The Benefits Of Cross Training
You may have heard the term cross training floated around in the gym (not to be confused with crossfit) so what is it and why is it beneficial?
We’re going to dive into why we should be cross training and how ti can help us…
What is cross training?
Essentially, cross training is using other forms of exercise to compliment our main sport. For example, if running is your primary form of exercise, then your cross training might involve a static bike, an elliptical machine, swimming or walking. Cross training is using other movement types to aid your main sport and help improve performance.
Cross training is slightly different to conditioning work in the gym - we recommend including at least one conditioning session per week to keep strong, whereas cross training is complimenting your primary sport when needed.
How often should I be cross training?
You can choose how often you want to include cross training in your week. For example, if you cycle 3-4 times a week, then you might like to go swimming once a week as your cross training session to help keep the body strong and to have a break from cycling.
If you are unable to do your primary sport perhaps due to injury, cross training will take up more sessions in the week as this becomes you main form of exercise.
Why is cross training beneficial?
Cross training has several benefits including the following:
Injury prevention and helping to maintain fitness
improves performance as it engages other muscle groups and fitness techniques
keeping variety to your fitness and training sessions
testing your ability in other movements besides your primary sport
To summarise, cross training is exercise that compliments your main form of fitness, helping you to improve technique and performance. You can use it weekly, or as an aid when you cannot do your usual sport.
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