The concept behind cross training can truly be summed up by the SAID principle. SAID stands for Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands. Most exerciser’s have the simple concept of cross training down. “If I do a little cardio, a little strength, a little sport and a little stretch then I’ve got it”. Fewer understand why this actually works and how to truly maximize cross training to build the highest possible general functional fitness. I am often approached in resentful disbelief with the following scenario. A well trained endurance athlete limps up to me and explains how they played a fun game of flag football over the weekend. “It’s a yearly tradition” they tell me. They go on to say “I train 15 hours per week! Finished 5 triathlons this year! I thought I was in pretty good shape. SO WHY CAN I BARELY WALK TODAY!!!! So what happened? They are in good shape… for triathlon. Unfortunately their 15 hour training weeks were not targeted at anything remotely like the multi-directional and high speed demands of the football game. We must remember that our body will only adapt to and accommodate the stresses we regularly place on it. So how can we be prepared for everything life throws at us? By using an organized and systematic approach, we can develop “Peak General Functional Fitness”. This is cross training like you’ve never seen it… with a supped up engine and chrome tailpipes!
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Benefits of Cross Training ApproachCross Training Element #1 CardiovascularCross Training Element #2 Functional Strength and PowerCross Training Element #3-Sport/ActivityCross Training Element #4 Functional Range of Motion
About Fraser
Fraser Quelch, BPE, CSCS, Fellow of Applied Functional Science (Gray Institute) Fraser is the Head Coach and Director of Training and Development for Fitness Anywhere and is the creator of the revolutionary TRX Suspension Training Program. He has presented at conferences and events all over the world in the fields of functional training and endurance athletics, and is also a featured fitness author, with over 20 published articles. He thrives on bringing new ideas to the forefront of the industry, stretching the minds of his audiences and providing relevant and effective training solutions in a practical setting.