1. Catch the Cross Train
Cross training is the practice of changing both your cardiovascular and anaerobic exercise routines on a regular basis, to keep your body from becoming accustomed to one type of exercise. The purpose of cross training varies depending on fitness goals. Some people simply need variety to stay motivated and rotate different physical activities such as running, biking and swimming. People who workout daily, use cross training to avoid overtraining certain muscles.
2. Stuck in a Rut
Routine is an important component in maintaining a consistent exercise plan, but at some point your body becomes accustomed to a particular exercise. At this point, a 5 lb. weight that used to feel heavy doesn't anymore or the distance you've been riding on your bike doesn't seem challenging. Instead of increasing the weight or distance, you can start cross training to make exercise more effective. Add at least one other form of exercise using gym equipment, playing team sports, engaging in recreational sports or simply walking. Incorporate cross training into your regular workout, do it at a different time of day or engage in cross training on your "off" days.
3. Make Your Cardio Routine Anything But Routine
Cardiovascular cross training workouts can take several forms. You can change your method of cardio workout totally, for instance from biking to taking an aerobics class or jogging. Use the StairMaster on a regular basis? Try climbing real stairs for a change, and you might be surprised to find it harder. Or you can further push your heart and lungs by changing the pace at which you do your regular cardio exercise. Challenge yourself to walk faster on the treadmill, change the incline periodically or change your body's position on a bike. All of these things will force your body to adapt to the new stimulus you are providing, getting you a good cross training workout.
4. Tax Those Muscles
The point of strength training is to push your muscles past the point that they are currently strong enough to endure. If you continually use the same weight and the same type of exercise equipment to work a particular muscle group, the muscle fibers aren't taxed anymore. You'll stagnate in your quest for stronger muscles and a more toned body. One example of strength cross training is switching from using dumbbells to weight machines, which works the muscle groups in a different way.
5. Boost Your Mental Fitness
Cross training is an excellent way to stay motivated to continue exercising. Sometimes the thought of doing the "same old" workout can get boring. Adding in something you haven't done before works out your brain too, as it's a new way of moving your body that challenges your brain to think differently. It keeps you interested and motivated to continue working out and striving to reach your fitness goals.
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