Ask yourself: How were the last five or ten of your workouts? Do you feel like you�??re making progress and getting stronger, or have you plateaued? Many people might report the latter, and that�??s because they haven�??t figured out the secret that most exercise pros know and use every day, with themselves and with clients: cross training.
In simple terms, cross training just involves mixing it up�??doing one type of exercise for a certain time one day, then another time and a different intensity a different day. Cross training performs an essential function for your muscles: It confuses them. By creating that confusion, your muscles are forced to work different fibers, which helps them build strength in unexpected ways.
Cross training can take a number of different forms�??different exercises, different rest periods, different repetitions. It�??s great for weight loss and for reducing injury, too. And cross training isn�??t difficult to incorporate into your workout routine. This graphic can help, with more reasons why it�??s great for you and your fitness, as well as routines to try this week.
In simple terms, cross training just involves mixing it up�??doing one type of exercise for a certain time one day, then another time and a different intensity a different day. Cross training performs an essential function for your muscles: It confuses them. By creating that confusion, your muscles are forced to work different fibers, which helps them build strength in unexpected ways.
Cross training can take a number of different forms�??different exercises, different rest periods, different repetitions. It�??s great for weight loss and for reducing injury, too. And cross training isn�??t difficult to incorporate into your workout routine. This graphic can help, with more reasons why it�??s great for you and your fitness, as well as routines to try this week.

Contributed by: http://www.clubwoodside.com/cross-training/
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