Cross Training - Why It Is Good.

Trying to stay healthy and in good shape can be quite challenging for the average person. You hear that one should be doing this, that, or the other thing so you stay in good shape, especially if you age.  I've seen references to cross training being a great thing to do but I've never looked at the topic in detail. 

Cross training is defined as a type of exercise where people train using other exercises than they normally do.  This allows your body to adapt to new routines while encouraging better overall fitness levels. Cross training means the fully body undergoes conditioning, while improving skill, agility, balance, and fitness. Your cross training routine might be incorporating riding a bike once a week into your daily running routine.  When you add the bike riding, you are using a different set of muscles from those used when you run daily. 

There are several benefits to cross training.  First you won't get as bored as easily.  When we get bored, it is so much easier to find excuses not to workout and pretty soon, your exercise regime disappears.  By switching up your choices of exercise, you stay motivated, work muscles in a new and different way, and fun.

When we exercise, the body works harder because it has to breath more, the blood flow increases, and increased muscle load.  Exercise actually stresses the body in a way that makes it healthier in general.  If the frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise is the same everyday, the body becomes used to it and will not become fitter.  When you change it up, the body will improve.

In addition, when you cross train, you make sure your metabolism stays up and more efficient.  When you do the same exercise, your metabolism can stagnate so you might hit a plateau if you are trying to lose weight.  Furthermore cross training helps prevent injury.  When you do the same type of exercises every day, it puts your joints, bones, and muscles under stress which can increase the possibility of injury.  

A good cross training program will have an aerobic component along with  a strength component  and one that focuses on flexibility.  All training should consist of at least 30 minutes on most days but if you need to break it up into smaller chunks, that is fine but it needs to add up to 30 minutes. So switch up exercises, change things around, and enjoy the benefits of cross training.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear have a great day.