How Cross-Training Makes Athletes Better
Training for the same sport year-round can be physically and mentally tiring. But one way to spark your motivation is to fit some cross-training into your schedule. Mixing up your routine will not only keep your body in shape, it will relax your mind and give you a needed mental and physical break.
Looking to mix it up? Steal a cross-training idea from one of these top pro athletes.
Frankie Hejduk: Los Angeles Galaxy, D
When he’s not kicking the ball around, this Cali native can be found surfing the big waves. “The whole balancing [on the board] and paddling out, you’re working on your core,” Hejduk says. “When the wave itself comes, it’s all leg muscles.”
Martin Broduer: New Jersey Devils, G
The NHL’s all-time regular season wins leader stays flexible between pipes by engaging in a dry-land yoga practice. “Doing these yoga classes makes training a little more fun,” Broduer says. “They also help to improve flexibility, core stability, balance and coordination.”
Tim Duncan: San Antonio Spurs, F
The Virgin Islands native swims to stay fit. “I grew up on an island, so all kinds of water sports are enjoyable for me,” Duncan says. “Swimming can help strengthen and condition the body while taking weight off the joints to help prevent injuries.”
Dhani Jones: Cincinnati Bengals, LB
This well-traveled footballer gets a cardio workout with his main source of transportation—his bicycle. “I’ve been riding [a bike] all my life,” Jones once stated in an interview. “It’s my way of unwinding. I ride back and forth [to practice] pretty much every day.”
Amar’e Stoudemire: New York Knicks, C/F
STAT plays both football and fútbol during the off-season. He says, “I run wide receiver routs just to try and get myself in shape. Then I play soccer to build my cardio up. I do that prior to starting my intense basketball workouts. It gets me ready and back into the training mode.”
Source: bicycling.com
Photos: discotreats.com, free-extras.com, yahoofs.com, blogspot.com, keetsa.com
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How Cross-Training Makes Athletes Better
Training for the same sport year-round can be physically and mentally tiring. But one way to spark your motivation is to fit some cross-training into your schedule. Mixing up your routine will not only keep your body in shape, it will relax your mind and give you a needed mental and physical break.
Looking to mix it up? Steal a cross-training idea from one of these top pro athletes.
Frankie Hejduk: Los Angeles Galaxy, D
When he’s not kicking the ball around, this Cali native can be found surfing the big waves. “The whole balancing [on the board] and paddling out, you’re working on your core,” Hejduk says. “When the wave itself comes, it’s all leg muscles.”
Martin Broduer: New Jersey Devils, G
The NHL’s all-time regular season wins leader stays flexible between pipes by engaging in a dry-land yoga practice. “Doing these yoga classes makes training a little more fun,” Broduer says. “They also help to improve flexibility, core stability, balance and coordination.”
Tim Duncan: San Antonio Spurs, F
The Virgin Islands native swims to stay fit. “I grew up on an island, so all kinds of water sports are enjoyable for me,” Duncan says. “Swimming can help strengthen and condition the body while taking weight off the joints to help prevent injuries.”
Dhani Jones: Cincinnati Bengals, LB
This well-traveled footballer gets a cardio workout with his main source of transportation—his bicycle. “I’ve been riding [a bike] all my life,” Jones once stated in an interview. “It’s my way of unwinding. I ride back and forth [to practice] pretty much every day.”
Amar’e Stoudemire: New York Knicks, C/F
STAT plays both football and fútbol during the off-season. He says, “I run wide receiver routs just to try and get myself in shape. Then I play soccer to build my cardio up. I do that prior to starting my intense basketball workouts. It gets me ready and back into the training mode.”
Source: bicycling.com
Photos: discotreats.com, free-extras.com, yahoofs.com, blogspot.com, keetsa.com