Any well-balanced fitness program should take the benefits of cross training into consideration. The term “cross training” is used quite freely in a variety of sports activities and programs, but what does this “XT” mean? The American Council on Exercise defines cross training as “ a method of physical training in which a variety of exercises and changes in body positions or modes of exercise are utilized to positively affect compliance and motivation, and also to stimulate additional strength gains or reduce injury risk.”  

In basic terms, cross training means changing your regular workout in order to prevent boredom or maintain motivation. Cross training also means changing your regular workout to strengthen the body.  Cross training also helps reduce the risk of over use and injury by altering the loads your muscles bear. If your goal is cardiovascular endurance, you can try, for example, mixing running, swimming, and cycling workouts instead of doing the same activities day after day. If you are fighting a strength training plateau, you might change the exercises you are doing or change the order of the exercises instead of just increasing the amount of weight you’re lifting. If you add strength and power training to your endurance programs you are likely to see an overall improvement in your fitness level or vice versa. Remember that a complete fitness program must address cardiovascular, strength , endurance and flexibility needs.

The message here is “Mix it up.” Train your body to be efficient in all components of fitness- cardiovascular, strength, power and flexibility. Condition the whole, not just the parts.