Cross-training
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It has been suggested that this article be split into articles entitled Cross-training and Cross-training (business), accessible from a disambiguation page. (Discuss) |
Cross-training (Also known as conditioning) refers to training in different ways to improve overall performance. It takes advantage of the particular effectiveness of each training method, while at the same time attempting to neglect the shortcomings of that method by combining it with other methods that address its weaknesses.
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[edit] In general sports
Cross-training in sports and fitness refers to the combining of exercises to work various parts of the body. Often one particular activity works certain muscle groups, but not others, Cross-training aims to eliminate this. Jogging, for example, is excellent for endurance, and prolonged use of the large muscle groups in the legs. A jogger may lift weights in order to build muscle and increase upper body strength, things that running cannot provide.
[edit] In mixed martial arts
In mixed martial arts of self-defense application, cross-training refers to training in multiple martial arts or fighting systems to become proficient in all the phases of unarmed combat. This training is meant to overcome the shortcomings of one style by practicing another style which is strong in appropriate area. A typical combination involves a striking-based art such as Muay Thai, combined with a grappling-based art such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Many hybrid martial arts can be considered derivatives of such cross-training.
Modern mixed martial arts training generally involves cross-training in the different aspects and ranges of unarmed hand to hand combat, while at the same time avoiding association with any particular martial art. Focus is placed on certain types of fighting during different training sessions, such as stand-up grappling, or ground fighting.
Of course the idea of cross training within the martial arts is not new or an invention of the cage fighters/mixed martial artists. It is an old idea developed within the old martial arts which are of course multi disipline, due to the fact of battle field survival.
[edit] In business operations management
Cross-training in operations involves training employees to engage in quality control measures. Employees are trained in tangent job functions to increase oversight in ways that are impossible through management interactions with workers alone.
[edit] Advantages
- Helps patrons/customers/clients in the long run, as employees are empowered to answer questions about the entire organization.
- Requires staff to re-evaluate the reasons and methods for accomplishing their work; inefficient methods, outdated techniques and bureaucratic drift are challenged, if not eliminated.
- Raises an awareness of what other departments do.
- Routine scheduling is enhanced with the ability to move staff about the "Operation".
- Better coverage, increased flexibility and ability to cope with unexpected absences, emergencies, illness, etc.
- Can increase the "employability" of staff who have the opportunity to train in areas they were not originally hired for.
Other advantages include
- Increased flexibility and versatility,
- Appreciated "intellectual capital"
- Improved individual efficiency,
- Increased standardization of jobs,
- Heightened Morale
[ Richardson, J. (2008) Cross Training. [Online Article]. Accessed through Internet Explorer on April 18, 2008 at http://www.restaurantowner.com/public/385.cfm ]
