To a fitness newbie, the workout world’s penchant for vague terminology can be incredibly confusing. Even the way a trainer tells you to lie on the ground can sometimes use complex words such as “prone” and “supine,” for example, or the terms “Tabata” and “Pilates” give you zero clue as to what the workout methods actually involve. Plus, what is cross-training exactly? Is it a style of shoe, a kind of workout routine, or something else entirely?
Typically, you’ll want to change up your workout at least once or twice a week, then switch the workouts you’re doing for cross-training every four to six weeks, suggests Harvey. At that point, “you want to adjust your intensity, maybe the amount of time that your spending in your workouts, or even the type of workout,” she explains. “Maybe the first four to six weeks, a strength trainer was focusing on interval training on those cross-training days, so then they might want to switch to yoga, flexibility, maybe even some swimming. Just throwing some other things in there.” If you’re feeling completely clueless about what to include in your cross-training routine or how often you should mix up your workouts, consider meeting with a certified personal trainer, who can help plan out the best routine for you and your fitness goals, suggests Kendter.
When you first kick off your cross-training routine, you may worry it’s going to mess with the progress you’ve made while training for a half-marathon or weightlifting competition. But trust, incorporating variety into your fitness regimen will only make you stronger, adds Harvey. “If you are making sure you keep that intensity lower than your normal training days, then cross-training is something that will be a perfect complement for those other things you’re working on — to really help you be that amazing, all-around athlete.”
Cross-Training Workouts to Try
If you mostly run…
If you mostly lift weights…
If you mostly practice yoga…
