Crossfit vs gym
Runescape86
Posts: 6 Member
I am in a bit of a pickle because I am unsure what do to. Well I have crossfit and gym membership but if I want to go crossfit it's an extra 1 and a half hours travelling in my day on top of work commute. I really enjoy crossfit as I can use a squat rack etc without getting intimidated. My gym is 10 min walk from my house. From personal experience what do people get best results from I am looking at weight-loss with building muscle and I love lifting. Is the commute worth it? I am probably answering my own question here but would love to hear people experiences.
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Replies
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You'll get results from whichever you do consistently. I love crossfit but if I had to travel over an hour I wouldn't love it quite so much.7
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Crossfit is not really a lifting or muscle-building program. Someone doing crossfit will see some results in that area, but only the amount needed to adapt to the specific demands of the exercises.
To be honest, your goals are somewhat at cross purposes--while lifting weights is an essential part of a weight-loss focused exercise program, muscle gains will be limited because of the caloric deficit.
You can lose weight doing a lot of different programs and, as is often said, maintaining a calorie deficit is more important than any exercise program. So there is no "best for weight loss" program--they'll all work and none of them will work, depending on your diet.
Basically, you should do what you like, what will keep you motivated, and what program is most aligned with your fitness goals.
I will say there is nothing magic about crossfit to justify the longer commute and higher cost. If you find it motivating and more rewarding, then it is worth it, but there is nothing inherent in the workouts themselves that is any better than any other type of workout program.4 -
Crossfit is not really a lifting or muscle-building program. Someone doing crossfit will see some results in that area, but only the amount needed to adapt to the specific demands of the exercises.
Coulda fooled me. Deadlift, squat, bench, and olympic lifting alternating - four days a week. Tracked and recorded.
ETA:
I though it might be helpful to explain the set up at my box.
First is stretching & mobility (foam rolling, etc.)
then warm up which is some lighter version of the workout of the day (WOD)
then weight lifting/strength training
then goal work, which is whatever thing an individual might be working on,
then WOD,
then stretching.
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I did crossfit for a while, I loved it, I was in my leanest self, but I didn't have cool muscle mass improvement, it was awesome and I was super fit, but it's now, that I lift heavy 3x week that I can see that muscle taking shape and volume. I don't know about the long conmute hmmm, can you have CF 2x week and go to gym maybe 2 times? I don't know how busy you are on schedule!0
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Crossfit is not really a lifting or muscle-building program. Someone doing crossfit will see some results in that area, but only the amount needed to adapt to the specific demands of the exercises.
Coulda fooled me. Deadlift, squat, bench, and olympic lifting alternating - four days a week. Tracked and recorded.
ETA:
I though it might be helpful to explain the set up at my box.
First is stretching & mobility (foam rolling, etc.)
then warm up which is some lighter version of the workout of the day (WOD)
then weight lifting/strength training
then goal work, which is whatever thing an individual might be working on,
then WOD,
then stretching.
Resistance training isn't the same thing as muscle building or strength programming...I've never seen a body builder doing CF except when in a cut...I've never seen a power lifter or competitive Oly lifter doing CF.
Those lifts in CF are often done with low weight and high volume...when I did CF it was more of like circuit training on steroids...great for a cut.2 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »Crossfit is not really a lifting or muscle-building program. Someone doing crossfit will see some results in that area, but only the amount needed to adapt to the specific demands of the exercises.
Coulda fooled me. Deadlift, squat, bench, and olympic lifting alternating - four days a week. Tracked and recorded.
ETA:
I though it might be helpful to explain the set up at my box.
First is stretching & mobility (foam rolling, etc.)
then warm up which is some lighter version of the workout of the day (WOD)
then weight lifting/strength training
then goal work, which is whatever thing an individual might be working on,
then WOD,
then stretching.
Resistance training isn't the same thing as muscle building or strength programming...I've never seen a body builder doing CF except when in a cut...I've never seen a power lifter or competitive Oly lifter doing CF.
Those lifts in CF are often done with low weight and high volume...when I did CF it was more of like circuit training on steroids...great for a cut.
You're right that it's not specialization of any kind.
But progressive, heavy lifting is part of the plan - at least where I go.
I see this common idea that CF is just the WOD, and maybe that's so in some places, but it has not been my experience.
ETA: Is it possible that the coach at my box has tweaked the program to such an extent that it is really that different?1 -
I've heard CF is similar to a cult0
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So, I guess my experience may be the exception.
The following is completely apart from the WOD.
At CF, I was doing 5x5 sets for a while, but now I'm doing one lift per day, mostly due to time constraints. I'm learning olympic lifts on the fourth day, with no weight (pvc pipe).
Week 1: 5 x 8 Squat, Deadlift, Bench
Week 2: 5 x 5 Squat, Deadlift, Bench
Week 3: 5 x 3 Squat, Deadlift, Bench
Week 4: 5 x 2 Squat, Deadlift, Bench
Week 5: 5 x 1 Squat, Deadlift, Bench
Week 6: deload0 -
Is there a reason that you can't do the same lifting in your gym?0
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One rack at my gym and very intimidating for me0
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I see this common idea that CF is just the WOD, and maybe that's so in some places, but it has not been my experience.
ETA: Is it possible that the coach at my box has tweaked the program to such an extent that it is really that different?
That's kinda the thing with CF. It's not standardized and it's really a general term. You really have to find a decent Box that has an actual knowledgeable trainer. I like to think of it like a franchise. Not all CF places are equal.
I would put it into a 'plus side' if your coach is adjusting it to that extent.
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jillybeansalad wrote: »
I see this common idea that CF is just the WOD, and maybe that's so in some places, but it has not been my experience.
ETA: Is it possible that the coach at my box has tweaked the program to such an extent that it is really that different?
That's kinda the thing with CF. It's not standardized and it's really a general term. You really have to find a decent Box that has an actual knowledgeable trainer. I like to think of it like a franchise. Not all CF places are equal.
I would put it into a 'plus side' if your coach is adjusting it to that extent.
This makes sense to me and I'm not surprised that there's variation, but it is strange to me that it would be so extreme. I mean, you can get identical Big Macs in every McDonalds.
edit: typos0 -
A major benefit of CrossFit is the combination of an instructor/teacher being on hand most of the time while you do your sessions, and also being within a group which can often boost your effort output.3
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This makes sense to me and I'm not surprised that there's variation, but it is strange to me that it would be so extreme. I mean, you can get identical Big Macs in every McDonalds.
It's the form/posture during exercises that makes a lot of distance, ensuring you're doing the right movements lowers the risk of injury while also raising the positive benefits of the exercise.
I used to box for around 14 years and the difference between someone who teaches fundamental footwork, how to move your body and head, how to load up punches versus how to use quick punches and feints is huge for what is all essentially a basic movement - throwing a punch.
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Several Cross Fit boxes around here are very much focused on compound lifting, and heavy lifting. At least two have powerlifting and Olympic lifting classes separate from their regular WOD classes, which also incorporate compound lifts.1
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I don't think I could justify they time lost in commuting, no matter how much more I liked one facility over another.3
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I would add the commute time if the coaching and programing at your CF affiliate is top notch.0
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Runescape86 wrote: »One rack at my gym and very intimidating for me
you say you love lifting? but the gym environment is all that's making it harder for you? i guess in your position i might consider making the trip to the crossfit just for as long as it took me to build confidence that i could transport to the gym.
but full disclosure: i loathe 'group' and 'team' things, so i wouldn't do crossfit if it was across the alley from me. i'd be that person travelling the extra hour and a half just to get to lift somewhere that better suits my surly isolationist personality style.
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Done both. I see more results from crossfit0
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What's your time worth?
Usually, CF prices are significantly higher than an average gym membership.
My point is, if time and money aren't an issue, I'd stick with what you like better (CF is what I'm gathering). I can't imagine time not being an issue though, or you probably wouldn't have mentioned it.
My choice, given equal circumstances, would be the gym. If you can't get over that intimidated feeling after some time, start making the further commute.1 -
There is no workout I'd regularly drive over an hour for, no matter how much I loved it.2
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I started CrossFit three months ago now, three time a week. I do miss being able to go to the gym and workout at my own pace and focus on specific muscle groups. Fortunately, I only have to drive 20mins to get there but in rush hour traffic, which isn't fun.
Whatever you choose, you'll see results if you stick at it. CF is fun and more challenging for me.1 -
Why don't you CF twice a week, say on Friday and at the weekend, when you might have more time.
And then gym on the other days. Be brave and use the squat rack! Once you've done it once, you'll be able to do it again. You can also do CF style training in the gym, EMOMs, AMRAPs, all the acronyms 2 -
Elegra2006 wrote: »Why don't you CF twice a week, say on Friday and at the weekend, when you might have more time.
And then gym on the other days. Be brave and use the squat rack! Once you've done it once, you'll be able to do it again. You can also do CF style training in the gym, EMOMs, AMRAPs, all the acronyms
That's a good point.
I changed my CF membership to twice a week (starting from next month) and retained my off-peak gym membership. So I can still go to the gym during lunchtime at work.
It works out quite expensive but I will assess it again in summer.0 -
Elegra2006 wrote: »Why don't you CF twice a week, say on Friday and at the weekend, when you might have more time. And then gym on the other days.
^ I think this is great advice!
Shocked there's not a CrossFit box closer to you. It seems like anymore there's one around every corner...
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Elegra2006 wrote: »Why don't you CF twice a week, say on Friday and at the weekend, when you might have more time.
This is terrific! Especially if you can pay per class instead of monthly.0 -
Crossfit is not really a lifting or muscle-building program. Someone doing crossfit will see some results in that area, but only the amount needed to adapt to the specific demands of the exercises.
Coulda fooled me. Deadlift, squat, bench, and olympic lifting alternating - four days a week. Tracked and recorded.
ETA:
I though it might be helpful to explain the set up at my box.
First is stretching & mobility (foam rolling, etc.)
then warm up which is some lighter version of the workout of the day (WOD)
then weight lifting/strength training
then goal work, which is whatever thing an individual might be working on,
then WOD,
then stretching.
This is our programming format too....sometimes METCON then strength.
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Absolutely no way I could justify adding 1.5 hours to my commute to just workout- to visit a friend once or twice a month? sure- but to lift 3 times a week? hell naw dawg.
I'd stick with the gym and if you can't adapt- and you can stomach the commute- then go back to cross fit.Crossfit is not really a lifting or muscle-building program. Someone doing crossfit will see some results in that area, but only the amount needed to adapt to the specific demands of the exercises.
Coulda fooled me. Deadlift, squat, bench, and olympic lifting alternating - four days a week. Tracked and recorded.
ETA:
I though it might be helpful to explain the set up at my box.
First is stretching & mobility (foam rolling, etc.)
then warm up which is some lighter version of the workout of the day (WOD)
then weight lifting/strength training
then goal work, which is whatever thing an individual might be working on,
then WOD,
then stretching.
I think the point was that cross fit only gets you good at crossfit- it generally (GENERALLY) doesn't have a long term training plan. Even the people who do the games don't actually do WODS- in the office seasons they go onto a regular OLY training cycle that's supplemented.
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IMO, since Crossfit is a HIIT program, the most you should do it is 3 times a week because it's rough on the nervous system. Then supplement other lifting (traditional) inbetween. I do know that Crossfit isn't cheap and usually runs around $150 a month average.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Absolutely no way I could justify adding 1.5 hours to my commute to just workout- to visit a friend once or twice a month? sure- but to lift 3 times a week? hell naw dawg.
I'd stick with the gym and if you can't adapt- and you can stomach the commute- then go back to cross fit.Crossfit is not really a lifting or muscle-building program. Someone doing crossfit will see some results in that area, but only the amount needed to adapt to the specific demands of the exercises.
Coulda fooled me. Deadlift, squat, bench, and olympic lifting alternating - four days a week. Tracked and recorded.
ETA:
I though it might be helpful to explain the set up at my box.
First is stretching & mobility (foam rolling, etc.)
then warm up which is some lighter version of the workout of the day (WOD)
then weight lifting/strength training
then goal work, which is whatever thing an individual might be working on,
then WOD,
then stretching.
I think the point was that cross fit only gets you good at crossfit- it generally (GENERALLY) doesn't have a long term training plan. Even the people who do the games don't actually do WODS- in the office seasons they go onto a regular OLY training cycle that's supplemented.
Right, I agree - that is an aspect of not specializing. It's something I like about it. I'm not going to be an expert at any one thing, but I'll be pretty good at a lot of things.
Plus, in my area NO ONE in the gyms would teach me olympic lifts. My box offers actual classes.
I spoke to my coach about this today and he says yes, there is a wide variety of ways to do cross fit. Some boxes emphasize some aspects over others. I guess I'm glad I landed where I did.0
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