The Importance of Cross-Training

First off, what is cross training?  According to Wikipedia, it is “training in different ways to improve overall performance.”  Incorporating different exercises into your fitness schedule will give your body a more balanced workout and make your body stronger overall, instead of just working one particular set of muscles.  For example, if you only run, you will have a strong legs and good cardio but your core and upper body will be weak; if you only lift weights, your cardio will be weak so that even a quick jog to catch your dog will make you tire very easily.  The ideal fitness routine would be to include exercises that will build your cardio, strength, endurance and balance.  This may seem like a lot but varying your workout in the week with different types of exercises will improve your fitness.   For example, you can take an aerobics class for cardio, pick up some weights to improve your strength, try some yoga moves to increase your flexibility and balance, and run for endurance.  The more variety you bring into your workout, the better.

Only recently did I discover the benefits of cross training.  For a while I was only doing cardio and weights (my main focus was cardio), so my balance, endurance, and strength were not as strong as I wished them to be.  In the past few months, though, I have picked up paddling, running, and yoga and I can feel/see the difference not only in my Turbo Kick workouts but also in how I look.  In my Turbo Kick class, I do not get as tired as easily as before which helps keep my movements sharp, and I’ve noticed that my body is getting leaner without me amping up my Turbo Kick workouts to the level of insanity. 

So, if you’re looking to be stronger and get a better workout overall, just add a different exercise into your schedule.  Happy Cross Training!