Cross Training Exercise Program - What is it and why do it?

By Debbie Rossi

Cross training is the technique of incorporating different exercise activities into a well-balanced exercise program. There are lots of reasons to cross-train. Here are a few of them:

• It cuts down on the boredom factor - Let's face it, working out can become monotonous at times. Having a whole "bank" of activities to choose from, putting them together to fit your mood or schedule, and always having a choice of something new to add helps you look forward to working out.
• It decreases the chance of overuse injuries - When we do the same activities over and over again, therefore, using the same muscles and joints, over time it can cause musculoskeletal injuries due to just plain old over use. Incorporating many different activities into your regimen will help avoid overuse injuries, by using more muscles and joints in various planes.
• A cross training exercise program balances your body out. - This relates to our previous point: when you use the same muscles all the time, there are other muscles that aren't being used as much. Varying your activities varies the muscles that are used, providing balance to your body.
• It increases your intensity. - Exercicing using the same activity all the time allows your body to become very efficient at that activity. Therefore, the body doesn't need to work as hard. But throw a new or different activity at it, and it suddenly finds itself back at work. Think of it this way: if English is your primary language, it's easy for you to speak and understand it. Now let's say you know just a little bit of Spanish, and need to use it to get directions. You have to work much harder at communicating. Right? It's the same idea with exercise and incorporating many sports!
• It burns more fat. - Why? Because cross-training is naturally programming your body to work harder, you're also going to naturally burn more fat.
• It gives you a reason to try new activities - Chances are there are activities you've been wanting to try, but don't want to spend a lot of time on them. Cross-training allows you to try them in small chunks of time, without taking a chance on over-doing it.

As for some of those new activities, let me ask you this. When was the last time you did something for the first time?. If you have NEVER tried any of the fun fitness cross training methods below, then give them a shot and see how you go.

You may find that you have a new hobby to enjoy that will also contribute to newer fitness levels. For example:

• Kickboxing
• Mountain biking
• Kayaking
• Rollerblading
• Ceroc dancing
• Gymnastics
• Rock climbing
• Abseiling

Author: Debbie Rossi

Debbie is a registered Cert III Cert IV personal trainer and specializing in one on one personal training and physique transformations. She is the current Australian Ambassador for the EAS Body for Life Challenge and also the Australian Grand Master Champion. She works from her "desire" studios based on Sydney's northern beaches.You can contact Debbie through her website www.desirefitness.com.au