Traditional Gym vs. Crossfit Phoenix 815

Are you looking to improving your health and fitness? Are you thinking about joining a gym? If so, which gym, or even what type of gym? If this is the case, hang on to your protein shakes and multivitamins because you will be mind blown with the following paragraphs. Not really though, but the following information can be of great use to you if you’re wondering what the difference is between a traditional gym and a Crossfit gym (specifically Crossfit Phoenix 815).

I will be speaking of Traditional Gyms (TG) in the general sense and how I have personally experienced them. You can think of TG as Lifetime, Anytime Fitness, and any other facility that mimics these styles. 

I will be speaking of Crossfit Gyms specifically to how Crossfit Phoenix 815 (CFP) runs the show, because it is the Crossfit gym that I am most familiar with and have been a part of for the greater part of the past decade. Many of the aspects will still be accurate for most of the well run Crossfit gyms, so this will be an accurate comparison of TG vs. CFG (to the best of my ability).

Let’s talk structure. The structure of a traditional gym is mostly facility access and DIY. Meaning that you will walk into the gym at the time of your choice and do whatever you want (within the boundaries of the established rules). This is a really good feature for someone who has a dynamic schedule and must workout at random and odd times during the week. It is also great for someone who already has a workout regimen that he or she follows consistently and safely without the need of someone (a coach) keeping them accountable.

In CFP the structure is much different. You will find that there is a set schedule for classes. Each 60 minute class will be coach led from beginning to end. That means you will be expected to sign up for the class you intend to attend, and show up on time. Your coach will begin the class on time with the group warm-up. Then you will transition into the skill or strength of the day, this will usually be some sort of lift, gymnastic skill, or extended warm-up into the WOD. The WOD is the Workout Of the Day, which will be consistently varied, functional, and often performed at a high intensity. As you can see the 60 minute class will be fully planned before you even show up. This is great for many people including:

• Those who are new to exercising.
• Those who know what to do, but struggle to actually do it consistently.
• Those who have limited time and must get the most out of their 60 minute workout.
• Those who enjoy the company and support of others.
• Those who seek overall fitness and want to be led by a knowledgeable instructor.
• Those who enjoy adding a fun and friendly competition between friends during WODs.

Another big differentiator between both gyms is the accountability you will receive. Typically in a TG you will sign up and be on your own the rest of the way. In CFP the first thing you’ll do, even before you sign up, is go over your goals. You will be asked what your fitness goals are, and you will be provided with a clear path to achieve them. Every quarter you will have the opportunity to meet with one of the coaches and do a Goal Review Session. Here we’ll find out if you’re actually getting closer to achieving your goals. If you are, then great keep up the good work! If you’re not, we will modify the plan in order to move you into a path that will move you towards your goals, not away from them.

As you can see, accountability and structure are the biggest differing aspects of each of the gyms. Neither gym is the perfect fit for everybody. Some will benefit from the accessibility and affordability of a traditional gym, and others will benefit from the accountability and structure of Crossfit Phoenix 815. Still others will find that neither of these types of gyms are favorable for them. To those people I suggest finding what floats your boat, there’s many other options out there such as:

• Martial Arts
• Triathlons
• Marathons
• Zumba
• Yoga
• Rock Climbing
• Etc.

The goal is to stay active doing things you enjoy and eat minimally processed whole foods in amounts that support activity levels. This is how we achieve true quality of life and vitality. When you take care of yourself and stay healthy, you are taking care of those around you. Find what works for you and enjoy the hell out of it!