Difference between Bodybuilding and Crossfit
In a society that keeps offering more and more, it’s no surprise that the fitness sector also offers so many options like crossfit and bodybuilding. Oftentimes, the activities and purposes overlap so much that one finds it hard to distinguish one from the other. In this article, we will discuss the differences between crossfit and bodybuilding.
Crossfit is a high intensity program combining different elements from various sports and exercise. The purpose of the fitness program is to tone or build muscles as well as make you stronger tougher and much more fit. One of the characteristics of crossfit is its use of programs that vary in intensity and timing.
A crossfit workout is typically divided into three activities - warm up, skill or strength work, and a particular workout for the day. The second activity is composed of different options like gymnastics, barbell work, and exercises, all focused on improving technique. The workout of the day (or WOD) incorporates different routines like sets and reps that vary dad by day. Most likely, the routines will include a “metabolic conditioning session” as well. The marketed appeal in crossfit is that you never know what’s coming - it varies from traditional fitness programs by ridding itself of repetitive activities. Crossfit also allows a wide range of tasks like swimming and running, and programs are adjustable based on the capacity and physical characteristics of the participant.
Bodybuilding is a sport that makes use of strenuous exercises to strengthen and build body muscles. The main purpose of bodybuilding is strengthening - it builds muscle, makes bones and joints healthy, and aims to reduce the risks of blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart problems. The programs under bodybuilding are high in intensity and are fully geared towards one purpose - building and conditioning muscles. In effect, the key points in the sport are muscle mass and strength.
Bodybuilders also follow a strict regimen when it comes to their diet. Whereas crossfit participants focus on deriving fuel for daily exercise, bodybuilders who go to the gym more or less thrice a week put their attention on their diet to the gram. The aim is to eat, repair and recover, as well as maximizing muscle growth. For cardio endurance, crossfitters require a tremendous amount to balance with their other activities, and thus, incorporate cardio routines in their programs. While bodybuilders also pay attention to cardio, it is not as detailed as crossfit, but only enough for their workout endurance and shedding unwanted body fat.
| Crossfit | Bodybuilding | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A high intensity program combining different elements from various sports and exercise. | A sport that makes use of strenuous exercises to strengthen and build body muscles. |
| Purpose | Tone muscles, increase fitness, improve toughness and strength. | Build, tone and condition muscles. |
| Benefits | Burns fat, develops endurance, strengthens the heart, broadens techniques from various areas. | Burns fat and calories, boosts muscle mass, improves bone and heart health. |
| Main Routines | Warm up, skill/strength work, workout of the day. | Strength/weight training, cardio, specialized nutrition. |
| Diet | Typically a 40-30-30 balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat to fuel activities | Protein and supplements |
Venn Diagram[edit]
