Try These Winning Fitness Combos

Adding a second activity to your usual workout routine can make you even better at the sport you love

Rock climbing and yoga don’t seem to have a lot in common, but did you know that alternating these activities could improve your performance in both? Known as cross-training, doing two complementary workouts challenges you in different ways, helping you reach your fitness goals faster. Here are five surprising workout combos to try.

PILATES + SWIMMING

Both activities are low impact and increase strength so you can interchange them if you’re recovering from injury.

FOR SWIMMERS To enhance your performance in the pool, sign up for Pilates classes. “Pilates works your stabilising core muscles, targets weak or tight muscle groups and rebalances your body,” explains Renee Scott, founder of Barre Attack. By building greater core strength, balance and alignment, you’ll swim more efficiently which leads to faster times.

Both Pilates and swimming require controlled breathing, adds Renee. “Pilates connects your breath with movements so you swim at a steadier pace.”

FOR PILATES FANS Swimming will improve your breathing patterns and activate your core muscles in between Pilates sessions, and rhythmic movements promote wellbeing too, Renee says. Swimming also helps to build your cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

SPIN CLASS + BOXING

Spin and boxing both increase cardiovascular fitness, but together they provide more well-rounded results.