There is no doubt running is a great way to get in shape. However running may be stressful on certain parts of your body. Each stride exerts a load on your knees of two to three times your body weight. Over time, this impact can cause pain in your joints and tendons. Use cross-training to decrease the damage by getting in your exercise in a less impactful way. Cross-training will improve your running without actually doing any running. Do yourself a favor and include other types of exercise such as yoga, swimming, and biking. Not only will your joints get a break from the pounding that running causes on your joints, but you will also be strengthening your body. This plan will keep you healthy longer, and make your runs easier and faster along the way.