Identify one benefit of cross-training for athletes.

Cross-training is beneficial for athletes as it involves engaging in different forms of exercise that complement their primary sport. One key advantage of this approach is that it reduces the risk of overuse injuries by varying activities. When athletes consistently perform the same movements, they subject specific muscles and joints to repetitive strain, which can lead to injuries over time. By incorporating a range of activities into their training regimen, such as swimming, cycling, or strength training, athletes can develop overall fitness while allowing certain muscle groups to rest and recover. This strategic variation helps distribute the physical stress across different parts of the body, thus minimizing the likelihood of injury.

Additionally, it promotes overall muscular balance and helps maintain cardiovascular fitness, contributing to better performance in their primary sport. Athletes not only benefit from reduced injury risk but may also find improvements in their performance as a result of the diverse training stimuli they experience through cross-training.