Lately I’ve noticed more and more arguments over which workout method is "better", "harder", "more effective". Whether it’s Zumba over Yoga, Running over Rowing, CrossFit over P90X, someone always seems to be arguing that their chosen method is superior. Even worse - every few months a brand-new "method" arrives on the scene that promises better results in less time (something we all know is false).
Here, today...perhaps for the first time in history, an Exercise and Fitness expert is settling this argument once and for all: There is no "better", "harder", or "more effective". There is "different" and there is "what works best for you".
Sometime during the past ten or so years the fitness industry really exploded. With that explosion came the need for constant innovation and re-invention - many failing spectacularly. A few you may remember include (1) Train with a chair, (2) Shake-Weight, (3) Toning and Sculpting Sneakers, (4) Electric abdominal training belts, and (5) the "Gazelle". These were all trends and fads geared toward monetizing the growing fitness industry, again, all spectacular failures.
On the opposite side of this coin, consider the innovations with staying power (some of these methods aren’t globally new, but relatively new to us): (1) Kettlebell training, (2) CrossFit, (3) P90X, (4) Weight and Resistance Training, (5) High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and (6) Yoga. Many of these have been around for 100's of years (e.g., Yoga and Kettlebells), while others are still relatively knew (e.g., CrossFit and P90X). These methods have proven stunningly successful, and are really no longer trends - they’re here to stay.
It’s important to recognize that even the "new" ones are simply old ideas re-engineered. CrossFit, P90X, and often even Kettlebell Training are different takes on traditional weight training combined with HIIT. All this means is that the tried and true methods of weight/resistance training and cardiovascular training are simply being refined to extract the maximum benefit, while all the "innovations" have demonstrated continued failure.
CrossFit is no better than P90X, which is no better than Kettlebell Training, which is no better than traditional weight-training. They’re different and, when done properly, can yield very similar results for the end-user.
Bottom line - choose the method that you’re most likely to stick with. This isn’t a competition with other training methods. This is a competition with yourself, for stronger, faster, healthier.
Remember, if you’ve got it, flaunt it. If you don’t, get it with us.
