Personal Trainer or CrossFit?

skeetpea

I will be spending my summer interning in Minnesota so I am starting to look for how I am going to get some serious exercise time in. My goal this summer is to lose as many inches/reduce body fat % as possible. I'm being serious when I say I want to work my *kitten* off this summer.
So far I have come up with two options. My initial thought was to go to the gym that I get a free membership to while I am interning and hire a personal trainer for the summer. Turns out this gym does not have personal trainers, only 'wellness coaches' who don't really do the whole exercise training thing. I can, however, get a monthly membership at the Y and get personal training there.
I also saw they have a CrossFit gym and started researching that. (http://cfpfit.wordpress.com) This totally freaks me out, but I am also enthralled at the same time. I don't know if I'd be able to work up the nerve to do this, but a part of me really thinks I should try it out. Having all those fit and strong people around me kinda intimidates me. Even if I were to work on increasing me fitness level between now and when I go (June 1st) I would still be way out of shape.
So anyways, opinions? Which direction should I go? Do your best to convince me one way is better than the other. Any CrossFit gurus out there?

Valkyriewoman

I used to be a member at Crossfit St Paul. It was an excellent experience. They have a knowledgeable staff and it's a supportive atmosphere with the other athletes at that gym. If you like challenging yourself in a class, this might be for you.

I also have an excellent personal trainer who motivates me more than anyone, is highly skilled, educated and I really enjoy the one on one sessions with him. I've lost more weight and personally work better one on one.

It's really personal preference. Try both!

skeetpea

thanks!
anybody else want to chime in here?

docjoe

Have not done Crossfit, sounds scary! Just wanted to say welcome to MN!

dad106

I know there are some people on here who are really anti-crossfit.. so be ready for their replies.

Personally, i've never done Crossfit but I have had a personal trainer for the past year. I really like having a personal trainer.. it's a place to get new ideas, bounce ideas off another person and be pushed further then I even thought was possible. It also lets me know that when life gets busy and I don't always have time to go to the gym, that I have a set workout date/time and that hour is just about me and no one else.

JNick77

It's really a toss-up. Most gym trainers aren't very good. On the other hand, you don't need any real knowledge or specialization to teach Cross-Fit either. See if you can look on-line about the gym and the Cross-fit and see which has better reviews. Tough call...

dicoveringwhoIam

I have a personal trainer that is awesome. He continually challenges me each time I see him.. That is my vote.. Good Luck!

Bookers23

I see a personal trainer one on one with a crossfit approach. I love crossfit, even at a crossfit gym with other people the routines are tailored to each individual. Just make sure it's a reputable place that will test you into the right group and monitor for correct form. Sure I can squat a ton of weight but I do it perfect and safely with a bit less weight. I am seeing such great results every day. When I started I could not even do a single pullup. Whichever tool you choose, I am sure you will get good results. Just be sure to pick somebody with a proven track record. I don't buy into all the crossfit folks who go as fast as they can regardless of form. I say if you can't do it right with correct form then you are not ready to increase your weight factor. Good luck!

traceywaugh

i use a personal trainer who continually changes prog altho he went to a crossfit gym opening last week and is quite impressed with it. he also has been doing insanity workouts. i know this influence will end up being in my programs so in a way i will benefit from both worlds. whatever one you choose as long as you give it 100% you will succeed

carolyns19

I did a bootcamp (basically intro to CrossFit) class at a Cross Fit gym and I loved it! I wouldn't feel intimidated, most of the people there weren't super buff or anything. This gym also was really good about watching form, etc. I've heard horror stories about CrossFits gyms being way too intense, but honestly it was the first time I pushed myself to my max and it taught me a new threshold for what I can do with my body. I don't know if you would get the same intensity from a trainer at the Y.