Cross Fit vs. Bar Method

This is a great read from our guest blogger Katie Rudolph and explains two of the very popular exercise phenomena going on right now

CrossFit vs. Bar Method

After a workout I like to feel totally fatigued and sweaty….. like I just sweat out every ounce of my dinner from the night before. Maybe you prefer to feel loosened and refreshed? Whatever keeps you feeling fit and confident is the best route for you.

Lucky for us, exercise has crossed over into consumer culture territory and a multitude of “branded” workout regimens exist for our insatiable need for options. Some have their own aptly named facilities (how convenient!). CrossFit, Barre, Dailey Method, and P90X are all popular examples of such regimens. I’d like to explain a few for those who are curious.

I haven’t tried CrossFit, but have friends and family that are devotees and certified CrossFit trainers. My current exercise program is similar in that it’s high intensity, high repetition, and pushes you to anaerobic state (expelling EVERY ounce of energy possible). CrossFit was founded in 2000 and is actually a franchise, so the “CrossFit” name, certification program, and daily workouts can be purchased by trainers and gym owners. The workouts, or WOD’s (Workouts of the Day), can include a warm up, movement practice, the WOD, and a cool down. The WOD segment consists of intense movements with high repetition, meant to be performed as quickly as possible to completely exhaust the muscles being used. The movements are also meant to be functional, to help you move better in everyday life.

I have tried the Bar Method workout, and it’s a killer workout if you do it right. The Bar Method focuses on sculpting and reshaping muscles by alternating smaller, isolated movements with deep stretching. The original “Bar” workout was created by a ballet dancer who wished to combine her dance training with therapeutic movement meant to elongate and strengthen muscle with minimal impact on joints. Workouts are one hour long, and each muscle group in the body is worked during that time. The only weight used is your own body weight, and exercises are performed in the seated position or while standing at the ballet barre. You really have to pay attention to your body’s positioning and be aware of what each muscle is doing, even if you’re not using it directly.

One thing I’ve learned over years of working out at various intensities and with various trainers, is that there is no one-size-fits-all workout. Just because Johnny over there can run 3 miles once a week and still look awesome while eating Egg McMuffins daily doesn’t mean you can too. So naturally I’m curious, what sort of workout has gotten you the results you want?  Please share below.

Best,

Katie