As an athlete, you already know how important it is to hit the gym and practice, practice, practice to get to an elite level. While it’s important to get plenty of cardio exercise, say, if you’re a runner, it’s just as important to combine different types of exercise into your fitness regimen to decrease your risk of a sports injury from overuse or strain. Likewise, cross-training can improve your skill, agility, and balance, not to mention your performance in your core sport.
One key benefit of adding multiple exercises routines into your fitness regimen is that it prevents boredom or burnout from practicing your own sport so much that you tire of it – literally, physically or mentally. This can help you stick to your program and keep you motivated, and as you regularly exercise different muscle groups, you’ll find you can adapt more easily to new activities.
Do I Start a Cross-Training Routine?
To get the most benefit from your cross-training program, you should be physically active for 30 minutes per day most days. Consider the types of activities you enjoy most and remember you aren’t limited just to jogging and weightlifting to keep yourself in peek physical form. You might consider dancing, gardening, and even housework as part of your physical activity. Just make sure your exercise program includes plenty of aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises for the most benefit.
All fitness regimens should include the following 3 components for best results:
- Aerobic exercises: This improves your improve cardiovascular capabilities. Examples of aerobic exercises include stair climbing, swimming, cycling, rowing, and doing jumping jacks.
- Strength training: By weightlifting, circuit training, or doing push-ups, you can increase your strength and endurance while improving muscle tone.
- Flexibility exercises: Athletes must keep their muscles loose, and doing exercises like stretching, yoga, or Pilates builds agility.
To contact us at Orthopedic Specialists of Southwest Florida, please call (239) 215-2008. Our sports medicine specialists focus on nonsurgical approaches for sports-related injuries.
