Walk, Run, Dance, Surf, Swim, Hike, Skate, Cycle, Kayak, Weight Train, Pilate’s, Yoga, Play a sport, BOOT CAMP – The options are endless! The goal with any fitness & health regiment is to maximize your RESULTS in the shortest amount of time possible, have fun doing it & reach your goals! PERIOD. Training should be FUN – not FEARED.
Throughout the several years of teaching and training folks from all walks of life to include combat ready soldiers to International level superSTAR’s I have learned that a critical KEY to getting continued results with any fitness program is CROSS TRAINING! You got to mix it up! Cross Training is the KEY to achieving continued RESULTS! Cross training is a great way to condition different muscle groups, develop a new set of skills, and reduce boredom that creeps in after months of the same exercise routines. It is a beneficial training method for maintaining a high level of overall fitness.
The term cross training refers to a training routine that involves several different forms of exercise. Shake your body from its comfort zone!
The Benefits of Cross Training
• Conditions the entire body (Functional Training), not just specific muscle groups
• Improves your agility and balance
• Reduces the risk of injury
• Produces a higher level of all around conditioning
• Allows you to be flexible about you training needs and plans (if the gym is closed, you can take it outside).
• Reduces exercise boredom
• Makes Fitness FUN & EXCITING!
If you’re wondering which forms of exercise you should include in your cross training program remember that you want to be able to make this a lifestyle for yourself. You never want it to feel like a chore or be bored with your training. We want this to be an exciting and fun journey to creating a new and improved YOU!
Cross Training Program Design Steps:
Step # 1: Make a list of the forms of exercise that you enjoy participating in. Write down as many as you can with # 1 being your favorite activity.
Step # 2: If you’re just starting out or new to cross training you want to start with no more than 3 days of ‘light to moderate’ intensity level training. Your body must adapt to the training before you can really take it up a notch.
Perform your top 3 choices from Step 1- Example:
Cross Training Week:
Monday – Boot Camp Fitness Training (Cardio, Core & Muscle Endurance Training)
Wednesday – 1 hour strength/cardio workout @ a gym
Friday – Yoga ‘or’ Pilate’s Class ‘or’ 1-2 Mile power walk on the beach followed by core training.
Note: Each and every training session should include proper warm up and cool down to include stretching & joint rotations.
Step # 3: Maintain a fitness journal which will keep you on track and will measure your progress week after week, month after month & year after year!
In my next article I will discuss the importance of utilizing a fitness journal and ‘why’ it is a must in helping you achieve your fitness and health goals! Remember that it’s all about living healthy, happy, strong & long! Mix it up, Make it fun & most importantly ‘NEVER QUIT!’
