A Review of the Crossfit & P90X Workout Programs

People often write us asking for our workout program. We understand that it can be difficult to work out when you don’t have a set schedule or routine. Unfortunately, we don’t have a formal workout program packaged up and ready to distribute. We pretty much train for whatever endeavor we’ve recently committed ourselves to. That strategy has always worked well for us because we commit to various races or events and stay fit training for them.

We can give you guidance on training for the Firefighter Combat Challenge, a triathlon or a marathon, but our philosophy has always been to arm you with the tools you need to create the program that best suits your individual needs. That said, we know there’s a demand for workout programs that give you all the guidance, direction and motivation you need to get moving on a daily basis. Millions of dollars have been spent on the constant battle to stay fit, and countless programs have come and gone over the years. Lately, however, two programs in particular seem to be showing up in fire stations around the country.

Crossfit and P90X have become quite popular in the firehouse and there’s a good reason why: Both programs are inclusive. Everybody can join in. They’ve both proven to be very effective, but there are some differences between them, so we’d like to give you a brief overview of each. Hopefully, if the ready-made workout is what you’re looking for, you can find something appealing in one of these programs.

The P90X Program
P90X is a DVD-based workout program that sells for about $140. It includes a three-phase nutritional plan, the P90X fitness guide, a program overview DVD and 12 workout DVDs: Chest and Back; Plyometrics; Shoulders and Arms; Yoga; Legs and Back; Kenpo; Stretching; Core Synergistics; Chest, Shoulders and Triceps; Back and Biceps; Cardio; and the Ab Ripper. Also included in the package is a motivational calendar and free online support tools.

Although the Crossfit program is free while the P90X program costs money, there’s an inherent benefit to actually paying for a program: Just as you would be less inclined to withdraw from an expensive race once you’ve signed up, a monetary commitment can actually keep you engaged in the program.

The P90X fitness program includes three different workout designs. The Classic is designed for overall muscle development with stretching, cardio and some core work. The Lean workout program focuses on stretching, aerobic and core work with less emphasis on resistance training. Lastly, there’s the Doubles, which pushes you the hardest as it focuses on all aspects of fitness through a two-a-day workout design.

Because the P90X workouts are on DVDs, you’ll need a TV with a DVD player or a computer in your workout area. You’ll also need an elastic workout band, dumbbells of various weights and a pull-up bar. Each workout lasts approximately 45—60 minutes.

The good thing about the DVD-based training is that it leaves very little room for error. The exercise sessions are guided from beginning to end. If you struggle with motivation, these DVDs should help keep you moving. The best thing to do is set a time to plug in and get it done. Running them on a computer will allow for more flexibility in your workout location.

P90X advertises results in 90 days. Naturally, you can continue to use the workouts after that point, but we’d encourage you to not get too entrenched in the 90-day goal. Often times, once those goals are met, it’s easy to slip away from the program. Once you hit your 90-day goal, have a maintenance plan in place.

The Crossfit Program
Crossfit is a performance-based workout program developed originally for military and police personnel. Because of its functional application, however, it’s quickly gaining popularity within fire departments across the country. All the workouts are designed to continually build on overall strength and conditioning by providing diverse exercises performed in short workout durations.

Everyday there’s a new workout posted on the program Web site, www.crossfit.com, and they’re free to anyone. In addition to the workouts, there’s an endless supply of exercise descriptions and videos to ensure you’re performing the workouts with proper form.

Crossfit is very interactive. All participants are encouraged to post their personal performance results and comments on the Web site after each workout. This allows people to see how they’re doing compared to others using the program. Plus it sets up a spirited global competition on a daily basis.

The Crossfit workouts are also very diverse. They try to provide a variety of workouts while occasionally prescribing a more familiar workout so participants can gauge their progress. There are times, however, when you’ll need specialty equipment. A rowing machine, a set of rings, some kettle bells and a chin-up bar would be very helpful. There are always ways to improvise, but the workouts are much more satisfying and effective if you’re able to perform them as designed.

The number of Crossfit gyms around the country is growing. If you’re interested in working out with others in order to master technique or just gain additional motivation, there may be a gym in your area.

Crossfit also offers “train the trainer” programs. If interested, you can become a certified Crossfit instructor.

Differences between Programs
Although both of these workouts have proven effective at helping people achieve a higher level of fitness, they differ in several ways. Below, we’ve listed their major differences.
1. Length of workout
a. P90X workouts last 45—60 minutes each and are based on a 12-workout program.
b. Crossfit workouts run 20—45 minutes, but most are under 30 minutes. Crossfit varies daily, but you’ll see the same workout every 4—6 months. The repetition is used for comparison, allowing participants to monitor improvement.
2. Cost
a. You’ll pay about $140 for the P90X program.
b. Crossfit is free, but there’s a fee if you choose to use a Crossfit workout facility or pursue a training certificate.
3. Strategy
a. P90X emphasizes physique and weight loss.
b. Crossfit is more performance based.
4. Ease of use
a. You’ll need a television and a DVD player in a workout room to use the P90X program, so this may limit where you can use it. But P90X has minimal requirements for actual fitness equipment.
b. Crossfit can require specialized equipment that may be challenging to acquire.
5. Scalability for beginners
a. P90X provides varying degrees of difficulty in its workout options. Beginners can vary the workout with fewer repetitions or less rigorous body positioning as they work into the program.
b. Crossfit prescribes specific exercises or a combination of exercises to create the workout; however, you can vary your workout load to customize the exercises to your fitness level.

All in all, between the two programs you should be able to find something that meets your needs. With P90X, you’ll lose weight, develop increased muscle endurance, and tone and define your body. Crossfit will improve muscle strength and endurance through a broad range of movement patterns, while increasing your aerobic capacity.

Start the Journey
The bottom line: If you need assistance getting started in your fitness journey, help is out there. Gather strength with a group effort or just recruit a friend to commit to a program. Set short-term and long-term goals, and have a maintenance plan once you’ve met your primary objective.

Maybe once you’ve shed a few pounds and feel a little stronger, you’ll be ready to sign up for a race or event.