Choosing Between CrossFit Training Options: What's The Difference?
There’s so many options out there for you as an athlete: Individual Design Coaching, Template Programming, CrossFit Classes, Personal Training, etc.
My goal here is to help you pick the right choice for your ability level and your wallet. Finding the best fit for you will keep you consistent, and consistency is more times than not the thing that’s stopping you from achieving your goals.
First what I’ll do is summarize each and then we’ll get into more of the specifics of choosing what’s right for you.
Individual Design (ID) Coaching
Pros
Customized to you and your goals.
Easier to adjust based on your schedule, travel and vacations.
Direct communication and feedback from your coach.
Cheaper than personal training.
Receive coaching vs simply programming.
Cons
You’re going to spend a majority of the time training by yourself (not doing the same thing as other people in the gym).
Higher price point than Group and Templated Training
Not great for beginners because most training is completed remotely from your coach.
Personal Training
Pros
Customized to you and your goals.
Work 1 on1 or small groups, in person with a coach.
Great if you like a high feedback experience or are unfamiliar or uncomfortable in the gym.
Cons
Spend a majority of the time training by yourself (not doing the same thing as other people in the gym).
Highest price point.
Training depends on the schedule of the coach.
Requires you to travel to the gym.
CrossFit or Group Class
Pros
Tons of gym options to find the right fit for you and your goals.
Train in a group setting, which can be very motivating for some.
Community events, be part of a “tribe”.
More cost effective than ID or Personal Training and you still get “eyes on” coaching, although the quality can be very dependent gym to gym.
Cons
Less customized to your goals and ability level.
Price point varies depending on the gym.
Training options limited to class times.
Requires you to travel to the gym.
Templated Training
Pros
Most cost effective.
Can offer high quality training if you’re experienced and have an understanding of training and your body.
Cons
Least customized to your experience level and goals.
Least feedback and coaching.
Not great for beginners because there is no coach or limited access to a coach to offer you feedback.
What’s Right For You?
Hopefully, that cleared some things up and you’re starting to have a better idea about which option may be right for you.
When someone asks me which I the right option for them I walk them through this “flow chart”
Keys To Success
Be honest about your ability level and don’t just let price drive your decision; you definitely get what you pay for.
Do your research, talk to the coaching team, look at their credentials, and read their reviews.
Think about what environment is going to help keep you coming back. Is that a group setting, or are you ok training alone or in a smaller group?
There are SO many options; find the one that fits you.
See you on the podium,
