The best way to challenge your skills as a runner is to compete in a marathon. Training methods for the event will vary for each person, but there is fitness equipment available that can help you get in the best shape to come out on top. Read on to learn the best exercise equipment for marathon training and get yourself pumped to go for the gold.
Ankle Weights
Resistance training will help your muscles adjust when they need to produce more effort and use more energy. Add ankle weights to your legs to make running more challenging. The increased effort will prepare you for the marathon and improve your speed.
Your stamina will feel higher on the day of the run when you’ve grown accustomed to having more weight and using more energy to gain distance on your runs. Adding weight to your legs is one of the best ways to make the most of leg day, and you’ll surely gain more muscles for a powerful burst of speed during the marathon.
Stationary Bike
A stationary bike is great for building your lung capacity and leg muscles for improved breathing and better endurance. Most modern stationary bikes have settings that will increase the resistance of your pedaling, causing you to pedal harder and place more effort into maintaining your form.
The resistance will strengthen the muscles in your thighs and increase the size of your blood vessels in the hips to improve flexibility. Use a stationary bike for great training results and help your legs improve for the marathon. Agility and endurance are essential in a race; for a long-distance run like a marathon, you’ll need as much as possible.
Treadmill
Your practice runs don’t need to occur outside, especially if you have a treadmill in your home. A treadmill is one of the best home gym equipment, according to trainers, and you’ll feel more prepared for the marathon when you use it daily. Treadmills have settings that will speed up the belt so you can practice running faster for longer times.
Controls and monitors will help you track how long and far you’ve run to help you improve. Walk in between runs on the treadmill by slowing down the belt to a casual pace. The constant movement will help your heart grow used to fast movement and enhance blood flow for the marathon.
Stair Climber
Running up and down the stairs is a common method in marathon training to improve agility and muscular endurance. A stair climber is one of the best exercise machines to train for a marathon since it will simulate the feeling of running or walking up a continuous flight of stairs, and your leg muscles will grow stronger with each step. Variations of running, such as high knees or skipping steps, are possible on the stair climber when changing the settings for slower movement.
Training for a marathon takes significant effort, and you’ll need the best equipment. Use this equipment to help you get into great shape and help your body prepare to cross the finish line.
Dianne Pajo is a Certified Personal Trainer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.