(HealthDay News) -- A well-designed cross-training program includes a variety of alternating exercises that stress different methods of workout and affect different parts of the body.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this list of cross-training benefits:

• It's a total body workout that strengthens a variety of areas and muscles.
• It prevents boredom, which could otherwise derail your exercise regimen.
• It helps prepare the muscles for new forms of exercise.
• It reduces the risk of an overuse injury stemming from repetitive movements of the same muscles.
• In the event of an injury, you may not have to stop exercising. Instead, you can try other exercises that won't aggravate your injury.