Move in different directions

Triathletes work the same major muscle groups while riding and running – moving straight ahead – and imbalances can develop because the stabilizer muscles around the hips and pelvis are relatively weak. This time of year is a great time to focus on your core and get those under-utilized muscles stronger. Pleiometric activities like single leg  and double leg lateral jumps, and cross stepping, are good additions to strength training routines. It can be really useful to get an assessment done with a Chiro, Physio, or Sports Massage therapist to identify postural issues and possible muscle imbalances, and put together a strength and stability routine to address them. Going to an indoor climbing gym is a great way to get your body moving in different ways and to strengthen your core (and your forearms for swimming!). Take the time to play sports you’ve neglected, I like ultimate Frisbee, where you run around, move side to side and stop and start. If you live someplace snowy skate-skiing is a great way to engage those glutes and lateral leg muscles a little more!