Suggestions

SaraSchneider6

Hello everyone!

 I am running (or attempting to run) a 5k October 6th.  I've been doing the couch to 5k program to prep myself for it 3 days/week.  I need something to do the other 3 days that I'm working out (I take a day off).  I work out at Planet Fitness and they have a 30 minute exercise express area.  There is a timer, 10 machines, and 10 stepping blocks.  You do the first machine for a minute, then it gives you 30 seconds, then you stair step (or w/e) for a minute then 30 second to get machine set, then you do a machine and so on .... is that good enough for the days that I'm not on the treadmill/doing ABS or does anyone have any other ideas?  I'm still trying to tone/tighten up a bit!  The 30-minute express gets in cardio and strength, so I'm thinking it's probably okay?  Another question is, what can I do on the stair stepper blocks besides just stair stepping?  You can see the little stair stepper blocks I'm referring to in this pic.

pantsarella

That plan sounds fine to me. On my non-running days, I would start with a 10 minute walk to warm up and then just do some weightlifting. Or you could cross train on a stationary bike/elliptical or try swimming. 

You could also do box jumps onto the steps. Or do single leg dips. Both of those are exercises I did in PT to help strengthen my knees to run. You could also do pushups with your feet on the step instead of the floor.