Cross Training

Lavinia Gomez explains how cross-training in other sports can improve performance in your chosen sport.

Cross-training refers to athletic training in sports other than the athlete's particular sport. It is about filling gaps; that is, it increases effectiveness in those aspects of the athlete's performance that are not covered by the athlete's chosen sport. In this way, it produces a complete performer.

All the training related to one sport is not enough to bring out the best in a player. Other exercises are also required to prepare him for that sport. Cross-training does that. For example, cross-training might work on those muscles on which the earlier sport-specific training did not work.

Cross-training leads to complete body fitness as it combines various methods of training. Different kinds of exercises are there, like stretching, yoga, strength training, swimming, bicycling, aerobics, running, walking, climbing, dancing, push-ups, and swim-run for cross-training. There can be far more exercises besides these, though these are some common ones. Cross-training can help cure some injuries that would have otherwise remained forever. It can heal, protect, and prepare by giving strength to a sportsperson.

Cross-training has a long list of benefits because there are many sports, each with specific training methods. One can use a sport's particular training methods and some from others you require. Some of the benefits of cross-training are as follows:

As mentioned above, cross-training helps prevent injuries. It works on the body to make it stable enough to handle stress, hence protecting the body from serious injuries.
The most common benefit of cross-training is improved performance by an athlete.
It is suitable for the mind and body as it rejuvenates both for all kinds of activities.
It can increase career length as it works efficiently to keep the body fit and fine.
Cross-training is a way of motivating oneself and enjoying new training methods. For example, cricketers also play football to enhance their game and enjoy the company of others during training. It makes work exciting and challenging.
Cross-training not only prevents injuries but also heals them. If done correctly, it has the power to cure injuries, which even the best medication cannot.
It helps to reduce weight and is suitable for runners.
IIt can help cope with certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
It helps to achieve a balance between strength and endurance.
Cross-training can sometimes be done with limited tools. The natural environment also allows one to train oneself for a particular purpose.

Cross-training makes you a stronger, more flexible, and more well-rounded athlete. Although you may have a particular favourite exercise or sport, varying your routine will improve your performance more than sticking to one specific workout ever could.

Hence, cross-training is a full circle that covers all the aspects related to sports and sportspersons' performance.

When can Cross-Training be Applied?

It can be applied in different forms for different athletes during various stages of their preparation. What exercises are being done, to what extent, and for how long should be noted? Their timings should also be considered. Many other factors, like eating habits, should be monitored.

Cross-training can be done at all times while limiting the type and extent of exercise. During training sessions, exercises can be extended to a much higher level than during other times. Some particular training techniques can be applied during competitions and during the athlete's training.

For Whom is Cross-Training appropriate?

Cross-training is appropriate for everyone. It can be applied by sportspeople engaged in any sport. It is helpful for athletes, events, and all kinds of sports. Some daily activities, too, can be a form of cross-training. Again, even pregnant women can apply this if they wish to, say, run. Disabled persons can make use of it. An example is the Paralympics, where disabled athletes show their talent and determination.

How to Apply Cross-Training?

Cross-training applications require a good trainer to assess the sportsperson's abilities and subtract points that need to be worked on. So it is necessary to find a good trainer for this. There can be many methods that can help one cross-train oneself. Some of the exercises in cross-training are as follows:

Crossfit: It is the most common type of method. It builds strength and endurance.
Cross Country Skiing: This is a way to enhance one's endurance. It is highly demanding, and whole-body support is required.
Swimming: This helps an athlete gain strength, endurance, and shoulder mobility.
Kayaking: Kayaking strengthens the upper body and the core.
Running: It is a common one, but essential. It builds the cardiovascular system strength.
Yoga: Yoga creates a balance between body and mind and builds muscles by unwinding them.
Cycling: Cycling again increases body strength, specifically of the quadriceps, glutes, and calves, and helps decrease fat. It also has some positive impacts on the cardiovascular system.
Core Strength Training: Core strength needs to be built up because all body movements originate from the core.
Rock Climbing: It brings the athlete strength, agility, and power.
Hiking: This can involve handling uneven rocks and handling extreme weather conditions.

Hence, cross-training helps an athlete perform at his best in his specific sport by providing him with the benefits of different exercises. These exercises work differently on other people, so one has to be careful while choosing the type and extent of an exercise.

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

GOMEZ, L. (2019) Cross Training [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article393.htm [Accessed

About the Author

Lavinia Gomez started his training life obese, out of shape, and very unfit. Fast forward to the present day, and several years of education later, Lavinia can provide unparalleled service in the most advanced areas of training, nutrition, and supplementation. Own Your Fitness is a premier Personal Training and Nutritional Consultancy.


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Cross-training refers to athletic training in sports other than the athlete's particular sport. It is about filling gaps; that is, it increases effectiveness in those aspects of the athlete's performance that are not covered by the athlete's chosen sport. In this way, it produces a complete performer. All the training related to one sport is not enough to bring out the best in a player. Other exercises are also required to prepare him for that sport. Cross-training does that. For example, cross-training might work on those muscles on which the earlier sport-specific training did not work. Cross-training leads to complete body fitness as it combines various methods of training. Different kinds of exercises are there, like stretching, yoga, strength training, swimming, bicycling, aerobics, running, walking, climbing, dancing, push-ups, and swim-run for cross-training. There can be far more exercises besides these, though these are some common ones. Cross-training can help cure some injuries that would have otherwise remained forever. It can heal, protect, and prepare by giving strength to a sportsperson. Cross-training has a long list of benefits because there are many sports, each with specific training methods. One can use a sport's particular training methods and some from others you require. Some of the benefits of cross-training are as follows: As mentioned above, cross-training helps prevent injuries. It works on the body to make it stable enough to handle stress, hence protecting the body from serious injuries. The most common benefit of cross-training is improved performance by an athlete. It is suitable for the mind and body as it rejuvenates both for all kinds of activities. It can increase career length as it works efficiently to keep the body fit and fine. Cross-training is a way of motivating oneself and enjoying new training methods. For example, cricketers also play football to enhance their game and enjoy the company of others during training. It makes work exciting and challenging. Cross-training not only prevents injuries but also heals them. If done correctly, it has the power to cure injuries, which even the best medication cannot. It helps to reduce weight and is suitable for runners. IIt can help cope with certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It helps to achieve a balance between strength and endurance. Cross-training can sometimes be done with limited tools. The natural environment also allows one to train oneself for a particular purpose. Cross-training makes you a stronger, more flexible, and more well-rounded athlete. Although you may have a particular favourite exercise or sport, varying your routine will improve your performance more than sticking to one specific workout ever could. Hence, cross-training is a full circle that covers all the aspects related to sports and sportspersons' performance. When can Cross-Training be Applied? It can be applied in different forms for different athletes during various stages of their preparation. What exercises are being done, to what extent, and for how long should be noted? Their timings should also be considered. Many other factors, like eating habits, should be monitored. Cross-training can be done at all times while limiting the type and extent of exercise. During training sessions, exercises can be extended to a much higher level than during other times. Some particular training techniques can be applied during competitions and during the athlete's training. For Whom is Cross-Training appropriate? Cross-training is appropriate for everyone. It can be applied by sportspeople engaged in any sport. It is helpful for athletes, events, and all kinds of sports. Some daily activities, too, can be a form of cross-training. Again, even pregnant women can apply this if they wish to, say, run. Disabled persons can make use of it. An example is the Paralympics, where disabled athletes show their talent and determination. How to Apply Cross-Training? Cross-training applications require a good trainer to assess the sportsperson's abilities and subtract points that need to be worked on. So it is necessary to find a good trainer for this. There can be many methods that can help one cross-train oneself. Some of the exercises in cross-training are as follows: Crossfit: It is the most common type of method. It builds strength and endurance. Cross Country Skiing: This is a way to enhance one's endurance. It is highly demanding, and whole-body support is required. Swimming: This helps an athlete gain strength, endurance, and shoulder mobility. Kayaking: Kayaking strengthens the upper body and the core. Running: It is a common one, but essential. It builds the cardiovascular system strength. Yoga: Yoga creates a balance between body and mind and builds muscles by unwinding them. Cycling: Cycling again increases body strength, specifically of the quadriceps, glutes, and calves, and helps decrease fat. It also has some positive impacts on the cardiovascular system. Core Strength Training: Core strength needs to be built up because all body movements originate from the core. Rock Climbing: It brings the athlete strength, agility, and power. Hiking: This can involve handling uneven rocks and handling extreme weather conditions. Hence, cross-training helps an athlete perform at his best in his specific sport by providing him with the benefits of different exercises. These exercises work differently on other people, so one has to be careful while choosing the type and extent of an exercise. Page Reference If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is: GOMEZ, L. (2019) Cross Training [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article393.htm [Accessed About the Author Lavinia Gomez started his training life obese, out of shape, and very unfit. Fast forward to the present day, and several years of education later, Lavinia can provide unparalleled service in the most advanced areas of training, nutrition, and supplementation. Own Your Fitness is a premier Personal Training and Nutritional Consultancy.