Test Your Olympic Cross-Training IQ
If you think swimmers spend all their time swimming laps and that top gymnasts rely on some serious sets and reps, the conditioning techniques employed by London-bound athletes may surprise you. Try matching the Olympians and cross-training strategies below to test your knowledge of what it takes to get to the top of a sport.
Cross-Training Techniques
1. “I grew up in Minnesota, so in the winters I focused on gymnastics,” says this athlete. In addition to helping her become a more well-rounded teenager, it boosted her core strength and spatial awareness.
2. To give her muscles a break, this athlete turns to activities like spin class, yoga, and stand-up paddleboard. She’ll also soak her legs in a trashcan filled with ice and water to speed recovery after tough workouts.
3. Interval training is a big part of this athlete's routine. She’ll do an activity that gets her heart-rate in the 90th percentile for 4 to 5 minutes, take a minute or two break, and then repeat it again and again.
4. This athlete integrates moves inspired by strongman competitions into his strength routine. That may entail pulling 500-pound boat chains for 60 feet or lifting 850-pound tires.
Athletes
a. Abby Wambach, Soccer
b. Misty May-Treanor, Volleyball
c. Ryan Lochte, Swimming
d. Alise Post, BMX
Answers: 1. D; 2. B; 3. A; 4. C
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