6 Reasons to Cross Train

1. Prevent injury. Doing the same workout over and over again stresses joints, muscles, and ligaments without giving them full recovery. Overuse is one of the primary reasons for injury. Working the same muscles in a different way, or completely different muscle groups, can give your muscles the rest they need to help prevent problems that keep you from training!

2. Balance your muscles. By working different muscle groups, you will maintain muscular symmetry. If you’ve been doing mostly squats and lunges, focusing on your lower body, your upper body may lack the definition that your legs and buns have. Add in an upper-body workout, one that includes resistance training to help you achieve total-body balance. Plus, you’ll get the extra benefit of looking toned all over!

3. Gain strength. With cross training you can increase the overall strength of your muscles. For example, if you run, or do mostly cardio-based workouts, add a sculpting routine. Resistance training dumbbells or bands) can translate into faster running times, and better endurance, not to mention a speedier metabolism.

4. Prevent boredom. Doing the same old thing gets old. Spice up your workout by trying something—or someone—new! If you’ve been following a particular trainer’s programs, try someone else’s. Each trainer has a different style and will challenge—and even entertain you—in different ways. If you’ve done ‘em all, maybe you just need to get outside for a bit. Consider a sport that’s always interested you.

5. Keep making progress with your muscles. Progress with a training routine plateaus somewhere between 4 and 12 weeks. By changing your workout, you make more consistent progress!

6. Rest tired muscles. OK, so you don’t want to give up your workouts, but you feel like your performance is going downhill? Maybe you just need to rest the groups of muscles you’ve been working relentlessly for months on end. Give em’ a break by doing something different. Go for a hike, a bike ride, or a swim.

Authors

Andrea Pesce

Tagscardio, cross training

Comments

Coconut Lime Cauliflower Rice

1 medium heads cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin organic coconut oil, divided use 1 (13.66-oz.) can unsweetened organic lite coconut milk 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut 2 fresh lime juice, divided use 4 tsp. finely chopped lime zest ½ cup finely chopped cilantro; reserve a small amount for garnish ¼ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt) 1-2 cloves of garlic Instructions Place half of cauliflower in food processor; pulse until cauliflower is chopped into pieces about the size of rice. Repeat with the other half. Set aside. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower & garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes. Add coconut milk, coconut, and 3 Tbsp. lime juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; gently boil, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 12 minutes, or until tender and liquid evaporates. Add remaining 1 Tbsp. lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, and salt; cook for 2 minutes, or until li

This yummy vegan recipe has more than 13 grams of fiber and almost 17 grams of protein. With summer around the corner this will be a great addition to your lunch time meal or a post workout to help refuel your body. You can also add some scrambled eggs for additional protein and top it off with a touch of salsa. From Simply Delicious Vegetarian by Carla Bardi Black Beans in Mango Sauce INGREDIENTS 8 ounces black beans (one can) 10 ounces mango, diced (one small mango) 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice 1 tablespoon maple syrup 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS Combine black beans and diced mango in a large bowl. Add the lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, and maple syrup to the bowl. Mix well. Add the chopped cilantro, and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate until you're ready to enjoy.

Why you should add Warm Water, Apple Cider Vinegar and lemon to your morning routine.

Apple Cider Vinegar (acv) has lots of minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. It has to be raw, unfiltered. ACV is great for digestion. If you suffer from indigestion, use this instead of over the counter antacids. Drink acv daily. Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Know to help relieve allergies Lowers blood pressure Reduces inflammation Helps relieve muscle pain from workouts Reduces inflammation Know to help dissolve kidney stones Know to help prevent sinus infection Helps prevent acid reflux Rich in enzymes to maintain a healthy gut Helps prevent arthritis Lowers levels of fatigue Lemon Juice: Another acid and works very similar to ACV. You can drink either one or mix both together. I mix them both together. Lemons contain Vitamin C… not a spectacularly high amount, but 30-50 mg per lemon. They also contain potassium. Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning gives the body a chance to absorb these vitamins effectively and can provide a little immune boost. Vitamin C is als

Christine Chowning

Search This Blog