Which is Better: Crossfit or P9?

As someone who has been a Crossfitter since 2007 and someone who has graduated to a smarter training method while maintaining the core principles, I would like to offer my insights on the pros and cons of both Crossfit and P9. Whether you believe in one program over the other depends largely on your personal goals and your perspective on what constitutes fitness. As for me, I consider myself a Crossfitter who values smart programming over group training.

Personal Preference

I hate training in a group setting. Instead of needing excitement and motivation from cheerleaders, I prefer surround myself with smart people who can guide me in creating a personalized fitness plan that aligns with my fitness goals. I also compete in the CF Masters Open, which keeps me committed to Crossfit.

Pros and Cons of P9

Pros for P9

Cost-effective: You can buy a P9 kit cheaply on eBay from someone who only lasted a week or two on the program, making it a budget-friendly option for those on a tight budget.

Home-based: The workout plan can be done from home, which is a major plus for those who prefer to train without the need for a gym membership.

Supportive Online Community: As a non-member, I noticed a supportive online community around P9, with plenty of resources and encouragement.

Diet Plan: P9 offers a decent diet plan, provided you follow through with it. However, it requires discipline and consistency.

Cons for P9

Challenging Consistency: Can you realistically complete this type of programming every day for 12 weeks, 24 hours, or even 10 years? My guess is no, but that's just my opinion.

Distracting Home Environment: With distractions like family, pets, and outside work commitments, it's tough to maintain focus, even from the comfort of your own home.

Lack of Strength Training: P9 focuses more on high-intensity interval training with less emphasis on strength training, which may not suit everyone's fitness goals.

High Dropout Rate: Many people give up due to the challenging nature of the program, requiring dedication and consistency.

Stripped and Exposed: Watching someone workout in minimalistic clothing might not be everyone's cup of tea, and the stripped-down nature of the P9 workout might not be appealing to all.

Pros and Cons of Crossfit

Pros for Crossfit

Cheap and Accessible: A carefully coached Crossfit class can be a cost-effective way to get started, especially if the coach has experience and a smaller class size.

Rapid Results: People often see significant improvements in their fitness quickly, as long as their diet is consistent and well-managed.

Social Support: For many, the group setting and encouragement from others can provide additional motivation and accountability.

()Open Sourced: You can visit any Crossfit affiliate and see what they are programming, providing variety and flexibility in your training.

Cons for Crossfit

Cost and Coaching Quality: The cost of Crossfit can vary widely. An experienced coach with a smaller class size is a reasonable investment, but a 2-day Crossfit certification can lead to a wide range of coaching skills and quality.

Group Dynamics: While the group setting can be motivating, some people may find it overwhelming or prefer a more personalized approach to training.

Conclusion

The better choice between Crossfit and P9 depends on your personal goals and what you define as fitness. Both programs have their own merits and drawbacks, and ultimately, the right program is the one that you can stick with and see results from. If you are skeptical about one or the other, start small and try out both before making a long-term commitment.

Remember, consistency and commitment to any fitness program are key to achieving your goals. Begin with your personal fitness plate and see what works for you.