{"id":18145,"date":"2025-06-12T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scienceinsport.com\/sports-nutrition\/?p=18145"},"modified":"2025-06-12T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T00:00:00","slug":"benefits-of-cross-training-for-endurance-athletes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scienceinsport.com\/sports-nutrition\/benefits-of-cross-training-for-endurance-athletes\/","title":{"rendered":"BENEFITS OF CROSS-TRAINING FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Cross-training may be the answer to making you a better endurance athlete.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is cross-training?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cross-training is any exercise protocol that is different to the training modes of an individual\u2019s regular sport. These protocols often involve similar skills to an athlete\u2019s regular sport and develop the same physical attributes required for performance.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What are the benefits of cross-training?<\/strong><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">There are 3 main benefits to cross-training:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Reduces the risk of injury<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Improves performance<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Beats boredom!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Reducing the risk of injury\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">E<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">ndurance sports can be very physically demanding and overuse type injuries are common. Overuse injuries occur from repetitive stress of an area of the musculoskeletal system when inadequate rest has not promoted recovery and adaptation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Utilizing cross-training allows athletes to reduce the repetitive stress placed on specific areas of the musculoskeletal system whilst improving sport-specific physical attributes (e.g., aerobic capacity).\u00a0 For example, cycling may be used by runners as a low impact activity to reduce overall stress on the musculoskeletal system but still develops the cardiovascular fitness.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Many forms of cross training will challenge and develop different muscle groups and connective tissues to those repeatedly used during sport-related training. This is beneficial as it increases the recovery of more widely used muscle groups and connective tissues. Stability, balance, and strength of the musculoskeletal system will be increased and the sport-related biomechanics may be improved allowing for better technique, reduced injury risk, and improved performance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If an athlete becomes injured, cross-training can be used whilst rehabilitating that injury so fitness levels are maintained.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Improved performance<\/strong><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cross training can improve performance as it can be a beneficial way to achieve a higher level of fitness. Research suggests there is some transfer of the training effects, including maximum oxygen uptake (VO<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">2 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">max), from one training mode to another.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Fitness levels can increase as cross-training can allow for increased volume whist maintaining a low risk of injury and over-training. This is because a variation of stimuli is presented and a wider variety of muscle groups and connective tissues are used.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Beats boredom!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Endurance sports often involve a lot of time spent doing the same thing over and over again. It is bound to get boring at some point! A change of scenery from cross-training can keep training exciting and fresh whilst maintaining motivation and adherence.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>How SiS athletes incorporate cross-training into their regimes<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Olympian marathon runner, Steph Davis, and Pro Gravel Cyclist, Freddy Ovett, incorporate different sports into their programmes throughout the year. Here\u2019s how and why they do it:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Freddy Ovett:<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cRunning for me\u2026 is purely something I enjoy doing alone and I squeeze it into my weekly plan when I find the time off the bike. The benefits are more mental than purely physical, due to its relaxing nature.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Even though running makes its way into the training plan every so often, Freddy still boasts an impressive 2:45 marathon from Berlin in 2022 and he\u2019s set his sights on New York this November.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">His advice, \u201cFor anyone looking to get into cross-training, don\u2019t force it and look for an activity that you enjoy doing. If you don\u2019t enjoy it, then it&#8217;s not going to give you much benefit physically and will tax you mentally for your main sport\u201d.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Steph Davis:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Steph taps into cycling and elliptical sessions as she tunes up for major city marathons.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cThese sessions help me get fitter without the impact of running. They\u2019re focused on building my aerobic base and recovering from harder run sessions. The intensity is kept lower by keeping my heart rate in the same range as my easy runs\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This supplementary training allows Steph to train as much as more high mileage runners, but it removes the weight-bearing\/impact element that comes with a lot of miles.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cI can get fitter without the impact and therefore reducing my chance of injury,\u201d explains Steph. \u201cI have been able to train for a marathon by running around 40-60 miles a week and adding cross-training sessions to replace those \u2018missing miles\u2019 that other elite runners do.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When adding a different training stimulus, you\u2019ll need to fuel appropriately. Steph notes that with cycling, you are more likely to be able to consume fuel that is not just gels and <a href=\"_wp_link_placeholder\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\">drinks<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">For runners, this presents another opportunity to beat boredom and switch up from your trusted gels and take on solid food like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scienceinsport.com\/shop-sis\/go-range\/go-energy-bars\/sis-go-energy-bar-mini-30-pack\">SiS GO Energy Bars<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scienceinsport.com\/sis-go-energy-bake-12-pack\">GO Energy Bakes<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Take home message:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cross-training can be a great tool for supplementing endurance training but it cannot replace sport-specific training and must be applied appropriately to a training programme.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">For further advice on endurance sports strength and conditioning, check out Total Strength Endurance. The specialist team help endurance athletes unlock their true potential by providing a range of services from 1-2-1 online programmes to musculoskeletal movement analysis. To find out more visit <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/linkprotect.cudasvc.com\/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.totaltritraining.com%2ftotal-strength-endurance%2f&amp;c=E,1,6AszvU0xHT5tmKe2kPo6eERBVcg5X8Xq2Fas5a1hprprfHOI2IEfqFu9rL6A95WdnuR77AuWc9qBfkpjWDeOgXLGKBP3QqUzD2TMgpcZ2itf-vt9IRsOiK38aXg,&amp;typo=1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.totaltritraining.com\/total-strength-endurance\/<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">References:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tanaka, H. (1994) \u2018Effects of cross-training. Transfer of training effects on <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">VO<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">2 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">max between cycling, running, and swimming\u2019 <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sports Medicine, <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">18(5)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">The top benefits of cross-training for athletes (no date). Available at https:\/\/www.spookynooksports.com\/blog\/manheim\/crossover-sports<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cross-training is a great way of improving your fitness whilst switching things up and keeping things interesting. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":158,"featured_media":18147,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[398,453,590,571],"tags":[7,39,109,111],"class_list":["post-18145","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cycling","category-running","category-training","category-athletes-partners","tag-training","tag-cycling","tag-marathon","tag-running"],"acf":{"subtitle":"","product_skus":"","post_banner":"https:\/\/www.scienceinsport.com\/sports-nutrition\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/Untitled-3-4.jpeg","duration_type":"time","duration_time":"4 mins"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>BENEFITS OF CROSS-TRAINING FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES -<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the benefits that come with cross-training and 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