Discover cross-training

It's grown fast in the last few years and has established itself as the fitness discipline. Cross-training is a functional training method that calls on all your muscles, using a wide range of exercises performed at high intensity. It's ideal for building your strength and muscles or if you just want to complement your sports training sessions.

This accessible training method is a combo of different activities, from weight-lifting to athletics and gymnastics. Each workout focuses on several aspects of fitness. Cross-training differs from other fitness activities for the following reasons:

*It's more intense than a conventional weight training session. A cross-training session involves a series of exercises that work on strength and speed and use every muscle.

 

*Sessions are made up of functional movements. These movements use all the muscle chains to produce natural movements such as running, jumping, pushing, throwing and pulling.

 

*A wide range of exercises. Inspired by weightlifting and gymnastics, cross-training sessions are extremely varied.

 

Cross-training is a unique and very effective training method that owes nothing to routine.

Though you can do a session in 30 minutes, cross-training sessions usually last an hour. They’re called the WOD (workout of the day). They comprise the following:

 

The WARM-UP: prepares the body for the workout. The warm-up gently engages your joints, muscles and cardiovascular system.

 

SKILLS: this phase involves learning or perfecting certain movements. Why this phase? Because it's essential to have a good technique and execute movements perfectly to avoid picking up injuries. If you have a good technique, it is easier to make the requisite movements when fatigue starts to set in in the middle of the session.

 

METCON: This is the core of the session. METCON (metabolic conditioning) generally involves putting together a maximum number of reps in a minimum amount of time. It can also feature a set number of reps performed in a given time period. All manner of combinations are possible here.

 

Cool-down: active recovery, relaxation, self-massages, follow-up work, etc. A cool-down is every bit as important as a warm-up. After an intense session you need to give your body time to recover and get back to its normal temperature.

Cross-training is a functional exercise regimen that offers a lot of benefits: weight loss, improved physical fitness and better health, to name but a few.

 

Read our article to find out more:

 

If you're passionate about pushing your boundaries, performing and sharing, then cross-training is the exercise regimen for you.

Don't panic if you're not a born athlete though. Contrary to what you might think, cross-training is something anyone who is looking to change their routine or get fitter can do, whether they're an athlete or not, because it makes use of every movement the body can make. Cross-training has an advantage over other exercise regimens because it can be adapted to your level. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, it's you who sets the rules.

 

There's no age limit to getting started. If you're 40 plus, regular cross-training is a great way to improve your respiratory function and stamina. We advise you nevertheless to visit your doctor before you get started and make sure that you are healthy enough to start exercising.

 

Not keen on the gym or afraid to try out boxing? No problem, because you can easily do cross-training at home or in the garden with a few simple body weight exercises (press-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, etc) or a few accessories.

 

Finally, ladies, don't be afraid of lifting weights. It's no coincidence that more and more women are getting into cross-training. As well as getting you in great shape, it makes you stronger and more confident, while also slimming and sculpting your body session after session.