Cross Training and Weightlifting

 Weightlifting in and of itself is a great sport. But no matter what sport you are into, or whatever you may be training for, there is not a game on the planet that weightlifting cannot improve. We all know how weightlifting can improve general health and fitness, the body benefits in so many ways be increasing strength and muscle mass.

But because of the very nature of weightlifting, and the ability to target specific muscle groups with specific exercises, you can cross train by weightlifting to strengthen arms, legs or any other part of the body to perk up your game.

All pro athletes will weight lift as some part of their training routine. Obviously power hitters and other baseball players improve upper body strength with weight training. Ironman triathletes workout with weights doing squats and deadlifts to enhance lower body and leg strength to help in swimming and biking, and not to mention to improve stamina. Track and field stars will weight lift and weight train because of the way weightlifting promotes lean muscle mass and low body fat percentage.

Winter sports are no exception, speed skaters and skiers alike know the benefits of leg lifts and leg presses. And of course football players and wrestlers will strength train and use weightlifting routines and techniques that are almost indistinguishable from a bodybuilders or powerlifter.

So whether you are a pro, semi-pro or someone just trying to get in shape, however you train or workout you are not getting the max if you are not weightlifting too. Cross training just makes sense on so many levels. Variety is the spice of life and so it is true for working out. You will improve health, strength and stamina by cross training No one exercise even weightlifting can “do it all”.

While of course I have a certain bias toward weightlifting and feel it is the number one all- purpose way to live a happy and healthy life, even lifters have to “cross train”. Just for healthy and safe lifting you know we all recommend doing 15 – 20 minutes of aerobic exercise prior to ever lift session. That right there is “cross training”. Also if you really want to get and keep a lean and mean physique, weightlifting alone won’t do it. It doesn’t matter how tight you make that six pack – no one will see how ripped it is if it hiding under a layer of body fat. Cross training with cardio will help to burn fat.
Now I know a lot of you get really psyched up about lifting, and there is no greater natural high then after you get those endorphins flowing after a good pumping session, but lets face it, weightlifting, like any exercise routine, if you do the same thing over and over again can get a little boring. Cross training gives you the opportunity to not only improve overall health and fitness, but shake things up a bit and break from your routine so it doesn’t get tedious.

As with any exercise routine before you plan on adding any kind of cross training activity to your current workout, check with your healthcare professional or personal trainer for its suitability.