The Best Sportswear For Cross-Training, According To An Expert

What do you love most about cross-training?
“I love the feeling of being strong, fit, fast, powerful and agile. I love being able to lift, run, climb, jump, sprint, leap, ride, bend, roll, snowboard, wakeboard, skateboard, rollerblade, rock climb, mountain bike, flip and walk on my hands. I love knowing that through my cross-training and multi-disciplined love for movement I have built a solid foundation that allows me to adapt quickly to new methodologies if I want. And I love that all of this has been built off of how I feel.”

How do you stay motivated to work out regularly?
“When people ask me what I’m training for, my answer is always LIFE! The skills built inside the gym compliment all other aspects that make my life what it is. Applying my fitness in other modalities of life has been something I’ve done since a very young age because I’ve always wanted to do it all. Experience as much as I possibly can, train the skills needed to excel and fall in love with the process along the way. My WHY is my motivation which keeps me dedicated, committed and consistent.”

What do you look for in a good cross-training workout wardrobe?
“I am hybrid in my training styles so the need for activewear options is vital. What I wear must match my training methodology, performance output and the intensity of my workout. Maximum comfort in what I’m wearing in order to maximise my performance.”

“If I’m heading up a mountain, it needs to be durable, moveable and cater to the environment. Generally loose-fitting shorts or full-length sports tights and a crop top. If I’m throwing down a metcon [metabolic conditioning], my gym clothes need to be sweat wicking, supportive, breathable and flexible. Booty shorts and crop tops are generally my ‘in gym’ go-to items.”

What are the best sports shoes for cross-training?
“Usually, a good pair of cross-training shoes will boast some decent ankle support, a flexible and breathable upper and high levels of comfort to see you through even the most intense exercises.”

“When looking for good training shoes, I typically look for a flat base shoe – so all points of the sole make impact with the floor during movement to provide the max amount of stability and support during training.”

“I have been a long-term fan of Nike Metcons. I feel they are more weightlifting-friendly, lightweight and breathable. They are a super supportive shoe with multi-directional movements too, which make them perfect for my high-intensity interval training workouts. I feel like I could wear them all day and not feel the need to take them off.”

“My other go-to’s have been the Reebok Nano and lately, the NanoFlex. Ideal for people with a wider foot, with a bit of room to move too, I find the NanoFlex trainers much softer, flexible but still with a decent amount of support for lifting and throwing around some weight. I'll usually wear these types of shoes if I am doing more functional type movement.”

What’s your favourite pre-workout snack?
“I generally train fasted in the AM. However, my afternoon sessions are fuelled by Greek yogurt, banana and oats or a salted boiled egg or two.”

What about your ultimate cheat day indulgence?
“Well here’s the thing about cheat meals: I don’t believe in them! I have an extremely balanced diet and I’m not one to count calories or track macros, as for me, I function better when I listen to what my body needs, when it needs it. Through this process I have learnt to understand my body and because my energy output is so high, it is important that I frequently fuel my body with a well-balanced intake of good quality, wholesome foods.”

“I also have a belief that I don’t need to deprive myself of the ‘finer things in life’ because of the level of self-understanding I have. I am definitely a sweets kinda gal and love anything chocolatey. But to answer what my ultimate indulgence would be, I’d have to say a big bowl of Crunchy Nut cereal… is that weird?!”

What are 5 non-negotiables in your sports bag?
1. Headband
2. Gym towel
3. Beats by Dre Headphones
4. Massage gun
5. Pre-Workout

And finally, what’s one thing anyone new to cross-training should know?
“Cross-training gives you the ability to focus on your personal skill development because not one workout fits all. It gives you the ability to think honestly about where your weaknesses are and how you can choose a cross-training workout that helps counterbalance them.”

“For me, incorporating a wide variety of different training methodologies, such as cross-training, is my key for having overall balance and keeping my training FUN, interesting and outside the norm. Challenging my body on the daily but more so my mind is my non-negotiable. Being innovative in my approach to create new and exciting ways to challenge myself, all while having fun at the same time, is important to me.”

“Cross-training keeps things fun, interesting and has loads of room for creativity and progression, while helping you find something that makes you fall in love with your body's abilities so you can thrive in and outside of the gym.”