Crossfit vs regular gym
Replies
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stanmann571 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »MikeinNOLA wrote: »I bolded the part I believe you're wrong at.
CrossFit isn't unfocused or random, it's constantly varied. You may need to step back to see the programming's intent, but we just finished a 10 week squat cycle and worked a 6 week strict pull up program inside that as part of our strength programming. If I go back and look at the metcons during that period, I see a good focus on core and explosiveness.
We have a bunch of half marathoners and marathoners at our gym. None of us do it to compete against anyone but ourselves, but we can train for races and complete the WOD.
I'm not going to argue with your experience, but I would reflect back to the point about quality of trainers. If a trainer can't have a coherent conversation with me about how the programme is structured, and what the objectives are, then I'd challenge the integrity of the programme. I'd also suggest they shouldn't call themselves a trainer.
My own experience of CrossFit may have been an exception, but it wasn't impressive.
That's been my experience as well. With the exception of a few workouts, it's Gym ADD on steroids flailing from one thing to another. I'm sure it's possible to make progress, but the more likely case is that any other structured method will be faster and more effective.
Sorry your coach couldn't articulate their programming to you. CrossFit is GPP, and while it will improve your game, I understand that sometimes a sport specific trainer is what people want/need to make the progress they believe they need. As an example, I can make your swing stronger, and you faster around the bases, but I won't be much help teaching you to hit slider, or place a base hit in left center.
CrossFit is repeatable and testable. We make gains.
While everybody can CrossFit, I get that it isn't for everyone's taste, and that's fine. I hope that everybody tries if for at least a month before you dismiss it.
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The real con of crossfit is that the trainers only take a 2 day course and most have no idea what they're doing. They aren't real fitness professionals. People get hurt there all the time and they will be competitive about making you do many, many heavy lifts. RIP to the spine of people who end up at the wrong "box" and get a trainer who doesn't even know the muscle names.
Go to a real gym and pay a real professional. Get your money's worth and not a trip to the physical therapist.
Insert Robert Downey Jr eyeroll.
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MikeinNOLA wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »MikeinNOLA wrote: »I bolded the part I believe you're wrong at.
CrossFit isn't unfocused or random, it's constantly varied. You may need to step back to see the programming's intent, but we just finished a 10 week squat cycle and worked a 6 week strict pull up program inside that as part of our strength programming. If I go back and look at the metcons during that period, I see a good focus on core and explosiveness.
We have a bunch of half marathoners and marathoners at our gym. None of us do it to compete against anyone but ourselves, but we can train for races and complete the WOD.
I'm not going to argue with your experience, but I would reflect back to the point about quality of trainers. If a trainer can't have a coherent conversation with me about how the programme is structured, and what the objectives are, then I'd challenge the integrity of the programme. I'd also suggest they shouldn't call themselves a trainer.
My own experience of CrossFit may have been an exception, but it wasn't impressive.
That's been my experience as well. With the exception of a few workouts, it's Gym ADD on steroids flailing from one thing to another. I'm sure it's possible to make progress, but the more likely case is that any other structured method will be faster and more effective.
Sorry your coach couldn't articulate their programming to you. CrossFit is GPP, and while it will improve your game, I understand that sometimes a sport specific trainer is what people want/need to make the progress they believe they need. As an example, I can make your swing stronger, and you faster around the bases, but I won't be much help teaching you to hit slider, or place a base hit in left center.
CrossFit is repeatable and testable. We make gains.
While everybody can CrossFit, I get that it isn't for everyone's taste, and that's fine. I hope that everybody tries if for at least a month before you dismiss it.
Nobody is disputing the gains. The dispute is that there are more efficient ways to make the same gains faster.
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stanmann571 wrote: »MikeinNOLA wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »MikeinNOLA wrote: »I bolded the part I believe you're wrong at.
CrossFit isn't unfocused or random, it's constantly varied. You may need to step back to see the programming's intent, but we just finished a 10 week squat cycle and worked a 6 week strict pull up program inside that as part of our strength programming. If I go back and look at the metcons during that period, I see a good focus on core and explosiveness.
We have a bunch of half marathoners and marathoners at our gym. None of us do it to compete against anyone but ourselves, but we can train for races and complete the WOD.
I'm not going to argue with your experience, but I would reflect back to the point about quality of trainers. If a trainer can't have a coherent conversation with me about how the programme is structured, and what the objectives are, then I'd challenge the integrity of the programme. I'd also suggest they shouldn't call themselves a trainer.
My own experience of CrossFit may have been an exception, but it wasn't impressive.
That's been my experience as well. With the exception of a few workouts, it's Gym ADD on steroids flailing from one thing to another. I'm sure it's possible to make progress, but the more likely case is that any other structured method will be faster and more effective.
Sorry your coach couldn't articulate their programming to you. CrossFit is GPP, and while it will improve your game, I understand that sometimes a sport specific trainer is what people want/need to make the progress they believe they need. As an example, I can make your swing stronger, and you faster around the bases, but I won't be much help teaching you to hit slider, or place a base hit in left center.
CrossFit is repeatable and testable. We make gains.
While everybody can CrossFit, I get that it isn't for everyone's taste, and that's fine. I hope that everybody tries if for at least a month before you dismiss it.
Nobody is disputing the gains. The dispute is that there are more efficient ways to make the same gains faster.
Debatable. If you're going to focus on certain movements, probably. Over a range of movements, doubtful without a lot more time spent in the gym.3 -
The real con of crossfit is that the trainers only take a 2 day course and most have no idea what they're doing. They aren't real fitness professionals. People get hurt there all the time and they will be competitive about making you do many, many heavy lifts. RIP to the spine of people who end up at the wrong "box" and get a trainer who doesn't even know the muscle names.
Go to a real gym and pay a real professional. Get your money's worth and not a trip to the physical therapist.
There are plenty of PT's and people leading classes at "regular gyms" who are far from "professionals" as well....1 -
The real con of crossfit is that the trainers only take a 2 day course and most have no idea what they're doing. They aren't real fitness professionals. People get hurt there all the time and they will be competitive about making you do many, many heavy lifts. RIP to the spine of people who end up at the wrong "box" and get a trainer who doesn't even know the muscle names.
Go to a real gym and pay a real professional. Get your money's worth and not a trip to the physical therapist.
Lol yeah because no one complains about trainers in "real" gyms, who often times don't even attend a weekend course, they just take a test online.2 -
The real con of crossfit is that the trainers only take a 2 day course and most have no idea what they're doing. They aren't real fitness professionals. People get hurt there all the time and they will be competitive about making you do many, many heavy lifts. RIP to the spine of people who end up at the wrong "box" and get a trainer who doesn't even know the muscle names.
Go to a real gym and pay a real professional. Get your money's worth and not a trip to the physical therapist.
To be fair, I've come across some pretty bad trainers in commercial gyms as well...
Most of the solid trainers I know aren't employees of a gym...they are their own business.2 -
... but in a typical gym you don't have to ever interact with a trainer. I ignore the ones I see around and they ignore me.
In a CF box you are expected to be part of a group and to do their programming. You are practically unable to "do your own thing" and will receive training and guidance from their staff - it's part of what you are paying extra and why so many seem to be saying to be careful about the "box" you choose. I assume they are talking mostly about the staff/trainers and not the equipment. lol1 -
It's really not fair to compare crossfit to a commercial gym. Crossfit is more like a programming method. Assuming the commercial gym is properly equipped, you could do a crossfit workout at a commercial gym. I know they happen periodically at the gym where I work.
Ultimately, I think it boils down to this...
One is not inherently better or worse than the other. You could make the argument that there is a bit more risk doing crossfit than what most people do at traditional gyms, but you as the athlete are assuming risk regardless of what you're doing, so I have a hard time putting much stock in that.
Ultimately it comes down to what is best suited for your goals and for your preferences. Both can be great options, and both can be horrible failures.2 -
jseams1234 wrote: »... but in a typical gym you don't have to ever interact with a trainer. I ignore the ones I see around and they ignore me.
In a CF box you are expected to be part of a group and to do their programming. You are practically unable to "do your own thing" and will receive training and guidance from their staff - it's part of what you are paying extra and why so many seem to be saying to be careful about the "box" you choose. I assume they are talking mostly about the staff/trainers and not the equipment. lol
People can get hurt doing their own thing at a commercial gym.
I've seen plenty of ego lifters "doing their own thing."0 -
I prefer a regular gym.
1. They are a cheaper
2. I have specific goals that are better suited for a regular gym
3. I don't like "class" settings, I'm quite antisocial when working out.3 -
I vote to take an intro class (from when I researched it almost all Cross Fit places have one) and see how you like it. They're very different and a personal preference.
I'll add that I choose not to look more into Cross Fit when I was researching it due to the high risk of injury. Not only from typical google search results but my personal friends that are ER Nurses and Doctors all see a high amount of sports injuries from Cross Fit. I have injuries to my back and right leg so this makes me extra worried than to add in the very minimal training they get I voted to stick with my home gym and continue investing in that.
So try it, research it, and keep asking around and do what you feel is right for you ^.^0 -
Google or Pinterest Crossfit Training. There are also suggested training programs for Tough Mudder or Spartan Races. Get the workouts that they suggest and do them at your gym. maybe grab an encouraging workout partner.
I have not done crossfit - mainly because I like to do my own thing. If you like the idea of encouragement, and people cheering for you to do that last pushup maybe it is for you.
I can't believe how much some peoples gym membership is. Mine is 20/month. As many classes as I want to take. Hot yoga is extra, but we have a Birkram Yoga Studio in town that I would rather use.
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Like a Planet Fitness?The real con of crossfit is that the trainers only take a 2 day course and most have no idea what they're doing. They aren't real fitness professionals. People get hurt there all the time and they will be competitive about making you do many, many heavy lifts. RIP to the spine of people who end up at the wrong "box" and get a trainer who doesn't even know the muscle names.
Go to a real gym and pay a real professional. Get your money's worth and not a trip to the physical therapist.
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I have had gym a d Y memberships, but Crossfit....I LOVE IT!!!!
I am 47, have a 100lbs. to lose (well less now), jave limited mobility and I love Crossfit. I have been going for 3 months.
My box is great, encouraging, supportive. I scale 95% of what we do...but who cares?! I am not there to impress anyone.
I have list weight and gaining g a new mindset3 -
The real con of crossfit is that the trainers only take a 2 day course and most have no idea what they're doing. They aren't real fitness professionals. People get hurt there all the time and they will be competitive about making you do many, many heavy lifts. RIP to the spine of people who end up at the wrong "box" and get a trainer who doesn't even know the muscle names.
Actually, 2 day "training" plus a fee is all that's required to open a Crossfit box but that doesn't' mean that the owner or trainers who work at a box only have 2 hrs of training as fitness trainers.
However, I'd agree that the lack of proper training of the trainers in so far as they fail to take into acct individual physical limitations as well as the nature of the program to push participants to do the WOD as hard as possible are two factors that probably contribute most to injuries at Crossfit boxes.
That said, participants need to take responsibility for their own safety by refusing to do more than they feel capable of doing, even if pushed by an unqualified trainer or other members in their group, which unfortunately may be hard for some people to do resulting in their injury.
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whats the difference between cross fit and regular weight training0
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jseams1234 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »MikeinNOLA wrote: »I bolded the part I believe you're wrong at.
CrossFit isn't unfocused or random, it's constantly varied. You may need to step back to see the programming's intent, but we just finished a 10 week squat cycle and worked a 6 week strict pull up program inside that as part of our strength programming. If I go back and look at the metcons during that period, I see a good focus on core and explosiveness.
We have a bunch of half marathoners and marathoners at our gym. None of us do it to compete against anyone but ourselves, but we can train for races and complete the WOD.
I'm not going to argue with your experience, but I would reflect back to the point about quality of trainers. If a trainer can't have a coherent conversation with me about how the programme is structured, and what the objectives are, then I'd challenge the integrity of the programme. I'd also suggest they shouldn't call themselves a trainer.
My own experience of CrossFit may have been an exception, but it wasn't impressive.
That's been my experience as well. With the exception of a few workouts, it's Gym ADD on steroids flailing from one thing to another. I'm sure it's possible to make progress, but the more likely case is that any other structured method will be faster and more effective.
It's like the Monday crowd at my gym. They hit every machine for one spastic set and jump around like monkeys on meth.
I went to my first crossfit session on Monday and felt the same ... until DOMS. I can feel my back, hamstrings and calves hurting so I guess it wasn't so random after all. I'll be going again this evening.
My plan is to do the 6 complimentary sessions and then basically start off with 1 session a week and see how I can integrate it into my normal lifting workout. This might change in future but for now this is my plan.
I like the fact that you work with a trainer who constantly checks your form.2 -
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not_a_runner wrote: »
I gotta say, I added CF as a corrective to the specificity in my powerlifting training and so far my body, because of this "weird" stuff is feeling all right. I liberally scale either weight or movement (or both), because I know what my body needs and what my overall weekly training schedule is like.2 -
jseams1234 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »MikeinNOLA wrote: »I bolded the part I believe you're wrong at.
CrossFit isn't unfocused or random, it's constantly varied. You may need to step back to see the programming's intent, but we just finished a 10 week squat cycle and worked a 6 week strict pull up program inside that as part of our strength programming. If I go back and look at the metcons during that period, I see a good focus on core and explosiveness.
We have a bunch of half marathoners and marathoners at our gym. None of us do it to compete against anyone but ourselves, but we can train for races and complete the WOD.
I'm not going to argue with your experience, but I would reflect back to the point about quality of trainers. If a trainer can't have a coherent conversation with me about how the programme is structured, and what the objectives are, then I'd challenge the integrity of the programme. I'd also suggest they shouldn't call themselves a trainer.
My own experience of CrossFit may have been an exception, but it wasn't impressive.
That's been my experience as well. With the exception of a few workouts, it's Gym ADD on steroids flailing from one thing to another. I'm sure it's possible to make progress, but the more likely case is that any other structured method will be faster and more effective.
It's like the Monday crowd at my gym. They hit every machine for one spastic set and jump around like monkeys on meth.
I went to my first crossfit session on Monday and felt the same ... until DOMS. I can feel my back, hamstrings and calves hurting so I guess it wasn't so random after all. I'll be going again this evening.
My plan is to do the 6 complimentary sessions and then basically start off with 1 session a week and see how I can integrate it into my normal lifting workout. This might change in future but for now this is my plan.
I like the fact that you work with a trainer who constantly checks your form.
That's primarily an effect of a new routine. When you force your body to do something "new" the likelihood of DOMs increases exponentially. I once had a trainer that changed the workout every session. I had DOMs so debilitating at times I couldn't straighten my arms and could barely get myself off the toilet... however, no progress after several months of training (by progress I mean I wasn't getting bigger and I don't know if I was getting much stronger as there was no consistent metric being used). I finally dropped that trainer and started a strength and bodybuilding program that was consistent and incorporated progressive overload... DOMs are still present although not debilitating and and I've made incredible gains in both size and strength. My aerobic conditioning probably suffered a lot - but that was never my goal. I want Bear Mode. 2 -
jseams1234 wrote: »jseams1234 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »MikeinNOLA wrote: »I bolded the part I believe you're wrong at.
CrossFit isn't unfocused or random, it's constantly varied. You may need to step back to see the programming's intent, but we just finished a 10 week squat cycle and worked a 6 week strict pull up program inside that as part of our strength programming. If I go back and look at the metcons during that period, I see a good focus on core and explosiveness.
We have a bunch of half marathoners and marathoners at our gym. None of us do it to compete against anyone but ourselves, but we can train for races and complete the WOD.
I'm not going to argue with your experience, but I would reflect back to the point about quality of trainers. If a trainer can't have a coherent conversation with me about how the programme is structured, and what the objectives are, then I'd challenge the integrity of the programme. I'd also suggest they shouldn't call themselves a trainer.
My own experience of CrossFit may have been an exception, but it wasn't impressive.
That's been my experience as well. With the exception of a few workouts, it's Gym ADD on steroids flailing from one thing to another. I'm sure it's possible to make progress, but the more likely case is that any other structured method will be faster and more effective.
It's like the Monday crowd at my gym. They hit every machine for one spastic set and jump around like monkeys on meth.
I went to my first crossfit session on Monday and felt the same ... until DOMS. I can feel my back, hamstrings and calves hurting so I guess it wasn't so random after all. I'll be going again this evening.
My plan is to do the 6 complimentary sessions and then basically start off with 1 session a week and see how I can integrate it into my normal lifting workout. This might change in future but for now this is my plan.
I like the fact that you work with a trainer who constantly checks your form.
That's primarily an effect of a new routine. When you force your body to do something "new" the likelihood of DOMs increases exponentially. I once had a trainer that changed the workout every session. I had DOMs so debilitating at times I couldn't straighten my arms and could barely get myself off the toilet... however, no progress after several months of training (by progress I mean I wasn't getting bigger and I don't know if I was getting much stronger as there was no consistent metric being used). I finally dropped that trainer and started a strength and bodybuilding program that was consistent and incorporated progressive overload... DOMs are still present although not debilitating and and I've made incredible gains in both size and strength. My aerobic conditioning probably suffered a lot - but that was never my goal. I want Bear Mode.
I get what you are saying.1 -
nakedraygun wrote: »not_a_runner wrote: »
I gotta say, I added CF as a corrective to the specificity in my powerlifting training and so far my body, because of this "weird" stuff is feeling all right. I liberally scale either weight or movement (or both), because I know what my body needs and what my overall weekly training schedule is like.
I'm still working on getting my schedule ironed out - as you know - but things are starting to go pretty smoothly. I agree, the "weird" things aren't so bad haha. Turns out there's lots of movements that I really suck at (core, body weight movements, etc etc, basically everything that isn't SBD lol) that "doing my own thing" in a commercial gym was overlooking. I have no doubts I will become well rounded and a much better athlete from doing the weird things! And as a result, improve what I am able to do on the power lifting movements as well.0 -
Here is the link for Tough Mudder Training.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/web.toughmudder.com/Training/2017-TM-FULL-training-guide-calendar-3MONTH.pdf
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so what makes cross fit better than regular weight training or what makes regular weight training better than cross fit
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MeanderingMammal wrote: »
Or just simply whether you prefer doing one rather than the other.
I prefer to do workouts on my own w/o anyone "pushing" me to do more or to do "it better.
So, I work out ALONE in my garage gym lifting, or on my rower and spin bike in my house, or doing Crossfit type workouts (using a tire, ropes and a sled) in my backyard, or using equipment not otherwise available to me at my public gym.
That's just how I prefer it.
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