What makes CrossFit Different from circuit training or Boot camp?
Ok…so you’ve done a weekly Bootcamp for a while now and you’ve taken part in circuit training sessions but you feel you’ve out grown it all a bit…so you’ve almost done CrossFit right?
Not quite…take a look below to find out the three main differences and the benefits to you;
CrossFit classes are run by qualified CrossFit coaches whose job is to COACH you rather than just instruct you. A bootcamp or circuit training instructor will deliver exactly the same movements to a large class and everyone will just get on and copy them. They may have some corrections given to them but generally the idea is to do lots of simple movements, get out of breath and to get sweaty! No bad thing, but in time you’ll stop progressing and even plateau. In our CrossFit classes the coach will focus on providing 1:1 time with all members to continuously develop relationships and ensure they’re making progress towards their goals.
CrossFit classes are progressive. Although we say CrossFit is constantly varied, constant variation in itself doesn’t give the best results long term. Variety can only really be used when there is a solid and stable strength and conditioning programming underpinning it otherwise it’s just a bit like throwing mud at a wall and seeing what sticks….Bootcamps and circuit training classes are rarely progressive; they do not test and retest your heavy lifts or your sprint times, and they do not stimulate different energy pathways. They are mainly made up of lightweight, aerobic exercises which while initially get people fitter, also allow those same people to reach a plateau as their bodies get used to the same movements and stimulations and that’s where the adaptations start to stall. Our CrossFit classes use progressive overload to mean members are always moving towards becoming fitter and stronger.
CrossFit class numbers are capped to allow quality coaching time for everyone. Our coaches want to teach you how to move well and to learn the movements safely. Our coaches know all of our members and adapt their classes to suit them. Regular group classes such as boot camps or circuit training won’t do this and it’ll be up to you to find out what works best for you on any given day which can often feel a bit hit and miss. The priority is just to get hot and sweaty rather than to progressively get better! Think of a CrossFit class as being a bit more like group personal training! People with very different abilities can train alongside each other using this method of our coaches adapting movements to suit the individual.
If you would like to find out more about CrossFit Volentia, our approach to group exercise and how it can help you long term, please get in touch and we will get straight back to you.