Cross training is a type of training that combines different types of exercises and physical activities into a comprehensive training routine. Cross training includes a variety of exercises that cover several disciplines, such as weight lifting, resistance training, yoga, boxing, swimming, among others.
The goal of cross training is to improve overall physical fitness by developing different physical skills, such as strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and coordination.
This type of training called “ Cross training” is very similar to the well-known and practiced “crossfit” but unlike what many may think, despite the many similarities, they have some small differences, which we leave you below:
CrossFit is high-intensity functional training that uses varied bodyweight, weightlifting, and gymnastics exercises to improve strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. CrossFit focuses on improving the ability to perform physical activities in daily life, and the routines are performed in an environment of competition and community.
Cross training, on the other hand, is a training approach that combines a variety of fitness disciplines to improve overall physical fitness. This may include bodyweight exercises, weight lifting, yoga, boxing, swimming, and any other physical activity that improves strength, endurance, and flexibility.
Therefore, the main difference between crossfit and cross training is that CrossFit is a specific discipline with a set of defined exercises and principles, while cross training is a broader form of training that focuses on improving general physical fitness. through a variety of physical activities.
Benefits of practicingcross training
Cross training can provide a wide variety of health and fitness benefits , including:
- Improved overall fitness: By incorporating a variety of exercises and activities, cross training can improve strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and coordination.
- Reduced risk of injury: By avoiding overtraining a single activity, cross training can help prevent overuse-related injuries and improve joint mobility.
- Increased motivation: Variety in training can make cross training more interesting and challenging, which can increase motivation to continue training.
- Burning calories: Cross training is an effective way to burn calories and lose weight, as it combines strength and cardiovascular exercises in a single session.
- Developing specific physical skills: Cross training can improve specific physical skills, such as upper body strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility.
- Improving mental well-being: Exercise in general can improve mood and reduce stress, and cross training can provide an effective way to maintain good mental health.
Benefits of cross training for women
This sport practice can provide many benefits for women who practice it, including:
- Muscle strengthening.
- Burning calories: Cross training is an effective way to burn calories and lose weight, which can help improve body composition.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Cross training includes cardio exercises that can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Stress reduction: Improves mental well-being.
- Injury Prevention: By avoiding overtraining a single activity and focusing on a variety of exercises, cross training can help prevent overuse-related injuries.
- Increased confidence.
In addition, being a type of training beneficial for any female profile, it is worth highlighting its contribution during the menopause stage , we explain it below.
Cross training can be beneficial for women during menopause, as it can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
During menopause, estrogen levels decrease, which can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures. Strength training in cross training can help improve bone density by stimulating bone growth and strength.
It is important to mention that cross training must be adapted to the individual needs and abilities of each woman, especially during menopause, since there may be changes in physical capacity and general health. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a health professional and a certified trainer before beginning any cross training program to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the training.
WODS to start practicing Cross Training at home
Here we leave you some cross training WODs to do at home .
1.- This wod consists of 6 series:
- 10 push-ups (you can do them with your knees on the floor if you need to).
- 15 V-shaped abs.
- 20 jump squats.
It is a very simple workout where you will work both the upper body, lower body and core. It is a very complete WOD that will not take you long to finish.
2.- Festival of burpees and push-ups
This wod hardly needs any space to do and only consists of two exercises. For time:
- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 burpees.
- 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 push-ups.
We alternate 1-10, 2-9, 3-8,… burpees or push-ups until we reach 10 burpees and 1 push-up. There is no rest.