Cross training, or Cross training: this is perhaps the most important thing you need to do to improve your physical condition. Below, we'll go over the amazing benefits of cross training and how it differs from Crossfit.
One afternoon, your friend asks you to go for a run.
Maybe you got one of these answers:
"I push cast iron - I don't run".
"I am a biker."
"I only run when I'm working out."
It's just. Most runners probably had a similar response when asked to participate in another fitness activity.
Unfortunately, focusing on one form of exercise and ignoring everything else is a dangerous mistake!
If you want to reach your athletic goals, it is essential to learn and practice cross-training.
Here's what you need to know.
What is cross training?
Cross training is a type of training program that combines different forms of exercise.
For example, a runner who rides a bike and swims cross-trains. Just like a powerlifter doing yoga.
Obviously, in order to be competitive, athletes need to devote the majority of their time and attention to their specific sport, but cross training helps athletes improve their overall performance and fitness. This reduces the risk of injury and promotes better overall fitness.
But don't just take our word for it.
Check out these ten mind-blowing benefits of this type of training!
The benefits of cross training
Looking to achieve a new fitness goal? Are you training for a big event?
1. Prevent Overtraining Injuries
Cross training can help you prevent first injuries and new injuries.
Here's why :
When you start a new sport, you usually want to go all out!
If you've just taken up running, cycling, or even swimming, you want to put all of your time and energy into it. The problem with this approach is that your aerobic fitness often exceeds your muscular fitness.
Your stamina can handle this new activity, but your muscles aren't fully developed to support you yet.
That's why you feel like you can keep going and push yourself harder, further, and faster. Then, out of nowhere, your muscle fatigue eventually catches up with you – BAM! Injury .
Cross-training helps you indulge in a new activity. You can start running and build muscle in your legs, and you can cross-train with swimming to steadily improve your aerobic health while giving your legs a break.
2. Better general physical condition
Your body will never be truly balanced and healthy if you only do one activity.
Look at the lifters who neglect cardio – they are huge! They are too big! They therefore lack mobility, flexibility and endurance. It's the same for long-distance runners.
They are usually associated with a super lean upper body and toned legs, but many of them lack the functional strength needed to perform weight training.
The ideal is to find a good balance between strength and endurance. Cross training provides the foundation for this balance. You can focus on learning one main skill, but you can give the rest of your body a secondary workout.
3. Avoid boredom
Doing the same thing in the gym every day can get boring.
And when you get bored, you risk losing your level.
That's why it's essential to mix things up!
If you ride your bike every day, try rowing, running, or strength training. No matter what you're doing, cross-training can prevent exercise from becoming just a boring routine.
4. Take advantage of the low season
Working out all year round is a great way to get injured, but you probably hate the thought of stopping exercising altogether.
And that's okay - you don't have to!
Cross-training helps you improve your fitness while taking a break from your main sport.
During the cold winter months, it sucks to go for a run outside. So take a break during the winter season and focus on other activities: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, indoor cycling, rowing, swimming, mountaineering, etc.
5. Restore Injuries
We have all heard stories like this:
Let's take the example of an ultra-marathon runner who trains by doing resistance exercises.
These people often suffer injuries related to the overuse of their muscles – inflamed knees and injured tendons are among the most common.
In some cases, smart training (mostly with the help of a physical therapist) can be an effective way to rehabilitate these injuries and get these athletes back on their feet.
If you're nursing an old overuse injury, cross-training can be a great way to regain some mobility and get back in the saddle, so to speak.
6. Increased flexibility
Doing different types of activity teaches your body to move in different ways.
By developing your natural range of motion, you will improve your performance and reduce your risk of injury.
But flexibility is not limited to yoga.
Runners, for example, can improve their flexibility by cycling, stretching, rowing, and strength training.
7. Gain strength
It is important to be strong in any activity. Whether you're swimming in the pool, rock climbing or mountain biking, you'll perform better if you're as strong as possible.
For example, runners need strong legs to carry them quickly or for long periods of time. But running isn't the only (or best) way to strengthen your legs.
Squat exercises in the gym will allow you to develop your legs faster than running.
Cross training helps you build your core strength through a variety of different exercises.
Swimmers need a strong core and back, which they can achieve through ab exercises, deadlifts, row exercises, and the like.
8. A larger network of workout buddies
Can't get enough of training with the same people over and over again? If so, cross-training could be a great way to find new people to hit the gym with.
By exploring new activities, you will get to know more people and make more friends.
By expanding your training network, you'll also have more valuable resources and skills to help you achieve your fitness goals.
9. Correct muscle imbalances
This comes back to the example of rehabilitation. If you hurt your leg while running, running more won't solve the problem.
But exercise and building specific muscles will.
Maybe you need to pay less attention to your calves and more to your thighs - then you can cross train with the bike.
Or maybe you have back pain while running, then you can train with rowing or swimming.
Cross Training VS CrossFit
What is the difference between cross training and CrossFit?
Is it the same?
No not at all.
Cross-training involves building up your strength or endurance using different exercises and activities.
CrossFit (note the capitalization of Fit) is a patented training program that involves high-intensity functional movements.
CrossFit defines these functional movements as the "basic movements of life". These movements are found in basic gymnastics, the Olympic snatch, running, rowing, etc. CrossFit is usually practiced in small or large groups, those that are stereotyped as groups who shout and encourage each other.
As for Cross-training VS CrossFit - one isn't really better than the other. Each is a different form of training that produces different results.
If you're looking to increase your endurance, prevent injury, and build supporting muscles to improve your performance, you'll benefit from cross-training.
If you are looking to improve your "functional form" and join a community of motivated individuals, then you will benefit from CrossFit.
The final result
Cross training is a great way to take your stamina to the next level.
Enjoy the many benefits of cross-training by incorporating different types of training into your routine.
You don't need to drastically restructure the way you exercise - you just need to mix things up a bit with different workouts. Not only will it help you reach your fitness goals, but it will bring fun and exciting variety to your daily workouts!