The exercise method of "cross-training" has been around for decades--it was NOT recently concocted by a current popular exercise program. "Cross-training” simply means to be involved in more than ONE form of exercise. Current TV ads refer to it as "muscle confusion". First of all, muscle do not get confused! But muscles do ADAPT when an exercise is performed repeatedly. Just as you learn to perform a task quicker through practice and repetition--muscle adapt to repetition of a particular exercise by doing it with less calories & effort. Therefore, cross-training prevents muscle adaptation--keeping your workouts effective.

I’m sure you know someone who works out avidly but never does anything but Step or Spin classes, or only lifts weights, or runs miles everyday to the exclusion of all else. Their efforts are to be applauded, however, repeated bouts of the same exercise can cause over-use injuries and cause a person to develop an imbalance in muscle strengths and weaknesses--not to mention it’s boring!

The varying Components of Physical Fitness cannot be developed through a single form of exercise. An overall fitness program should include elements of aerobic, strength and flexibility training--engaging in just one of these elements and excluding the others is a disservice to one’s self. Aerobic training increases stamina and brings health to the heart, lungs & circulatory system. Strength training builds muscular strength & bone density—plus it keeps the metabolism in high gear. Flexibility training maintains joint mobility. It all works together to produce energetic healthy living

Cardiovascular exercise can be varied by taking different classes such as Step, Cardio Drums, BootCamp/Interval classes & other types of classes. It can also be varied by utilizing cardio machines; run or walk on the treadmill one day instead of taking a class, ride a bike. If you only use cardio machines (because you don’t like classes or maybe They don’t fit into your schedule) then vary the machines that you use—use a different one each time or get on different machines within the same cardio session. For example, get on the treadmill, a stationary bike and the Elliptical Trainer for 20 minutes each and you’ve got your one hour aerobic session without doing the same thing.

For Strength training try the Circuit class and do your weight training in a group setting. A group fitness class will help keep you motivated and provides the structure so that you do not have to "figure out what to do next". Circuit training classes are a great way to burn extra calories because you do not rest between sets. Also with a Circuit class, the instructor changes up the routine which frees you up from having to do it. 

Someone really smart, once said, "man cannot live by bread alone"; it would only seem logical then that someone cannot be fit by doing one exercise alone--cross train!