Cross training is using different exercise modalities to enhance your athletic abilities. It is the key to unlocking your optimal potential as an athlete, to lose those extra inches around your waistline or to become a complete Martial Artist.

At one time weight training was looked down on by most coaches; it made you muscle bound they said. Yet today we have gone through a paradigm shift and it is rare to find a professional athlete who doesn't cross train--most professional teams have a strength coach.

We know that for optimum health and athletic excellence you must obtain flexibility from stretching, cardio vascular endurance through aerobics, swimming, running, biking, etc. and muscular-endurance through progressive weight training.

Cross training can also help you avoid injuries, which can occur during repetitive movements, which are required in most sports.

It can also keep you in shape in the off seasons. Many athletes keep in shape in the off-season by participating in Fitness Kickboxing classes.

A martial arts class can be a great off-season sport for your little leaguers or soccer star. If the child is lacking stamina and gets winded in the last half of the game, Tai Bo Kids could give him that extra kick to have him score the winning goal.

Cross training has been part of the Martial Arts for centuries. The famous Shaolin Temple was a haven and a testing ground for numerous martial artists. In the '60s and '70s the king of Kung-Fu, still considered the greatest martial artist of all time, Bruce Lee, cross trained in Western boxing, Tai boxing, Tae Kwon Do, grappling, and fencing to develop his unique system of Jeet Kunc Do.

Lee did not care if it originated in Europe, China, Korea, or Japan, his philosophy was "if it works, use it." He was also ahead of his time working out with weights when it was still taboo to do so.

So why do we still have martial arts instructors telling their students to stay loyal to their style, telling them that studying another style will only confuse them?

Could it be due to their insecurities or maybe an attempt to hide the weakness of their system?

Remember: knowledge is power!
If your style is predominantly a kicking art, cross train in a style that grabs and punches or learn a traditional weapon; remember, a weapon is just an extension of your arms.

To enhance my martial arts I don't just rely on Kung-Fu, I have cross trained in boxing, karate, kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, police tactics, and with numerous traditional weapons. Even at 43 I'm in the best shape of my life through weight lifting, Pilates, Fitness Kickboxing, and Chi Gong.

Whether you want to be the next Bruce Lee, Michael Jordan, Mike McGuire, or just turn back the hands of time; expand your horizons by cross training--it might just be your best ally.

Variety is the spice of life!
Julio G. Anta is a certified black belt instructor, personal trainer, fitness kickboxing instructor, and is the head instructor at Anta's Fitness & Self Defense and Everglades Elemiddle School. To contact him about fitness questions call 305 599 3649.