Cross-Training: physical preparation equipment

What is cross-training?

Cross-training is a training method that combines several disciplines: strength training, cardio, mobility, and functional exercises. It is aimed at both runners and trail athletes who want to improve their core strength and fitness enthusiasts looking to vary their sessions. This type of physical preparation relies on simple, portable equipment rather than heavy machines.

What accessories to build a cross-training session?

A typical session mixes several types of accessories depending on the desired goal. For cardio and coordination work, the skipping rope and battle rope are basic tools, often complemented by a speed ladder. For strength training, we find resistance bands, suspension straps, sandbags, or abdominal wheels. For strength and power work, weighted vests, pull-up bars, the punching bag, pulling accessories, pump kits, or lifting belts enable progressive loading of the exercises.

The choice mainly depends on the level and available space: a skipping rope and bands are enough to get started, while a punching bag or pull-up bar requires a fixed anchor point.

How to equip yourself properly: strength training and recovery accessories

The cross-training catalogue is divided into two complementary pages to help you focus your search:

• The strength training accessories, with weighted vests, abdominal wheels, pull-up bars, punching bags, pulling accessories, and lifting belts to build and load your sessions.
• The massage and recovery page, for massage guns and accessories that support the rest phase between two sessions.

To find all the physical preparation equipment, the Physical Preparation category groups all product families related to training, running, and fitness.

Cross-training: what equipment according to your practice?

The choice of accessories depends on the sport practised alongside. A runner or trail athlete will prefer the skipping rope, speed ladder, and bands to work on propulsion and stability. A fitness or strength-focused training participant will lean more towards the punching bag, pull-up bar, weighted vest, or pulling accessories. Training gloves, a step, or a ring complete the equipment to vary bodyweight movements.

When to take advantage of the best offers on cross-training equipment?

The prices of physical preparation equipment change with sales periods. Key times to watch are, in order, Black Friday, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, and then the French Days in spring. Outside these periods, the Deals page and the Clearance page help find end-of-line items. The New Arrivals and Shipped in 24h sections are helpful if you're looking for an accessory available quickly or a recently added item to the catalogue.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a dedicated space to practice cross-training at home?

No, most accessories like the skipping rope, resistance bands, or sandbag can be easily stored and don't require a fixed space. Only certain equipment like the pull-up bar or punching bag require a stable anchor point.

What’s the difference between a suspension strap and resistance bands?

The suspension strap uses body weight and an anchor point to work on core strength and balance. Resistance bands add progressive load on targeted movements without needing a wall or ceiling attachment. Both are complementary rather than interchangeable.

Can a beginner use a weighted vest?

Yes, as long as they start with a light load and adjust the intensity to their level. The weighted vest is used to intensify exercises already mastered with body weight, like squats or pull-ups.

How to choose between a classic skipping rope and a battle rope?

The classic skipping rope mainly works on cardio and coordination. The battle rope engages the upper body more, particularly the arms and shoulders, through undulating movements performed in a static position.

Are massage guns useful after a cross-training session?

They are used during recovery to relax the muscles worked during the effort. You can find them on the massage and recovery page, dedicated to this type of accessory.