Blog

Unleashing strength and empowerment: 8 benefits of cross-training workouts for women

In the realm of fitness and well-being, the concept of cross-training has gained significant popularity, and for good reason. 

This holistic approach to exercise offers a myriad of benefits for women, transcending traditional workout routines and fostering a stronger, healthier, and more empowered lifestyle. 

The following are eight advantages that cross-training workouts bring to women of all ages and fitness levels.

Diverse workout routine

One of the primary benefits of cross-training is the incorporation of various exercises and activities into a single workout regimen. 

This diversity helps prevent boredom, keeping women engaged and motivated to stick to their fitness goals. 

By combining activities like running, strength training, yoga, and swimming, cross-training ensures a well-rounded approach that targets different muscle groups and energy systems. Kaia FIT also offers a Cross-Training group class that mixes up strength and cardio exercises with different formats that keep your mind and body guessing.

Injury prevention

Monotonous exercise routines can lead to overuse injuries as specific muscle groups are repeatedly stressed. 

Cross-training reduces the risk of such injuries by distributing the workload across different activities, movements, and focuses. This helps in avoiding strain on particular joints or muscles, promoting overall joint health and longevity in physical activity.

Although the injury risk in fitness seems relatively small compared to other sports with 1.8 injuries per 1,000 training hours versus 3.4 averaged over all sports, it’s still important to not be a statistic and maintain overall injury-free health long-term.

Enhanced cardiovascular health

Cross-training often involves cardiovascular exercises, such as running or cycling. 

These activities elevate the heart rate, improving cardiovascular health by enhancing lung capacity and increasing overall endurance. 

A healthy heart is vital for women, as cardiovascular diseases remain a significant health concern.

More than 60 million women (specifically 44 percent) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and can affect women at any age.

Muscle strength and tone

Strength training, a key component of cross-training, contributes to improved muscle strength and tone. 

As women engage in resistance training, they build lean muscle mass, which not only enhances their physical appearance but also boosts metabolism and supports weight management.

Weight management and fat loss

The combination of cardiovascular exercises and strength training in cross-training workouts creates an effective calorie-burning environment. This, in turn, aids in weight management and fat loss. 

For women looking to achieve or maintain a healthy weight, cross-training can be a valuable tool in their fitness arsenal.

Mental well-being

Physical activity is closely linked to mental well-being, and cross-training is no exception. 

The variety in workouts helps alleviate stress and anxiety by offering a holistic approach to fitness. 

Additionally, the release of endorphins during exercise contributes to an improved mood and increased energy levels.

Empowerment and confidence

Cross-training challenges women to step out of their comfort zones and try new movements, exercises, and activities. 

As they conquer various exercises and see improvements in their strength and endurance, a sense of empowerment and confidence naturally follows. This newfound self-assurance often transcends into other aspects of life.

At Kaia FIT, we encourage every woman to become the best version of themselves through personalized coaching in a group atmosphere.

Adaptability and functional fitness

Cross-training emphasizes functional fitness, which focuses on building strength and flexibility for everyday activities. 

This adaptability is particularly beneficial for women, as it prepares them for the physical demands of daily life, whether it’s lifting groceries, playing with children, or engaging in recreational sports.

In conclusion

In conclusion, the benefits of cross-training workouts for women extend far beyond physical fitness. By embracing a diverse and dynamic approach to exercise, women can enjoy improved cardiovascular health, enhanced strength, and mental well-being. 

Cross-training not only transforms bodies but also empowers women to embrace a holistic and sustainable approach to their overall well-being. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting your journey, consider incorporating cross-training into your routine to unleash the full potential of your body and mind.

Kaia FIT is a women’s fitness and nutrition program that empowers women to become the best version of themselves through personalized coaching in a group environment. We prioritize community to help connect women to each other for additional support and accountability. Caren Roblin is the owner of Kaia FIT Sierra, with four studio locations in Reno-Sparks.

Recent Blogs

7 Day Reset

We’ve incorporated inspiration and motivation to help you rock all 7 days. In the next 7 days you will make shifts in your mind and body that will boost your metabolism, improve sleep and increase energy.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

This is a self paced reset, so you can start when you are ready but we recommend to continue with the reset each day once you begin to see the maximum results.

All it takes is 7 DAYS. What are you waiting for?

Kaia Tri is a ten-week triathlon training program with workouts three times a week, which is an optional extra during our spring and summer CORE sessions. We swim, bike, and run, with some cross-training classes too. By being able to set a personal pace, our triathlon training program is suited to beginners tackling their first race and intermediate athletes looking to improve their finish time.

Our mock triathlons run several times to familiarize women with the course route. We finish the season with a Triathlon Training Camp which includes paddle boarding and power workouts. The next day is our exhilarating and fun Triathlon race day for all Kaia Tri women to enjoy working out in a beautiful location. Friends are welcome too!

SANDBAG

Kaia Sandbag combines traditional fitness with unconventional training methods. With sandbags, the weight shifts and moves in an unpredictable fashion. This piece of equipment is integrated into our conditioning & strength building workouts to simultaneously develop strength, power, endurance, mobility, and balance – with an additional emphasis on developing overall core strength and stability.

New to sandbag training? No problem! Beginners are always welcome.

TRX SUSPENSION 

TRX® Suspension Training® body-weight exercise simultaneously develops strength, power, endurance, mobility, durability, balance, flexibility, and core stability. Whether you’re younger or older, out of shape or a pro athlete, injured or at the top of your game, TRX Suspension Training meets you where you are and takes you where you want to go. TRX Suspension Training leverages gravity and the user’s body weight to enable hundreds of exercises that can be instantly scaled for any user to reach any fitness or training goal. The easily-scalable nature of TRX Suspension Training makes it a practical solution wherever you are on the fitness continuum.

Need a little extra boost to keep your body guessing? Our TRX/Cardio class is an excellent complement to any Kaia FIT session. TRX workouts, which can be used by anyone at any level, builds true functional strength and improves flexibility, balance and core stability all at once. Mixed with cardio, the classes give every member the perfect balance of challenge and success.

*TRX classes not available in all areas. Please contact us your local studio.

CROSS-TRAINING

Our trademark Kaia Cross-Training™ classes are a unique mix of cardio, functional movement, and both weighted and non-weighted exercises.

Cross-Training benefits:

Each day brings a new workout. We have an elite group of advanced coaches who infuse each workout with their own flair and focus, meaning you’re never going to repeat a workout, avoid burn-out, and fitness plateaus.

Keeping the body guessing is key to sculpting lean muscle mass. We also have a 3-part modification foundation: Balance (non-impact); Strength (mid-impact) and Kaia (high impact). Each exercise has its own progression so that everyone can feel successful.

As a part of our program, we also offer nutritional guidance to help you make healthy food choices and keep your fitness on track.

What are you waiting for? Join us today!

BARRE

Our barre-based class is a unique combination of postures inspired by ballet, yoga, Pilates and Kaia. Using the barre as a prop to balance, you’ll complete a series of isometric holds combined with high reps of small range movements to elongate and tone your major muscle groups.

In addition to the barre, classes incorporate pilates balls, yoga blocks, and/or resistance bands for increased endurance, challenge and focus. Following each set of holds, you’ll rest and recovery with a short series of stretches and poses to increase flexibility prior to advancing.
Kaia Barre is a low-impact class that perfectly complements our program offerings. Meet us at the barre and try your first class for free!

Participating locations may vary. See the schedule page for more details.

DANCE 

Our dance fitness class is rooted in traditional dance. We use those foundational moves and offer a class that is easy enough for beginners yet challenging enough for the more seasoned dancer. The simplicity of the routines allows you to keep moving with ease. Although this is a workout, it feels more like a dance party with your girlfriends.

RUNNING 

Improve your speed, skill, endurance, stamina, and strength with our Kaia running program. The program works on developing running skills that can increase speed, endurance, and overall fitness. The program is designed for you to run at your pace and and help you see improvements every step of the way.

The Kaia training is a simple, progressive program designed for women of all ages and all fitness levels. Whether you are a walker, jogger, or runner, you will be able to join this program and move at your own pace. Research has shown that even 20 to 30 minutes of running (two to three times per week) is enough to help you lose or maintain weight and improve many other important health markers, i.e. your cholesterol, blood pressure and insulin response.

Don’t be intimidated by the Kaia Run program name, each class will have walkers, joggers and runners. Keep in mind that the first mile is the hardest mile you will ever run. Once you get off the starting block, things only get easier. All you have to do is be patient and disciplined in your training, and that is where Kaia

POWER YOGA

Kaia Yoga combines mind and body with a power yoga and core-strengthening weekly workout with Pilates-style techniques. We focus on balance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness through stretching, strength training and dynamic movement to improve overall fitness levels.

By creating long, lean muscles, Yoga promotes improved coordination, greater flexibility and a fuller range of motion, with a strong body that’s less prone to injury. Yoga keeps the mind centered and reduces stress through positive thoughts and a sense of mindfulness, which also inspires mental strength and confidence.

Yin Yoga, or restorative yoga, is a quiet contemplative practice. It targets the deepest tissues of the body, our connective tissues – ligaments, joints, bones, and the deep fascia networks of the body. Poses are held for 1 minute or more and transitions between poses are gentle and slow. This class is an excellent compliment to our other classes, provides dedicated stretching, and is known to reduce stress and anxiety.

6-WEEK BRIK BOOTCAMP

Our BRIK Bootcamp sessions are offered three times a year and are designed to help you reach your health and fitness potential, and you’re welcome to start anytime!

Our BRIK Bootcamps are six weeks long and feature classes daily.* This programming fits in seamlessly with our regularly scheduled classes, and it’s as easy as 1-2-3:

  1. Register for BRIK Bootcamp HERE (included for Platinum & Gold Memberships)
  2. Book your classes through our branded app and Show Up
  3. Let our expert coaches do the rest!

These sessions offer great results in weight and body fat loss and an increase in strength and cardiovascular endurance. Our nutritional support will boost energy, help you de-bloat, increase sleep quality, and enhance your overall glow.

BRIK Bootcamp includes:

In between BRIK Bootcamp, we offer a variety of classes to meet you at your level! We also have nutrition and fitness challenges, in addition to fun opportunities to spice up your routine. What are you waiting for? Join us today!

CYCLE

Cardio based, calorie torching workout with certified spin instructors. It’s a party on a bike!

Try a Week Free

WHAT IS KAIA FIT?