1. Beat Boredom
If an exercise program does not involve a passion, such as runners and bikers often feel, the routines can get boring and uninteresting. Cross training is a great vehicle to break things up. A little of this and a little of that can keep your exercise routine spiced up and challenged with the variety. In addition, a good diverse workout regimen will provide strength and flexibility in every part of the body, while allowing other strained muscles to rest.
2. Do it in Three's
Cross training is usually done in three phases that involve aerobic training, strengthening activities and flexibility exercises. The most notable super cross trainers perform all these events in the triathlon, where they bike, run and swim. Any athlete can incorporate cross training in his workout. Find three things that interest you and offer each of the three basic workouts. It could be three sports, such as the triathlon participants do, or it could be three different sets of machines that you rotate among each day. The key, as with any exercise, is to choose three things you think you'll enjoy. Mix them up so that you do about 30 minutes a day with one or the other.
3. Even Passionate Athletes do it
The benefits of cross training have become so respected that even serious, passionate athletes such as marathon runners and professional athletes do it. The total body workout is preferable to keep all systems go. By giving parts of the body an occasional rest, you also decrease the chances of stress injury. Muscles and body parts need rest as part of the exercise process.
4. Choose Carefully
If you are a serious athlete in one sport and preparing for a race or competition, you need to choose carefully which sports you will play to cross train. You don't want to get involved with something that is counter-intuitive to your needs or that can set you up for an injury that could keep you from your competition. For example, runners should refrain from playing sports that could lead to a twisted ankle such as tennis or racquetball. Baseball players needn't add additional strain to their shoulders with chin-ups or by increasing the weights on barbells. Talk to your coach if you have any questions about cross-training activities.
5. Always Stretch
No matter what kinds of cross training activities you do, don't forget to stretch the specific muscle groups that you use. Stretch mildly before exercise, but save the big stretches for when the muscles are loose and heated. Stretch your back and arms on the days you've lifted weights and your legs after aerobic activities. In time, the new muscle groups that you are using will respond easier and further, giving you more flexibility all over.
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