Why Train On Grass

Photo Source

Take It To The Turf: The Benefits of Training on GrassBuild strength and stay healthy by taking some of your workouts onto softer surfaces.
The post Take It To The Turf: The Benefits of Training on Grass appeared first on Competitor.com.

There are many reasons why training on grass is a great idea for all runners—regardless of experience or ability level. Most obvious is the fact that grass offers runners the benefit of a softer surface, which is an excellent way to reduce the chances of impact-related injury. There are non-intuitive benefits as well. “Grass workouts are an excellent way to improve overall balance and proprioception as well as strengthen the feet,” says Pete Rea, the elite athlete coach and coordinator at ZAP Fitness in Blowing Rock, N.C.

Dennis Barker, the head coach of Team USA Minnesota, agrees that balance is developed on grass, as the slightly uneven surface engages smaller muscles in your feet, ankles, legs and hips—areas that don’t get worked as much on a flat, smooth surface. “The softer surface requires more strength to run on quickly,” he says.

Barker also says that grass running provides mental benefits. “If you are training for a track or road race, it’s a mental break from the workouts done on those surfaces,” he says. “You know that your times will be faster once you go back on the track or road.”
Original Article on Competitor