CrossFit vs Gym: Which Is Better? Here's Everything You Should Know
Crossfit or Gym? This is the most common debate in the world of fitness. But it is up to you to decide which suits your fitness needs better.
"If you think lifting weight is dangerous, then try being weak it's more dangerous", you will often hear a powerlifter saying this, as strength is their main priority. On the other hand, you will see a CrossFit athlete say, "Don't stop when you're tired; stop when you're done" because for them endurance matters the most. Now there is a massive debate on Crossfit vs Gym in the fitness world, and if you want to know which one is better for you, read on. 10 Benefits of Strength Training: Overview of Muscle Development Techniques.
Crossfit vs Gym
Training at Gym
Now let us first speak about workouts in the gym. The main focus here is on weight training exercises, which involve compound and isolated movements. The training programme is standard and uniforms for a period, where your trainer design your exercise routine incorporating both resistance as well as cardio exercises. The training programme is designed to focus on individual muscle development and fat loss. Here, more importance is given to aesthetics, muscle definition and fat loss. WORST Exercises and Workout Mistakes That Will RUIN Your Fitness Goals.
Who should train at the Gym?
Exercising at the gym is ideal for people who want basic fitness, and not for those who are preparing themselves for a specific sport. The main focus in gym training is to gradually increase strength by increasing the weights you lift each time.
The three main aspects of resistance training in the gym are weight, set and repetition. Most people perform weight training exercises by doing three sets of a minimum of 10 repetitions.
Beginners are recommended to start with exercising in the gym as you have machines to assist you. Also, one has to develop primary strength and stamina before moving onto an intense CrossFit workout.
Training in Crossfit Studio
CrossFit is the most trending topic in the fitness world today, mainly due to the various health benefits associated with it. This type of training will tremendously improve your endurance levels along with your strength and agility. CrossFit is the combination of all significant fitness areas- strength, endurance, power, speed, agility and heart health. Your actual fitness level is tested by CrossFit training where your heart rate shoots up.
Training in this type of programme includes explosive training, strength and conditioning training and functional training. In the gym, you perform standard uniform workout every time, but in CrossFit, you design a different workout for every single time you train.
CrossFit training also includes compound exercises like deadlifts and squats, but the intention here is to perform maximum repetitions in a specific time. Exercises like single leg stiff deadlift with dumbbells and dumbbell pushup rows develop balancing level in your body and help in symmetrical development of strength.
Then you also need to perform explosive moves like the power clean, clean n jerk, split jerk, snatch. Strength and conditioning training includes raw exercises like tractor tyre flip, sledgehammer knocking on tractor tyre, slam ball workout, battle rope exercises to name a few. This type of training increases your stamina, strengthens your core and prepares you mentally.
People with excellent fitness level usually perform Tabata form of CrossFit by listening to Tabata songs which guides you in timing for each round of exercises. Tabata exercise has to be performed for four minutes with eight rounds of exercises. Click on the video below to view a Tabata workout at CrossFit studio.
Crossfit Tabata Workout Video
Who should do training at Crossfit Studio?
People who are looking for overall fitness development should be doing CrossFit. This workout may not give you a bulk mass and a hulk body, but it will improve your endurance, strength, power, speed, agility and heart health. People who are into sports that involve a lot of stamina should opt for CrossFit.
It is not ideal for beginners and people who have undergone injuries in the past, as these exercises involve movements of all body parts and joints. People who have never trained before won't be able to do CrossFit, because primary strength and stamina for all exercises with proper form and technique can only be developed at the gym. Crossfit is not meant for people who are just aiming for a bulky body with bulging biceps.
In the end, one cannot say gymming is better than CrossFit; fitness can be attained from both, it just depends on what you fitness goals.
Thesedays, most gyms have a separate CrossFit area to incorporate both types of training at the gym. If your gym has a CrossFit studio, you should try it our at least once in a week as a part of your training routine. This will help you develop your endurance along with your strength.
If you want to stick to just strength training, that's fine too!
(This article is written for an informative purpose and should not be substituted for medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor before trying any tips.)
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 28, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).