high-intensity cardio workout solution for anyone. Take the next step to better health and happiness and check out the magic of The Real Runner™ today!
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