Cross Training, Health and Fat Loss

Cross training is the integration of multiple disciplines or exercises into a single exercise routine. Many people know and accept the fact that exercise is needed for good health. Fat loss is maximized by your healthy diet, the exercise program you’ve chosen and the consistency of your actions in both your diet and exercise programs. The reasons for incorporating cross training into your exercise routine vary from person to person but two of them are to relieve boredom and another is to maximize the benefits of exercising.

Resistance (strength) training is important because strong and healthy muscles burn more calories when exercised properly. Strong and healthy muscles are also important in many of your daily activities. Some of the activities that require strength are carrying groceries, children, laundry, walking and good posture. Combine resistance training with a diet that provides fewer calories than you burn with your activities and your body will get the energy it needs by burning fat.

Adding cardio workouts to your exercise program lets you benefit in multiple ways.

1. You will be using different muscle groups than you do while doing your resistance training. Resting a muscle group for two days after exercising it gives the muscles time to both rest and grow. (Your muscles, rest, heal and grow during the downtime after you exercise them.)

2. Adding rowing, cycling, walking, jogging or some other discipline to your exercise program gives you variety so you will be more likely to stick with your exercise program to achieve your fat loss and health goals.

3. By using strength training every other day and focusing on different muscle groups, you are maximizing your efforts. When you add cardio training on the off days of your strength training, you are building up your heart muscle strength, lungs and increasing your blood flow which will help with your strength training.

Reserve the seventh day for rest so your body can return to its normal resting state. This gives your mind, body and nerves a chance to relax and heal or grow.

Make a lifelong commitment to cross training and eating healthy and you’ll be rewarded with a longer and healthier life

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