Everything You Need To Know About Cross-Training
Are you tired of your usual workout routine and looking to level up your fitness game? Or maybe you want to learn new skills while staying active? Cross-training could be the solution you’re looking for! Whether you can’t hit the gym due to time or budget constraints or prefer working out at home, it offers a fresh way to enhance your fitness.
In this blog, we’ll break down what cross-training is, explain its benefits, and introduce you to some exercises you might already be doing—without even knowing they’re part of a cross-training routine. Let’s dive in!
What Is Cross Training?
Cross-training is a program that mixes different exercises. The CrossFit trainer and co-creator of the Transform app, Heidi Powell, states that it’s a term that has been used for randomised training modalities—both high and low intensity. This training mainly targets the arms, legs, glutes, and back.
Best Cross-Training Exercises
We have mentioned a few cross-training workouts in this section. Read them and add them to your workout routine.
Swimming
Swimming is a great exercise that not only strengthens your muscles but also improves your core strength and flexibility all at once. It also works on your heart & lungs and is one of the best exercises for heart health.
Cycling
Cycling is next among the cross-training exercises and is a low-impact activity to maintain cardiovascular health. The best thing about cycling is that it allows everyone to train, whether healthy or working through an injury.
Squats
Squats are among the exercises highly recommended by CrossFit trainers. They target your hamstrings and quadriceps. If you want these exercises to be more effective, try variations like pistol and jumping squats.
Deadlift
Deadlift is a game-changing cross-training exercise that targets multiple muscles in your back, shoulders, and legs simultaneously. This exercise can significantly help you build strength and muscle mass while fixing your posture.
Pushups
Pushups are bodyweight exercises highly recommended by every gym enthusiast and bodybuilder. This compound exercise can be performed in different variations, such as Diamond, inclined, declined, dive bomber, etc., and each targets different muscle groups.
Benefits of Cross-Training
If you go to CrossFit camps or approach a CrossFit trainer to help you with cross-training, you can enjoy all its benefits. We have mentioned 3 benefits here.
Greater Flexibility
It improves cardiovascular endurance and enhances muscle balance and flexibility by engaging different muscle groups in the body. This leads to increased joint mobility and muscle length for better flexibility.
Mental Freshness
Cross-training involves performing a variety of exercises so you don’t get bored due to workout monotony and stay motivated.
Improved Overall Fitness
Your different muscle groups are targeted through various exercises during the training session, which helps you get an overall improved fitness.
Transforming Fitness
Sports persons generally perform cross-training, but in the current time, fitness enthusiasts also perform it, and for good reasons. This allows you to enjoy different exercises and target different muscle groups for overall improved fitness. Reach out to a certified CrossFit trainer who can help you with this training program. You can also watch some videos on the internet to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1- Who should not do cross-training?
People with significant injuries or severe joint instability should avoid cross-training.
2- Who are the best CrossFit trainers?
Rich Froning Jr., Annie Thorisdottir, Ben Bergeron, Samantha Briggs, and Jason Khalipa are the top CrossFit trainers.
3- What is a CrossFit Camp?
CrossFit camps are retreats where people can elevate their training. Some camps offer outdoor activities like swimming, cycling, and trail running for open-air training.
4- How many days a week should you cross-train?
Cross-training once or twice every week is sufficient.
