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Hybrid Fitness - The Old Meets The New

By Steve Aaron - Aug 5, 2008

Hybrid anything is all the buzz. Hybrid fitness training is also on the cutting edge. We are talking about mixing traditional indoor weight training facilities with aggressive outdoor aerobic components like extreme hiking, and/or hybrid biking all rolled up into one grueling workout. Typically these workouts last between an hour and fifteen minutes, to two hours in duration. Unlike the standard indoor gym programs, the caloric burn comes from many different areas. There are many additional risks associated with Hybrid training, but in my opinion, the benefits far out weigh the risks. Hybrid training may not be for everyone, but those who seek a little more excitement out of your workouts should consider this type of program.

Balance and coordination come into play the minute you leave the relative safety of the great indoors. As the terrain and weather conditions change, so to does your caloric burn. It takes energy to maintain balance, and to be alert enough to avoid potential hazards of outdoor training, such as cars, wet footings, over heating, pedestrians, and even wildlife to name a few. Good gear is paramount. Invest in a great pair of cross-training shoes, breathable garments, and even hiking gloves can be useful for the really steep assents.We use quality Iron Horse Hybrid bikes for the biking portion; these bikes, while offering nearly the speed found in road bikes; also incorporate the stability and durability of mountain bikes.

If being comfortable and watching a big screen in the air conditioning are important to you, then Hybrid training may not be for you. Expect to get rained on, muddy, scratched, sticky, sweaty, and be cold in the winter months. You’ll have to deal with slipping, tripping, bugs and bushes. After an hour of mixed outdoor aerobic training, many Hybrid classes offer thirty to forty-five minutes of an indoor gym circuit program. In addition to, or incorporated into this, there should be a portion of time devoted strictly to abdominal work. Expect to be in motion from the time you check in until you get into your car to leave. You are either actively involved in an exercise routine, or you are in transition to one…there is no passive resting, only active resting.

Hybrid fitness training is all about working the entire body; muscles, heart, lungs, core, and mind. It’s about mixing the best of standard indoor weight training, with the best of outdoor mixed aerobic training. It’s about having quality equipment, bikes and fitness gear. Hybrid Fitness Training is about having access to an extreme and challenging outdoor environment, and a trainer that knows how to use it. As always, make sure to get a doctor’s clearance before undertaking any strenuous exercise program.
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