What is cross-training?

Wondering if cross-training could improve your fitness? Find out what it is, how it works and what the potential benefits are. 

How to build a cross-training routine

The benefits of cross-training

Injury prevention

Improved overall fitness 

Who is cross-training suitable for? 

Key points



That’s where cross-training comes in. Keep reading to find out how cross-training works and how your overall health and fitness could benefit from trying it. 

## What is cross-training?

Experts used to think that if you played a particular sport, it was best to train the muscles directly related to it. For example, runners would focus on training their legs, while boxers would spend more time on their arms.

However, it’s now widely agreed that a well-rounded fitness routine can be more effective, and many professional athletes follow a varied ‘cross-training’ routine. 

So what exactly is cross-training? Well, it involves including a number of different types of exercise in your regular training routine, so you work all areas of your body to improve your overall fitness.

![Person practicing yoga as part of their cross-training routine](//images.ctfassets.net/iqo3fk8od6t9/2TNOE24YXKMATe8Y62gd2Z/944b27fa05dbdab669233176605b72d2/Yoga.jpg)



::: body-ad-desktop
zones:: 232632,232425,232640
types:: 163
disclaimer:: AD
typeFilter:: native_ad
adCount:: 1

:::


::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232425,232642
types:: 5,163
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display/native_ad
adCount:: 1

:::
## How to build a cross-training routine

Cross-training routines are generally based around 3 types of exercise: aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility exercises.

There are plenty of options to choose from in each category, including:

- aerobic exercise – walking, running, swimming, cycling, skating, dancing
- strength training – weightlifting, circuit training, bodyweight exercises
- flexibility exercises – stretching, yoga, Pilates

When you create your cross-training fitness plan, try to mix up these 3 components throughout the week to maximise the benefits.

It’s generally recommended that you do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week. So take this into account when planning your training and spread out the time across the week in a way that works for you.



::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232425,233460
types:: 5
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display
adCount:: 1

:::
## The benefits of cross-training

#

::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232425,245869
types:: 5
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display
adCount:: 1

:::
## Injury prevention

Varying the type of exercise you do will reduce the strain of high-impact workouts on your body. For example, one day you may work on your running, which is high impact, then the next day you’ll work on your flexibility, which is low impact.

This variety and range in intensity will also mean you avoid overworking any area of your body and can therefore help to prevent overload injuries in your muscles, bones or joints.

#

::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232425,245870
types:: 5
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display
adCount:: 1

:::
## Improved overall fitness 

By switching between strength, flexibility and aerobic exercises, you’re targeting different muscle groups with each workout. This means you’re getting a full-body workout across the week, which can improve your overall fitness. 

### Enhanced weight loss

Cross-training can be an effective way to work out if you’re aiming to lose weight. Research has found that combining 2 or more types of exercise and working out at a moderate rate for more than 30 minutes may help to reduce body weight and fat stores.

![Person cycling on the road for exercise](//images.ctfassets.net/iqo3fk8od6t9/ER4WjPzpXC2eXVBNGp3xw/f017abe8091d73ceaa0b823bb6a4396e/Cycling.jpg)

## Who is cross-training suitable for? 

One of the great things about cross-training is that it’s suitable for all levels of fitness. Each routine can be tailored to your ability and needs, so you can get the most out of each workout. You can also do cross-training at home or outdoors, so there doesn’t have to be a cost involved. 

Staying physically fit through cross-training can help to prevent certain medical conditions. But it can also play a part in the treatment and management of conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. 

If you have arthritis or a knee or back injury, cross-training may also be a suitable option. You can focus on low-impact aerobic exercises, such as cycling and swimming, which won’t put a strain on your joints. Flexibility exercises can help to reduce stiffness, too. 

If you have any injuries or medical conditions, or you’re new to exercise, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor before starting a cross-training routine.

## Key points

- cross-training involves doing different types of exercise throughout the week to create a rounded fitness routine 
- it usually includes a mix of aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility exercises
- varying your workouts can help improve your overall fitness and increase weight loss
- it can also help to reduce the risk of ‘overload’ injuries
- it’s generally suitable for all levels of fitness
- speak to your doctor before starting cross-training if you're new to exercise or you have a health condition or injury

Did you know that you can use the [Healthily app](/app) to track your activity? Once you've downloaded it, go to 'Settings' then 'My trackers' and choose 'Activity levels' and 'Exercises'.

error

 There was an error when submitting your feedback – have a screen break then try again in a few minutes.

Oh no, something’s gone wrong

ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS?

initial

This isn’t helpful

This isn’t relevant

Something is wrong

This isn’t accurate

Please select one.

loading

success

We're listening – we use your feedback to improve your experience, and make our content more helpful.

Thank you for your feedback

References

Libby Williams

Susie Parker

Dr Adiele Hoffman

Article information

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

Exercise equipment on green and grey workout mats

Get help with this

Physical activity