Cross Training

fitness

By Tots Reyes

It’s easy to stick to the same workout routine day in and day out. After all, there’s a certain comfort to be found in routine, and as you get stronger, it takes less and less effort to maintain your routine. However, keep in mind that that if you rarely vary your program, you may be setting yourself up for boredom, burnout or injury.

Cross training is a fun way to condition different parts of your body and at the same time reduce the risk of injury and boredom. Everyone knows that routine can set you up for boredom. I mean, running on the treadmill day in and day out, always at the same speed, for the same amount of time takes up less effort than hiking or biking outside, but it tends to be less fun for me over time. This is why I try to mix up my routine a bit and do some cross training. I find that I tend to run better when I take days off in between to go biking or hiking. It’s almost like I feel that after I missed running, in the days when I was off biking.

Or try and mix up cardiovascular exercises with strength training and flexibility training. Or use different types of machines and equipment. For example, you can do free weights on one day, and then switch it up to tubing and bands the next.

Everyone benefits from cross training. When you engage in different workout activities, you challenge yourself both physically and mentally to learn a new skill. Different muscle groups that you didn’t even know existed become engaged, plus it reduces the risk of injury since you won’t keep on straining the same muscles. If you get injured let’s say from badminton, you can take up a new sport while you are recovering. Cross training lets you stay active even during recovery days.

As a word to the wise, make sure that you are wearing the proper shoes and gear when you are cross training. For example, don’t wear walking shoes if you know you’ll be running. I read somewhere that cross training shoes are made to withstand the impact of a sustained activity for only about thirty minutes. After that, you won’t be getting the same support. So if you’re doing several different activities, you may want to purchase different shoes or at least an extra pair to make sure your feet and body get adequate support.

As always, whatever activity you choose to do, consult your doctor first, especially if you have a medical condition. Do the proper warm up and hydrate your body properly throughout the day.

The next time you hit the gym, try a different machine or join a class for the day. You may be surprised and find out how enjoyable it is!