Why Cross Training is Important

In today's fitness world, there are a bevy of fairly new fitness crazes (think Zumba, belly dancing, spinning class, etc.), as well as the tried-and-true standards (running, weight-lifting, cycling, etc.). But to properly tone your muscles, improve your endurance, and to strengthen your cardiovascular health, you need to cross train. And if you've hit a plateau in your quest to drop those last 10 pounds, cross-training is the way to go. The definition of cross training is obvious by wording alone: train in different fitness activities by varying your routine to include aerobic activity with strength/flexibility training. The benefits of cross training are numerous:

Prevent injuries As a runner, the continual pounding on pavement may lead to stress fractures or other injuries. Mixing up your cardio routine with elliptical machines or other low-impact conditioning activities can improve your cardio endurance without the injury risks of constant running.
Physical Therapy:If you're unable to run, due to an injury, cross training allows you to continue to build your fitness levels despite being sidelined from your favorite activity. Swim if you're unable to cycle. In-line skate or perhaps cross-country ski if you can't run. Take a yoga class if you can't lift weights.
Add some spice: Just as with any activity, if you do one thing often enough and without variation, you're likely to grow bored. It's no different with fitness activities. Vary your workout routine to help stay motivated, add fun, and increase stamina. Don't burn yourself out with just one activity.
Better flexibility and stability: For the same reason football players may take ballet or basketball players may enroll in yoga classes, runners need to do alternative sports & exercises to improve overall flexibility, stability and performance. Again, Cross-Training is the answer!

No matter how much variation you plan on adding to your routine, it all starts with a single step. Take a long run today. Get up early and swim tomorrow. The next day, bike through the park. By alternating your usual fitness activities with your routine workouts, you can help prevent injury, avoid boredom and boost your fitness levels!

Mary Button is the co-founder and CFO of RaceReady, an online retailer of running and marathon apparel, including raceready.com/men/tops.html running shirts and raceready.com running shorts. Mary is an avid cross-trainer these days. She has completed numerous marathons and half marathons. She qualified for the US Olympic Marathon Trials in 1996 and again in 2000, when she was 40 years old. Her marathon Personal Record is a 2:42.