Bodybuilding and Cross-Training: Why and How to Do It

When many lifters hear about “cross-training,” they might initially be met with a feeling of apprehension. In essence, cross-training is doing something outside of your normal workout routine, like trying a new sport, activity, or program, in hopes that it enhances your overall performance. Does it mean putting your bodybuilding clothes away for good? Does it mean turning your back on the iron and forging a new path? Absolutely not. 

Bodybuilding Clothing

In fact, cross-training is simply an effective way to help push yourself further on your lifting journey and become a more functional athlete. Here are a few reasons why all bodybuilders should at least consider cross-training, plus a few ideas to get started.

Cross-Training Keeps Things Interesting

Whether you’ve been training for decades or a few years, at some point, all of our routines tend to get a little stale. While that doesn’t keep you from staying consistent, who wouldn’t want to change things up a little bit? Cross-training provides that opportunity, even if you’re just trying a different workout once or twice per week. Whether you love the new cross-training workout or not, going back to your current routine will feel fresh again.

Find Holes in Your Training Regimen

We all have our problem areas. For some of us, it might be our cardio; for others, it could be their core strength. Cross-training shines a light on your weak areas and targets them. Over time, you can start making progress on filling these gaps and improve your lifts and physique overall.


It’s Fun to Try New Things

At the end of the day, we all love trying new things. Whether it’s new bodybuilding apparel or a new protein shake recipe, you never know what will be your new favorite thing until you try it. The same goes for exercising itself. The rowing machine might become your soon-to-be favorite cardio tool; you just haven’t tried it yet. And, who knows, maybe you’ll find some enjoyment taking a yoga class or swimming some laps. If you’ve been feeling a little bored with your routine lately, cross-training is especially worth trying. Here’s how to go about it.

Go All In with Cross-Training Days

If you aren’t afraid to cheat on your regular routine, you can go all in and schedule specific cross-training days. Whether it’s swimming, running, shooting hoops, or learning a martial art, the possibilities are endless. You might even be surprised how these activities can go well with bodybuilding, too. Don’t be afraid to try something completely new; your old routine will be waiting for you if you decide to go back, and it’s bound to help support your goals.

Tweak Your Existing Routine with Power Lifting

If you don’t want to go all-in and would rather just tweak your existing bodybuilding routine, the easiest way is to change a few movements or do alternative lifts. For example, although both sports take place in the iron playground, power lifting and bodybuilding regimens are from two different worlds with different goals. While you’re used to high-rep isolation exercises, power lifting is all about those grueling low-rep compound movements. Even just dedicating one day of the week to low reps and high weight work can provide some of the benefits of cross-training.

Try It Out with JustOne Dedicated Cross-Training Day

On the other hand, if you want to do something completely different than weightlifting, make time in your schedule for just one cross-training day out of the week. Whether you’re riding your bike or trying your hand at hot yoga, just one day is enough to give you a taste of cross-training’s benefits without throwing your existing routine out of whack.

About GASP

If you’re looking for bodybuilding clothing that doesn’t cut corners or make excuses, you’re right at home at GASP. The bodybuilding apparel brand has been at it for years, working closely with professionals and everyday athletes to make bodybuilding clothing that fits you well and looks the part too. GASP offers a wide variety of clothing made for the modern bodybuilder’s physique. Whether you’re looking for T-shirts, stringers, joggers, tank tops, or anything in between, GASP has you covered. They also carry a line of accessories to help you push past any obstacles standing between you and your next PR.

Find the best bodybuilding apparel for your routine at Gaspofficial.com

Original Source: https://bit.ly/2FiF1XA

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