Running and Footbag.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » 01 Mar 2012 08:21

I used to run and kick right after all the time, but the rain has been detering me from running. Now that it's starting to clear up, I take it I should get back into running? I really despise running, so I'll probably just go on long bike rides. But how much would it hurt my game if I just used shredding as my cardio? I work out on the regular, and once the sun comes out to stay, I'll probably be playing basketball and maybe some football. Please tell me running isn't as important as I think it is.

FlexThis · Post by **FlexThis** » 01 Mar 2012 10:40

I do pure footbag cardio at the moment. Running is ok, but footbag burns way more calories if you are guiltless or better.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » 01 Mar 2012 10:54

I am currently a mid level tiltless. But I definitely feel like footbag is better cardio, it's just been drilled into my head that you need to run. Grazi brah.

Kimbe. · Post by **Kimbe.** » 01 Mar 2012 15:19

FlexThis wrote:I do pure footbag cardio at the moment. Running is ok, but footbag burns way more calories if you are guiltless or better.

Agreed. As I've measured my heartrate doing both I can say footbag compares to high-intense intervals in running. Not only does the pulse go high but as you get further into your session and more tired it,(the pulse), takes longer to drop to your rest rate. That again means more calories burnt.

The thing is, running 30 mins to 1 hour at a comfortable pace will work your foundation but won't really give the kind of explosive stamina that footbag needs. On the other hand footbag will give you a good foundation for running but won't make you a runner. That requires specifically running.

All this said I'm no expert, but just as you I've been doing both running and footbag. I'd say don't do running if you don't feel like it, footbag is good cardio.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » 01 Mar 2012 16:33

So then why do you continue to run instead of just having longer sessions? Thank you for the input. I'm thinking I'll just do a weenie little run for a quick warm-up after stretching.

C-Fan · Post by **C-Fan** » 02 Mar 2012 07:05

My bias against running is the added impact on your footbag joints, as well as the injury risk. At the gym lately I warm up on the ellipticals because there's no impact or injury risk, but still warms up the footbag muscles. Other than getting you warm though, I agree that running lacks the bursts of strength that are needed in footbag.

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » 02 Mar 2012 17:42

I run and do footbag, although I do neither to compliment the other - I run because I play another sport that involves a lot of running, I play footbag because for the sake of playing footbag.

I agree with most of what's been said here, although I think if you do harder running - sprint training, interval training etc. then I suspect it would have a better impact on your footbag game. For example, a lot of the running training that I do consists of reps of a short sprint - usually no more than 70m (since that's how long a touch footy field is), followed by either a 2 minute rest, or a walk/jog back to the start for recovery, repeat - usually about 5 reps to a set, and then a longer break. Sometimes the distance sprinting varies too - so it will be like 5m, jog back, 10m jog back, 25m jog back, 50m jog back, 75m, jog back - first set finished. This kind of mix of strength and aerobic training is probably ideal for footbag (although footbag is probably "more" ideal footbag).

The other thing worth considering is very long, very easy, footbag runs. For example - 500 consecutive alternating clipper delays.

Sporatical_Distractions · Post by **Sporatical_Distractions** » 02 Mar 2012 20:14

If you despise running then why run?

Much like everyone has stated, footbag is sufficient enough stamina trainer in itself. Just like any cardio though, you need to keep up with it. I personally enjoy running and run much more often than I play footbag.

crazylegs32 · Post by **crazylegs32** » 02 Mar 2012 22:32

Running is the best exercise. If your body cant handle it then get into shape.- I cant run for shit or id get hurt, because im out of shape. The military makes you run for a reason..
You wouldnt hear jeremy mentioning 500 contact drills if he wasnt already in shape. What I see in my eyes when I go to jams is 3-15 contact runs into self serve repeat. over and over and over. Not many people use the cardio but those that do are incredible.

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » 03 Mar 2012 20:53

I'm in ok shape, but I don't know if I could hit 500 consecutive clippers. Maybe I'll have a crack at it though. My toe delay record is a little over 1200 I think - but I've only attempted that twice, and the first time I stopped at 999, and did a run at the end instead.

F[uns]tylin' Eclectic · Post by **F[uns]tylin' Eclectic** » 09 Mar 2012 22:38

Just play footbag if you hate to run. I used to be a puny little turd in grade school, then I got into playing footbag almost every day and my calves buffed up and I got WAY more fit and in shape. Never played a sport, used to skateboard, but that's about it. Footbag keeps me in excellent shape.

Corey · Post by **Corey** » 09 Mar 2012 23:09

Running helped me a lot.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » 03 Jun 2013 07:32

Running has been helping with my stamina, but it recently gave me shin splints. I play pretty much every other day, and was running on my off days(just a quick mile or 2). I started feeling REALLY good, so I wanted to start running everyday. Think I jumped the gun too quick, cause the splints are active.

How do you guys mix running with footbag, if you do?

Another, off topic question, but when do you know you've played enough footbag for the day? I always find myself wanting to play multiple times a day, but don't want to, do to risk of injury. It's hard to find a work out as fun as this

F[uns]tylin' Eclectic · Post by **F[uns]tylin' Eclectic** » 03 Jun 2013 07:49

Shin Splints is my middle name :/ Well, used to be at least. Try running more on your toes. That helped me overcome the splints, as well as playing on my toes. What also helped me get rid of shin splints was to stop doing Atomic Ducking... So stop ducking your Atomics

Jk, you'll be there one day, no doubt. But what I think would help a lot is fixing your Pixie form. You take off too hastily with them. Really chill that uptime dex instead of ripping it. As for knowing when to stop... I REALLY had/currently have this problem, but it's getting better. Its called self-control. It is really tough, but what helped me kinda is when my legs start to feel kinda beat, I pick a drill or a link and end on that both sides. If I can't get it within 5 - 10 tries, I quit it and do something else I know I can hit, like drill an old trick 25 - 50 times or something. Hope this helps. If you continue having shin splints, pm me, I have some other great suggestions.

AtotheK · Post by **AtotheK** » 03 Aug 2013 08:51

I think this really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you just want an activity to keep you energetic and in good health footbag all by itself is fine. However, if you are playing footbag and trying to really push your game, like with any other sport, you should do some cross training. If you want to do effective cross training there are a number of different types of workouts you should be incorporating such as: Endurance (distance running or biking), Strength (weight lifting), Power (plyometrics), and cardio (running or swimming). These are all things you would be doing in addition to playing lots of footbag. Yes footbag workouts can be tailored to include all of these, but a serious athlete normally will supplement their training. I do agree with others here that running may not be the best because of the impact.

Running and Footbag.

Running and Footbag.

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