I have found that over the years by body was getting tired of just running day in and day out. Plus, I knew my mind was also getting weaker. In December I had just finished running a Half Marathon and finished with a 7:15 minute pace, but took home a knee injury as well from all the pounding. I actually couldn’t even run for two months and almost went to the doctor to get it check out for a bigger injury. I decided I was needing to build up my muscles like my hamstrings, quads, and glutes so that my knees would be taking less impact from running.

I have done the Insanity workouts before and had forgotten how much they worked. So, I decided since they didn’t hurt my knee, I would use those for the two months to see if I could get my knee back in shape to run again! Since switching the way that I am training, I have seen so many new muscles pop up and love the feeling of being fit! The Insanity videos can be done in your own home, so that is a big bonus for me. To get to the gym with my busy lifestyle and three children is almost impossible, but I know I can go downstairs once the kids are in bed or with the kids as a family exercise routine! Now I run 2-3 times a week plus I do Insanity 2-3 times a week. Instead of feeling overworked, I feel re-energized!

 

What is Cross Training?

The term cross training refers to a training routine that involves several different forms of exercise. While it is necessary for an athlete to train specifically for their sport if they want to excel, cross training is a beneficial method for maintaining a high level of overall fitness. For example, you may use both biking and swimming each week to improve your overall aerobic capacity, build overall muscle strength, and reduce the chance of an injury. Cross training limits the stress that occurs on a specific muscle group because different activities use muscles in slightly different ways.

Benefits of Cross Training

Basically, cross training shocks your system and allows new muscle groups to be worked in different ways. By continuing to change up the way you train, your body will have to be flexible in trying new things which means you will be burning fat in different and new ways!

After running for years, my body has become so conditioned to the movement involved in running. That is why I can still go out and run similar speeds to what I was running 10 years ago even though I don’t run as much anymore. My body is so used to it. Your muscles rely on your past training instead of the current training you are doing in the moment. This is referred to as muscle memory. So, this also means that I may not be using these muscles to their full capability. Cross training will strengthen them in different ways.

• Reduces exercise boredom
• Allows you to be flexible about your training plans (if the pool is closed, you can go for a run instead)
• Produces a well rounded athlete
• Conditions the entire body, not just specific muscle groups
• Reduces the risk of injury
• Works specific muscles while others rest and recover
• Can continue to train while injured
• Improves your skill, agility, and balance

What Exercises Should Make up a Good Cross Training Routine?

• Cardiovascular Exercise
• Strength Training
• Stretching/Yoga

Read my latest post on my favorite cross training exercises

Exercise will strengthen the cardiovascular system, bones, muscles, joints, reduce body fat and improve flexibility, balance and coordination. But if you want to see all of these benefits, you’ll need to start cross training. Who is going to start Cross Training now?

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