Cross-training is a modern-day term which refers to the substitution of skills other than the skills directly involved in the performance of an event. Cross-training came about as a result of injury rehabilitation and is now also used in injury prevention. When tennis players sustain injuries that keep them from playing, other activities can be substituted so that the athlete can keep up his/her aerobic and muscular strength.
There is a limited value and cross-over to the specific exercise. A reason to "cross-train" is to avoid injury and maintain muscular balance during a period of intense sport specific training. One of the keys to success in sport is staying healthy and training over the long haul. Cross-training allows athletes to do event-specific training workouts with greater enthusiasm and intensity and less risk of injury.
