Athletes are typically in much better shape than the general population. Day in and day out, training is part of their routine. However, even if you're conditioned to excel in your sport, constantly performing the same type of exercises is a shortcut to injury or mental burnout.
Repeating the same movements over a long period of time trains your body to become extremely efficient at those movements; but it reduces your level of conditioning. This is because rather than continuing to improve, you simply maintain. How do you avoid this? By cross training—using different sports, activities or training techniques. Cross training can actually improve your performance in your sport. (See How Cross-Training Makes Athletes Better.)
When cross training, you perform exercises and activities different from your normal routine. But you can easily tailor cross training to your sport-specific needs. Remember, though, that as an athlete you must continue to regularly train critical game skills—like shooting, throwing or passing. Just don't get stale. Employ cross training for fresh ways to condition for cardiovascular fitness and strength.
