The Importance of Cross Training

Posted October 19, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Shannon Clark

Section: Her Fitness, Training Programs, Her Health, Her Motivation

One of the most important things you should be doing with your workout routine is implementing cross training activity.

Cross training is important for several reasons, the primary one is avoiding injuries. If you constantly go to the gym and are pounding away on a regular basis, your body will feel the effects. 

Those who are involved in distance or repetitive activities such as running or swimming may see this problem happening even more. Runners, in particular, tend to experience repetitive stress. Swimmers, on the other hand, will usually suffer problems in the shoulder joint from the same motion being executed session after session. Both sports also train for long sessions, so this only adds to the troubles.

With weight training, it is equally important that you do some cross training, not only because your muscles require 48 hours to recover after a session but because it will also help to prevent CNS overtraining. Any time you lift a weight, regardless of which body part, you will be using your CNS. Do this too many days in a row and you will definitely be asking for trouble. Your CNS needs a rest just as your muscles do, and some light cross training will allow this to happen.

Cross training will also help keep you psychologically fresh, by adding variety to your workout routine. Even if it is just a group activity once per week, that will likely be enough to keep you pushing onwards with your fitness plan.

Finally, the last reason you should be cross training is to have less of a chance of suffering from muscular imbalances. When you are constantly performing a single movement, some of your muscles will become extremely developed while others will be lacking.  By adding variety, you will target a wider range of muscle groups.

This will also help you transfer your strength gains to other sports.  When one only trains selectively for one pattern of movement, when they transfer to another activity they usually have a difficult time.  By doing even a little bit of cross training, you can help prevent this by improving neuro-muscular coordination.

So have a good look at your current workout and ensure it incorporates some cross training. Whether it is a variety of cardio movements, some different strength training methods or simply an additional class or sport you play on the side, your body will greatly benefit.