Cross Training is the Key to Reaching New Fitness Heights

Check out this scenario…

You’re a regular exerciser and you lift maybe 3-4 times a week, and feel pretty strong as a result. You also do your cardio, running 3-4 miles a couple times a week at roughly 7 miles per hour. Everything is peachy keen, and you’re feeling really good about your overall fitness level. But then, you’re asked to do play some league basketball with a friend. You decide to play, remembering the days when you could make it rain out on the playground. But five minutes into the first game, you’re thinking about the huge mistake you just made. Your tongue is hanging out, your lungs feel like they’re going to explode, and you can’t keep your hands off of your knees at timeouts. What happened?

This has probably happened to each one of us at some point. We feel like we’re in good shape, but then we try to do something that’s outside of our comfort zone, and it’s a struggle. After all, what fun is an activity if you can't hang with your peers, right?

This speaks to the benefits of cross training, which basically refers to a form of training that involves several different types of exercise. Constantly changing things up will condition the entire body, providing for greater fitness benefits, fewer overuse injuries and more flexibility in your workouts. The ideal training program involves a number of different activities done at varying intensity levels.

All too often, people are sticking to free weights or machines and then one particular type of cardio equipment. Find a new activity! It will certainly keep your workouts fun, especially given the fact that boredom is one of the biggest reasons for quitting a fitness program in the first place. If you need additional reasons for incorporating cross training, check out this article.

So, the next logical question is: What should I do?

Honestly, it doesn’t really matter.

If you’re a long-distance runner, try some sprints.
If you’re an elliptical nut, try some rowing.
If you can row until your arms fall off, try some elliptical.
If you haven’t been on a bike since age 10, pump up the tires and get ridin'.
If you’re an experienced strength trainer, try some high-intensity interval training.
If you’re a strength training pyramid scheme guy, try some circuits.
If you’re into machines, try some bodyweight stuff.
If free weights are your life, then throw around some kettle bells.
If you’ve never used an exercise ball, give that a whirl.
If you do the same 8 stretches every time you workout, try some yoga.
If you’ve never set foot in a class, try training with a group for once.
And if you don’t do anything, just get your butt in the gym!

How’s that for changing things up a bit?

Keep in mind, changing up your routine will be difficult at first, but the long-term benefits make it all worth it. As always, if you have questions about how to get the most out of your workouts, or you need help designing a cross training program, talk to a certified personal trainer.