Cross-training

Athletic training

Cross training is athletic training in sports other than the athlete's usual sport. The goal is improving overall performance. It takes advantage of the particular effectiveness of one training method to negate the shortcomings of another.

Cross training in sports and fitness involves combining exercises to work various parts of the body. Often one particular activity works certain muscle groups, but not others; cross training aims to eliminate this imbalance.

In mixed martial arts and self defense, cross training refers to training in multiple martial arts or fighting systems to become proficient in all the phases of unarmed combat. This training is meant to overcome the shortcomings of one style by practicing another style which is strong in the appropriate area. A typical combination involves a striking based art such as Muay Thai, combined with a grappling based art such as wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Many hybrid martial arts can be considered derivatives of such cross training. Modern mixed martial arts training generally involves cross training in the different aspects and ranges of fighting.

In water sports, cross training often involves doing exercises and training on land. This is often referred to by swimmers as "dryland". For swimming, cross training frequently includes running, stretching, and other resistance and agility training. Diving dryland exercises include various unique exercises such as on land landing biomechanics training.

A hybrid athlete is an individual who possesses a balance of both strength and endurance. They possess a diverse set of skills and abilities, distinct from specialized athletes such as bodybuilders or marathon runners. Instead, these athletes prioritize overall fitness, seeking to achieve a well rounded level of physical capability.