Cardiovascular Cross Training - Is it Important?

You change into your workout attire all the while contemplating another boring cardio workout. The same boring workout you have been doing for some time now. STOP...! It doesn't have to be this way. You can do something different. Ever heard of cross training? Cross training is a fun and exciting way to not only spruce up your work outs, but to learn new and challenging skills, reduce risk of injury, maintain a consistent work out routine, achieve better results, and diversify your circle of sports buddies.

Many sports professionals and recreational athletes alike are incorporating cross training into their workout routines just for that reason, so they are not so mundane. Participating in different activities for cardiovascular training continuously challenges you to learn new skills and realize accelerated performance gains while reducing the risk of injury. You may even meet a new friend or two!

If you're like most people the thought of doing your cardiovascular work is less then thrilling. How many times have you heard that inner voice quietly encouraging you once again to get on that Stairmaster, treadmill or bicycle in the gym. Well, don't: switch gears. If you always jog or walk on the treadmill, in the gym, then take it outside. You could also try biking in the gym or out doors.

If it's impossible to take your cardio work outside try a different activity. There are numerous other cardiovascular activities you can participate in which are fun and challenge you to learn new skills. For instance, have you ever tried mountain biking, hiking, racquetball, volleyball, basketball, boxing or jumping rope? Even vigorous martial arts or yoga classes can be extremely aerobic.

The body is very much like a machine. Repetitive use of muscles in the same activity with the same amount of resistance at the same speed wears down joints and strains muscles were the greatest amount of stress is located. Let's take jogging for instance. Think about it? What are you doing when you participate in resistance activity? Contract and release right? Jogging uses the quadriceps and gluteus maxims primarily. The gluteus maxim is a muscle just like your biceps or deltoids. The gluteus will get harder and more tone over time, however, every muscle needs recuperation time.

Joggers tend to develop the infamous runners knee. Sharp pain located directly under or surrounding the patella. This pain is typically the result of inflammation of muscle tissue due to over use syndrome and over pronation. This inflammation and pain can become chronic or develop into chondromalacia if not attended to by refraining from running for a period of time. Other running injuries resulting from over use include shin splints, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. The musculoskeletal system needs time to recuperate from the mechanical stress of running.

As a runner myself, I have first hand experience with most of these stress related injuries and the frustration and pain associated with them. Over the years, I have learned to use cross training as a way of preventing injuries before they happen without stopping my cardio training. By participating in a variety of activities I decrease down time due to injury and pain. Running then becomes much more enjoyable and less of a mechanical necessity.

Biking is a great solution because of the angle at which the knee operates while biking. Biking actually helps to heal this type of injury by opening up the joint area and taking pressure off of the inflamed muscle tissue. This is true for the Stairmaster as well. Don't just ignore that pain and hope it goes away. Changing cardiovascular activities on a consistent basis is not only the best way to heal muscle areas suffering from over use syndrome but also to prevent injuries from occurring.

If your passion is biking that's great, but you too need to use cross training to prevent injury. Bikers are prone to injuries like compression of the ulna nerve and strains within the knee capsule. Biking is one of the sports I use to cross train with since I love the outdoors and live close to the beach. I also use mountain biking for a change of pace and scenery. Since biking and running are both joint stress producing activities I use swimming as another alternative to cross train and keep things interesting.

Swimming is another great cardiovascular activity and very refreshing. Water resistance is much less demanding on the joints and is a great cross training activity for people who are prone to joint injuries. To improve your swimming ability and cardiovascular workout attempt to increase your stroke length and the force of each stroke.

As human beings we are naturally creatures of habit, continually striving for stability and consistency. In your workout routine, however continually repeating the same cardiovascular exercise is also the quickest way to reach workout boredom. We are all motivated by pain and pleasure. The harder it is to do something, the less apt we are to do it. If you are like most people you're not exactly jumping for joy when it comes time to do the cardio portion of your workout to begin with. So why make it more difficult?

Change activities on a regular basis and you will find it much easier to do your cardio work more effectively. You can split up your time on various cardio machines or activities you participate in. Instead of doing 30 minutes on one activity, do 15 minutes on two separate cardio machines or activities.

We have all experienced that ever dreaded plateau where we just can't seem to make any significant gains. This is especially noticeable if you're trying to lose a few extra pounds. Changing cardio activities can be one of the solutions. When an activity becomes routine we tend to slack off or not push as hard, which in turn limits our progress. It is necessary to gradually and consistently push our body to work a little harder. Over time your body becomes stronger with greater stamina. It takes a little harder work to keep your body progressing.

By participating in diversified cardio activities you will be more enthusiastic and eager to do the activity and your cardio- workouts will become much more effective and efficient. In this day and age were everything needs to be done yesterday this is important. So if you have hit that plateau don't get frustrated, try a different cardio activity and break through the barrier.

By participating in a conglomerate of various cardio activities you will also challenge yourself to learn new skills and it's also a great way to keep your cardio exercise interesting and fresh. For instance, say you always ride a bike, whether it's in the gym or outside. Try jumping rope or playing a game of basketball or volleyball. You might feel awkward at first but through practice you will get better and more proficient at each skill. Who knows you might even find a new sport or activity you like so much that it becomes a hobby or regular activity in your life.

What about taking a boxing class and learning some self defense in the process? How about taking a step class or a dance aerobic class and gaining some balance and agility skills? Remember you don't have to be perfect from the get go. Everyone has a learning curve and has to start from the same place, the beginning. Even if you try a new activity and really give it a chance, but find it isn't for you. You still learn something, what you don't like. Don't give up. Try another cardio activity. Eventually you will find a whole spectrum of cardio activities you enjoy.

Could you use a new friend or group of friends? Most people are interested in making new friends. Participating in different cardiovascular activities or sports can provide you with a very fun and relaxed way to meet new people. Health clubs and sporting events are excellent healthy choices for developing new friendships. They provide you the opportunity to meet people with diverse backgrounds who care enough about themselves to pursue recreation and a healthy lifestyle. What better way to start a new romance than by spending quality time together in a healthy environment.

CARDIOVASCULAR CROSS TRAINING IS THE KEY TO MAKING YOUR CARDIO-WORKOUT MORE EXCITING, CHALLENGING, EFFECTIVE, INJURY FREE AND SOCIAL ALL IN ONE SWOOP.

Michael George is a Personal Health Coach, Fitness Expert, Speaker and the Author of "Body Express Makeover". Michael facilitates and conducts wellness programs, workshops, seminars and motivational speaking lifestyle transformation, self-empowerment and wellness principles. His Los Angeles based company; Michael George Enterprises can be reached at (310) 575-3500 or on the web at MichaelGeorge.com MichaelGeorge.com.