Is that same old morning aerobics class getting on your nerves? Does the thought of running your usual eight laps around the track this afternoon make you want to scream? Would you prefer to catch a re-run on television then play yet another game of tennis at the club? If your usual workout routine is having the same effect on you, it's time to try something new. One of the best ways to keep things fresh and to get a total body workout is cross-training.

Cross-training means participation in a wide variety of sports. An excellent example of cross-training is the Dry Land Training Camp held at The Stone Clinic in San Francisco. The Dry Land Training Camp, founded by Kevin R. Stone, M.D., is an off-season individualized training program for top professional athletes. Dr. Stone tailors traditionally recreational activities such as cycling, in-line skating, boxing, weight training, and water aerobics for maximum benefit to the athletes and their respective sports. For example, a professional skier will use in-line skating to mimic the edge-to-edge motion of skiing or a slide board to mimic the action of slalom skiing.

Dr. Stone points out that a good training program combines aerobic and strength training with flexibility conditioning so that muscles get strong and remain strong. Dr. Stone also feels its vital that the athlete participate in a variety of different sports to provide a more complete workout and to keep them motivated. Andreja Rojs, who finished in second place last year on the Women's Pro Ski Tour, loved the opportunity to cross-train in other sports at this year's Camp. "The excellent variety of sports really keeps you going and I had fun doing all of them. I particularly enjoyed the boxing. It was awesome and such a great workout," Andreja said. All the participants at this year's Camp raved about the opportunity to train in other sports and the motivational factor of trying something new.

Cross-training can motivate and bring a fresh outlook to your workout program. If you allow yourself to fall into the workout rut, chances are you will eventually stop your workouts altogether. By trying new activities your interest will remain high and you'll be in better shape. Just as variety is the spice of life, variety is that extra spice necessary in sports.

The Stone Clinic and The Stone Foundation for Sports Medicine and Arthritis Research are dedicated to the treatment and prevention of injuries to active people. Our research focuses on new methods of cartilage regeneration and knee ligament repair.