Running in the wintertime has its challenges around here. Icy patches, frigid temperatures, uncleared sidewalks. There’s always the treadmill or the gym, but other indoor workout options can offer you the exercise you crave and just might improve your running when you do get out there. That’s why I put together this list of the 5 best Beachbody programs for runners.

Before I give you this list I want to tell you that I am not a hardcore runner, but I do run. I’m also married to a crazy-runner-guy. The kind that runs 12 miles, frigid temperatures or not. With no headphones. On a weekday morning before work. So I feel like that adds a little credibility to my list-making. (I’m also not a certified trainer or anything- this is all based on my own experience and the experiences of friends.)

Me, I’m more of a spring-fall-and not-too-hot-summer-day kind of runner.

I have also been doing Beachbody programs consistently for seven years. Sometimes I do a program and run simultaneously; sometimes I alternate workouts and running. I have learned that some workouts are just too hard on the body (at least this body) to be conducive to running.

I have also learned that Beachbody programs can strengthen your body and drastically improve your running. You might do a program just because you can’t get out of the house in this godforsaken winter weather and find that you love it…and that it makes you a better runner.

After doing Insanity for the first time, I ran 3 miles faster and stronger than I ever had before. (You can read about that here.) I was not crushing any records, but it sure felt good to feel stronger, faster, and leaner. So even if you’re not looking to shave seconds off your time or medal at a marathon, these programs can make your running more enjoyable!

5 Best Beachbody Programs for Runners

1. 21 Day Fix. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Seven different workouts, each only a half hour. This program made a fuss for good reason. I have literally seen it change lives. The workouts will build muscle and burn calories. They will also help keep you stretching and lengthening.
2. P90X3. Good old Tony Horton. This is another well-rounded program. Lots of variety, 30-minute workouts. Not overly taxing. I would also throw P90X in with this one. I’ve never done that program (it’s on my “someday” list) but I have heard amazing things. And a coach friend of mine says he has used that program specifically for runners and has shaved minutes off their race times. It’s more of a time commitment but worth it.
3. Body Beast. If you’re really looking to build muscle this is a great option and a great complement to running! Sagi takes a little getting used to, but I loved this program.
4. Chalean Extreme. This is one of my first programs and one of my favorites. I love, love, love it. It’s motivating and inspiring and body-changing. It was this program that made me fall in love with weights.
5. Piyo. It’s been years since I did this program, but it’s a great complement to running. Lots of stretching and lengthening. I find it crazy hard, but I know a lot of people who say it’s their favorite. This tells me I probably need to do it again! I hesitated to include it because I find it so difficult, but it is really a great one for runners.

I have to mention the 3 Week Yoga Retreat, too.I’ve never done the whole program, but I have done many of the workouts and loved each one. There is even one specifically for runners. While I love yoga more in a yoga studio, it is nice to have so many quality yoga options at home.

Balancing Your Fitness

My crazy-runner-husband views the wintertime as a time to do those cross-training things that he knows he needs but avoids in favor of running most of the year. So he will decrease his running volume and focus more on weights and other kinds of workouts.

Just like I balance my Beachbody workouts with running, runners can round out their fitness with Beachbody.

I run mostly for the mental aspect. You get something from running that you don’t get with home workouts.

Weights are an important part of a well-rounded fitness program. They made a huge difference for me in my running and in my weight loss. Weights also changed my body more than cardio. So if you haven’t given them a try you should!

And while I love weights and think everyone should make them part of their fitness routine, it’s important to proceed with caution. I know the last thing a runner wants to do is get injured and not be able to run! So go lighter than you think you should and go easy on the legs. Weights will build and define those muscles, but you don’t want to overtax them.

I obviously love Beachbody programs and some of my favorites aren’t listed here. I have found that a lot of high-intensity interval training workouts are too much on my legs when I’m running. For that reason, I haven’t included programs like Insanity, Shift Shop, 21 Day Fix Extreme, Transform :20. Even though I love them.

In addition to the programs that made my list, there are a ton of other individual workouts that are great for runners and a ton of yoga.

Mix, Match, Modify

How you fit other workouts into your life depends on how much you’re running. If you’re taking some time off from running, commit to a whole program and aim to work out as many days as you would if you were running.

For those of you still running, plug these workouts into your schedule as it makes sense.

If you can get out for a run a few times a week, you might want to swap out the cardio days of a workout program for running. Most of these programs don’t include too much jumping to tax your legs.

You can go light on the weights for leg day or “Lower Fix” to avoid tiring your legs out too much. Most of these programs have modifiers and you can make them all low-impact.

I am sure there are many free workouts on YouTube that are great, too! Or you can dust off some old DVDs. But the variety and convenience of Beachbody On Demand make it so worth it. It gives you access to all the Beachbody programs out there- all the ones I’ve mentioned here and tons more. There is a method there that has worked for so many people; a method that has helped so many people get healthy and fit.

You can also visit my Beachbody website and look around. You can check out the fitness programs and find great recipes!

Have you ever tried a Beachbody workout program? Would you like to? I’d love to hear from you!

 

 

 

 

 

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