You’ve probably heard of cross training in the context of exercise, as this method of training has become popular among elite and recreational athletes alike. Cross training involves incorporating different types of exercise into a workout routine. So, instead of running on one of the best treadmills every day, an athlete could mix it up with rowing, HIIT classes, and Pilates.

To learn more about the benefits of cross training and how to incorporate it into an exercise routine, Live Science spoke to Benjamin Rose, an exercise physiologist and fitness trainer at Trainer Academy.

What is cross training?