Nowadays there is a question that arises more, and generates more debate than the typical, "The potato omelet, with or without onion? And that question is whether it is better to go to the gym or to change it for a box of crossfit.

In this article we are going to tell you the main similarities and differences between both options and also their benefits so that you can decide according to your tastes and objectives. So, when you finish reading it, you will be as clear as you are now about the omelette or as you were when you were a child about "Cola Cao or Nesquik?"

Differences and similarities between crossfit and the gym.

Similarities

The main commonality between the two personal training modalities is that both will help improve your health. They will help you become a more active, healthy, disciplined and persevering person. Moreover, they are not mutually exclusive, that is, you can practice both disciplines and complement them. For example: if you notice that with your training, you are not working crossfit training, you are not working a certain muscle as much as you would like, you can solve it with a machine session in your favorite fitness room.

Another similarity between crossfit, the gym and any other type of training or sport is that you will not see all the results you expect if you do not combine it with proper nutrition, perseverance and an active life beyond the time the training lasts.

In addition, as you will see throughout the article, whether you choose box or gym, you will improve your strength and muscle mass and reduce fat. However, in each case in a different way. Also, either technique will help you with stress, energy levels and sleep. But there's something that interests you more than the similarities between the two options. Their differences.

Differences:

We will tell you about them so that you are clear about them before choosing one or the other option. One of the main differences is that the crossfit works muscle chains, while the gym focuses on working isolated muscles. In other words, the crossfit performs more functional movements, such as deadlifts which works many muscles at once, while the gym prioritizes specific muscle areas such as biceps, abs back...

Both in a box and in a fitness room, you will find dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, bench presses, etc., but other machines and accessories are more typical of one of the two disciplines, such as the plyometric box or the rope, which are widely used in crossfit, or treadmills that are common in gyms.

Although both options help to tone and stylize the figure, the gym is more focused on this objective, being the aesthetic results something more "resultones" (if we understand as aesthetic results what we have been sold for decades). On the contrary, the crossfit prioritizes having a better physical condition, being stronger in the day to day, perhaps less noticeable at an aesthetic level, but more in quality of life.

Of course, you get a more functional body, which necessarily favors a slimmer and more vigorous look. Now we tell you the advantages of each of these two personal training modalities.

Advantages crossfit vs. gym

• The crossfit is a high intensity workout, so results and calorie burn are virtually guaranteed. In addition, the coach constantly guides you so that you do not relax the pace or technique. However, in the gym, many people find it difficult to see results and are somewhat lost during the workout.

• It is a very complete sport in which the body is worked in an integral way, while in the gym you work isolated areas.

• It is one of the most varied and dynamic disciplines. It is difficult to lose motivation or get bored because until you get to class you don't know what you are going to do and it takes a long time to repeat the same workout. This is very different from the gym, where it is common to see people who get tired of doing the same thing every day and end up quitting.

• You see the results quite quickly compared to the gym, where they are usually more noticeable in the medium to long term. This is another reason why it is easier to stay motivated at crossfit than at the gym.

• It is done in group classes: more than that, it creates a community that encourages you to continue a little more when you feel at your limit. You get motivated and meet people at the same time. In the gym it is usually more common for everyone to go on their own and not interact with other users.

• Few machines are used, so if you are not too fond of them, you will be more comfortable than in a fitness room.

• At crossfit weightlifting (training with heavy weights attached to a barbell) is practiced. This is complicated in many gyms due to lack of space, so it is more common to use lower weight dumbbells.

• Because you train at high intensity, crossfit classes are usually shorter in duration than gym weight training sessions, making it a good option when you are short on time.

• It pushes your body to the limit, which improves your physical performance. This is ideal if you practice other contact or very demanding sports.

• Improves performance in all aspects: speed, power, strength, coordination, endurance...

• The WOD are designed so that you don't have to wait for another user to finish an exercise to do it yourself. There is no waiting between exercises as in many gyms, where it is common to wait to use the machines.

• The crossfit, more than a type of sport, is a lifestyle.

Advantages of the gym vs. crossfit

• The gym is ideal for those who like to go on their own and take the training hour as their moment of disconnection from the world. Them, the sport and their favorite music. The crossfit forces you to work out in group classes (except in the moments open box where everyone trains on their own).

• In the fitness rooms you have freedom of schedule (although often all users go at the same time and you have to share the machines), while in the boxes the classes have a start and end time. This can make gyms a better option when you don't want to depend on group class schedules.

• Gyms (because they are more common) are usually much cheaper than boxes.

• It is often easier to find a fitness room close to home or work than a box.

• You can make the training more or less intense and customize it according to your goals.

• Gym training has a lower risk of injury and does not require prior knowledge.

• It is perfect for recovering from injuries, as it focuses the work on the affected area.

• By working with machines and dumbbells, each day you can concentrate the work on some muscles and rest others.

• It is a good method to notice aesthetic improvements.

• Helps increase muscle mass and strength.

• Strengthens bones by increasing bone density and preventing fractures.

• It is easier to avoid bad postures when training, as the machines guide the exercise movements.

What to choose?

In this life nothing is black and white, so when deciding what type of training to practice, you must be clear:

• Your short, medium and long term goals.
• Your tastes.
• Your schedule.
• Your physical condition.

Once these factors have been assessed, in our opinion, the best thing to do, circumstances permitting, is to try both options. This is the best way to find out what works best for you. Perhaps you will come to the conclusion that the best thing you can do is to combine both techniques in your daily life. With consistency, sacrifice, a healthy lifestyle and motivation, results are virtually assured with either type of training.

The important thing is that you never stop training. If you have already had the opportunity to try both options, leave us a comment with your opinion and experience, so you help the undecided. 👇