More and more tactical athletes are turning to CrossFit training to support their regime–but if you’ve never tried it before, you may imagine barre classes or the dance studio at your local gym. Rest assured, it’s nothing like that.

Cross Training: What The Hell Even Is It?

You've probably heard of the benefits of cross-training because people can't stop talking about it. What exactly is it, and why the hell should you care?

Cross Training refers to various methods that all serve the same purpose: improving your overall fitness level by increasing strength, endurance, speed, and flexibility. You do all kinds of routines, with and without weights. You can add it to your current regime or replace your entire routine. So, don’t worry, you can still wear your DEATH BY DUMBBELLS tee.

Build Muscle, Skill, and Get THICK AF: All At The Same Time.

A program such as CrossFit would be beneficial because it is designed to address every aspect of fitness. It is not a one-trick pony–your whole body will be challenged. Programs like CrossFit also offer a variety of training methods, such as Olympic weightlifting or handstand push-ups, that can help any athlete achieve their goals faster than other programs alone.

When most tactical athletes think about their physical conditioning routine, they tend to fall into one of two camps: either focusing exclusively on building muscle mass or emphasizing endurance by running long distances at high speeds while wearing heavy equipment. The former group tends to work out in gyms where bodybuilders train and lift heavy weights, whereas the latter group often trains outdoors through circuit training or boot camp-style workouts at Crossfit gyms or military bases. Crossfit combines both.

When looking at CrossFit training programs designed specifically for law enforcement officers, you will discover that many focus on combat-based exercises such as running through mazes and jumping over barriers. This training style allows them to build muscle memory about specific movements that could be helpful during tactical operations later on down the road.

 Basically, Crossfit allows you to hit all your marks at the same time. Remember, over here at Combat Iron, we lift heavy, move fast, and stay deadly–grab this shirt to remind your CrossFit class you’re not there to play.