Crossfit is clearly lacking in a key area. There are nowhere near enough shouts of "Lightweight!", "Yeah buddy" or "Nothing but a peanut".

Something that I have gained with crossfit is not only physical gains but my mental strength has also increased. Pushing through crossfit workouts when things get uncomfortable has benefited my mental health and has boosted my confidence more than I ever had with just weightlifting in a typical gym. However I do enjoy a good bro session in a gym and I use that time to measure how much stronger I'm getting every month.

Crossfit keeps me engaged, on my toes. The community is just awesome. Body composition become a side effect, a by product. As long as form is good, crossfit is safe.

Crossfit is definitely helpful for building muscle but definitely not the most optimal method. But like you said it is better than classic hypertrophy bodybuilding for building more rounded overall fitness (gymnastics, powerlifting, conditioning, etc). All depends on what your goal is!!

Jeff Nippard is a bit of a legend, and one of the few bodybuilders worth listening to

Always interesting watching your videos and implementing some of the workouts you do and advice you give to each of my sessions and find myself having fun and pushing myself for progression. Don’t stop making videos!

Craig, any chance of making a movement series, just to breakdown the basic's HSPU, Kipping, Rope Climbs ect. I know you have touched on them before but a full series would be great. Training alone I'm struggling to progress in lots of areas.

I've worked out at regular gyms for over 10 years, dieting, being supported by nutritionists and personal trainers, as well as being very careful on how to split my workouts, whilst researching for more effective ways of building muscle and trying different methodologies from the so-called experts over the years. I've switched to CrossFit, and after 1 year I was bigger, leaner and my blood test results were overall much better. So no matter what experts might say, there's NOTHING in this world that will ever convince me to go back to a regular gym, period.

Great video. Something I’ve been thinking about doing lately and this video has definately made my mind up to change the way I train. 🤙🏽 top video as always

I've noticed since I've incorporated more Crossfit workouts into my week I feel overall better as an athlete. I'm stronger and my endurance for running and on the bike has improved dramatically.

Coming from Minneapolis! Love the channel bro!

As a guy who started in Bodybuilding then moved to powerlifting, I have fully enjoyed my transition into crossfit. I still hit strength abs as you mentioned I'm getting toned as well, its the best of both worlds!

About 2 years behind on the videos, glad to see the channel has grown and I’m enjoying the success on Instagram!

Anytime I’ve joined a new gym, for whatever reason I always get asked, so what is it your looking to do, my answer has always been the same, overall fitness, and that’s what CrossFit seems to be to me, yes I’m new to it, but all these videos that I’ve watched of yours and CrossFit Mayhem, does it for me, although help in the nutrition side of things would be good 👍🏻🙏🏻💪🏻 Nice 1 Craig 👍🏻

I legit just watched this video and then your response uploads! What timing

These vids have been great, would love a vid like this on nutrition.

Love the videos Craig. I’m new to CrossFit and find myself on your channel daily. 👍

Love the calmness of this video. More like this Richey!

I really liked this video!! Would love to watch more content from you talking about exercise printables and not just crossfit..... wow never thought I'd say that lol

LOVED this video, thanks for taking the time to speak to this!

As someone who lives a bodybuilding lifestyle (but not someone who subscribes to a bro-split), I really appreciate your perspective on this. Crossfit can be very effective for improving someone's physique, but as you said, Crossfit is a sport, so the main goal isn't aesthetics but rather performance across a variety of athletics. As such, there may be other forms of exercise/lifting that are more conducive for hypertrophy and ultimately physique improvement.

I just think it’s great overall fitness if done correctly and a good program

Sick content :) Thanks for this. I love Jeff's videos, this was a fun watch, and I learned stuff

Good video mate, you need ti find what is best for yourself and CrossFit or fill body splits can definitely work. It's all about finding the right tool. It would be great to train with you and the other athletes ones day. See what it takes to train like a CrossFit athlete

So I was bodybuilding for 5 years and recently switched to crossfit with a mix of cheeky bodybuilding every now and then 6 months ago. My physique has never been better! I look as lean as I was when I was like 4 weeks out from stepping on stage and I am 7kg's heavier with far bigger traps and shoulders which make me look even bigger. BUT Aside from that I am mentally so much more stable and happy with my physique because it is not an obsessive focus but rather a biproduct of training for performance.

This was a great video! Lovin the channel Craig

Great video dude

Hi Craig, really helpful commentary today. It is hard to train 5-6 times a week at 50 years of age so I don't, but If I put in a good 4 sessions it shows. How often does your dad train? Do you have any views on Spartan races?

Team Richey!!! I love your vlogs... Every single one of them!! Keep Going!!! A big shoutout from The Netherlands!!!! 💪💪

Sitting here 6mo pregnant, never done CrossFit a day in my life (I do OrangeTheory, make fun of me I don’t mind lol) but totally loving this video and the team. Ya’ll are always so positive and fun and make Crossfit seem totally approachable for anyone. Go team.

Hey Craig - as an older dude in your audience - I'd love for you to include your dad more in your videos - especially to provide either confirmation or push-back for some of your advice - especially in this context! Thanks for including him when you can!

Having switched from bodybuilding style of training to CrossFit I‘ve seen some parts of my physique develop better and some not so much. Doing CrossFit twice a week does not yield as much return on muscle growth as a twice a week double progression bodybuilding style training because of the randomness of CrossFit. However, I‘ve almost never in my life had such a solid level of conditioning. I believe this is the main drawback of CrossFit: you need to do it at least 3x per week to see quick and dramatic changes. Even then due to random sampling of sessions and no clear progression/periodisation and fatigue management you will not be able to grow as much muscle and strength as with a focused programme. Since CrossFit by definition aims to achieve multiple goals at the same time not excelling at any one of these, I believe it’s a fair trade.

I’ve come to the conclusion (from my experience) that for the majority of fitness enthusiasts who just want to look good doing CrossFit with a few accessory bodybuilding movements is best and easiest way to build a well rounded physique

Im a week into CrossFit and this video convinced me further to keep it !!

@TeamRICHEY You should do a “Full Day Of Training” video with Jeff Nippard! I think it would be so cool to see a meeting of the minds like that since there is this weird disconnect between body building and CrossFit.

Another great informative video! Your videos deffinitley boost the morale for The Team deployed away in South Sudan! #WeDontQuit

Do you need a CrossFit gym? I trained for rugby union all my life and do know any crossfitters, so hows the best way to get started?

Great catch Craig. As an exercise science major it’s easy for me to understand these comparisons but I think you make it easy for the average listener to understand as well. Keep up the good work my guy!

You have just addressed my primary "gripe" / concern with CrossFit and as far as I'm concerned you smashed it! And no, I don't care about gains, but recovery. This is the main reason for sports injury. Well done.

Awesome and informative video, Craig. I have been following a bodybuilding routine for years, but since watching your sick content, I’ve begun to incorporate many CrossFit movements into my workouts. I’ve noticed a tremendous improvement in my cardiovascular endurance and overall athleticism. You and Jas are the best. Keep it up! #gymbroturnedcrossfitter

Great informative video! For those of us who are keen gym goers but dabble in the functional fitness side - what CrossFit programme would you recommend as a starting block for us 'semi' novices? Many Thanks!

There are so many variables that go into the amount of work that your body can do that aren't being considered. Age, testosterone levels, genetics. You may be able to do all of these things and i will say time under tension builds muscle and stamina it depends on those things I previously mentioned to a huge extent. All of the variables are in your favor hence why you can do all the things you are accomplishing and others like you are able to accomplish. It is not even close to an If I can do it you can do it scenario. I got huge but I was never cut and I followed all the rules and took all the supplements and did quite a bit of cardio. I wasn't meant to be cut and unless you have connections to people with drugs you won't get there but that is ok. Play around with it all and see where you fall in and how your body reacts to it.

Just saw Jeff’s videos last night and had the same thoughts you just expressed! I’ve found his videos very helpful during my undergrad in exercise science. I would constantly bump heads with classmates who would bash CrossFit or any type of cross training. Definitely gonna share this video!

After 2 yrs of following comptrain programming.... I’m now following StrongLifts 5x5 and doing CrossFit 2x a week... doing this, I’ve increased my squat 100lbs since October.

This is also an excellent response to Firas Zahabi (mma coach) talking about the problem with CrossFit on the Joe Rogan Experience.

Thanks so much for the informative video. I do powerlifting as my basis and crossfit on the side. But I do always wonder why I see a lot of Games athletes doing classic bodybuilding accessory work...

Good stuff. Interesting to shift your mindset from a body part 2-3 times a week to evey day. But thats what we do in crossfit... thanks.

Which excersises have caused the scars on your forearms, aswell as the outer biceps? #battleacars

as long as you progressively overload and eat in a caloric surplus you'll build muscle while doing crossfit no problem.

hey bro, what do you suggest through your experience and living with the best, for those who want to enter the crossfit world, I do crosstraining but I need an extra. not in terms of competition, but in terms of overcoming, building a healed body. I have seen your videos. I give a lot of importance to the correct and not too aggressive movements, but I want my training to be much better and to be able to do most of the crossfit exercises. you are a machine. strong hug.

230 K subscribers!!!! Congrats guys xxx

Two of my favourite fitness KZfaqrs

My problem is I’m that guy who was a big athlete in high school played every sport went to state in powerlifting twice in Texas and even though I have been doing CrossFit since leaving high school I’ve been off and on with how much I’ve moved and transferred colleges and now living in Dallas as a graduate about to get back into it full time and hoping to do it 4-5 days a week but would I be considered a newbie again and need to limit it 3 times a week for now?

Good job Crag! This video was amazing, high quality stuff, super cool! Ps. We do miss Jas! 🇧🇷🇧🇷

As a former bro gym guy who has transitioned into a crossfit style training. I very rarely feel as sore as I did back in my typical split training. I definitely feel way stronger than I did back in the day. I do through in some typical bodybuilder exercises before hitting my EMOMS, or AMRAPS or FORTIME workouts and try to focus on the mind muscle connection

Great video Craig! Love this

I hurt my shoulder while making fun of CrossFit pull-ups

Last year, before starting CrossFit, I was 62kg. Now after a year of training (and eating extremely well) I'm 73kg.

Ive started crossfit for couple weeks now after years of solo gym training and i can see the difference in results it does affect mussle mass in reducing it comparing to solo gym hypertophy but you have to focus on diet to prevent losing muscle but definitly makes you lean more than normal gym and is no doll moment in it because you train in a group and put yourself through paces

I think the issue is that so many crossfitters are average people who just go for an hour like 3 times a week. So sure, they don't look shredded. But they are getting more fit. That's why I love crossfit. People just flexing in mirrors is cringe to me, lifting big numbers isn't a metric of manhood, but improving daily and being able to do actual cool stuff in the real world is amazing. Body building doesn't help you kayak, hike, snowboard, etc...crossfit does because you can modify it to meet your sport

I’ve been training for 10 years now and lately I find crossfit extremely interesting, however I find it way to expensive (at least in Belgium). I pay 400 euros a year for all in fitness (drinks,sauna,fitness, etc...) and crossfit is 1300 euros for just crossfit.. If it was less expensive I’d do it for sure.

Alot of the top level cross fitters were already top level competitive athletes in other disciples before they started crossfit. As for Tia toomey she got too, and won the Olympics from doing traditional weightlifting training with a weightlifting coach not directly from CrossFit though she did get introduced to it when she went from being a runner to CrossFit training.

I'm wondering what's going on with the scrapes on your arms? Lifting scars?

I am just a natural bb/strength focused usual gym goer but I now want to get my fitness up this year and have been looking at CrossFit heavily now and I love the Chanel! Plus u live literally round the corner!👍🏻 can I hit my usual training as-well as doing say 2 days a week CrossFit?

where is the best place to find programs to structure your own workouts?

well said! CrossFit is great, and definitely the best thing I've found given my goals, but thanks for approaching this with a sound perspective and noting that it might not be the answer for everyone. Also glad you mentioned the community and enjoyment factor, that for sure makes a difference in long term consistency.

Would you say in order to get bigger overall with crossfit you would need more calories since maybe your burning way more calories since it’s faster paced?

I started crossfit in the end of last year and I've notice a heap of muscle growth and definition it has been a great experience and feeling great. crossfit gladstone

The main thing with the CrossFit look is that the athletes have muscles in all the right areas, round Delts, developed upper back plus Abs gives a hell of a look 👀 That’s why when you see them in a T-shirt they look fit but when they go shirtless they looked jacked

How long would your session last when hitting every muscle group?

I love body building/power lifting or in a more simple way to put it, I like to lift barbells and dumbells in all sorts of different ways lol. But I also run around 5 miles spread out in a week and jump rope for 15 mins straight around 5 times a week to keep my cardio up. I feel like crossfit is calling my name I just don't know where to go to start

so glad i found your channel, you're great

My struggle is to program a decent workout. Being new to it and having a gym that’s very small and overfilled

I got a question. I did workout in a gym up untill 2,5 years ago. Then I did not do anything. Now I just got into crossfit. I got really fat and want to lose the weight. What will be a good routine for me? 2 or 3 times a week? What would be best for my muscle memory to be as effiecent as possible?

I've heard GOBs of responses about the randomness of Crossfit workouts as a coach. They are NOT random at all. The randomness comes from usually someone inability not to see the focus of the workout. TeamRichey pointed out what body parts he hits during the workouts and that's true. Coaches program just like any other coach or athlete with a specific goal in mind for a prescribed set of weeks. This is STANDARD in crossfit. Period. Yes, there are random exercises to layman eye, however, they is a targeted approach by using random exercises to elicit muscle response every time you participate in a workout (WOD). Aesthetically, a bodybuilder LOOKS better but we are focused on performance. One rep on barbell doesn't make you a great athlete. you still need to jump, run, lift, climb, and be faced with the uncertainty of an obstacle before you can test performance. Challenge a decent crossfitter to run, gymnastics, lift, and you will see where your fitness counts in the real world. They may not win against a collegiate runner but they wont loose to a bodybuilder. on the other hand, they wont beat a bodybuilder in looks but they will beat the world class marathoner in aesthetics. You can not be everything in one sport, however, we are looking to close the gap between every sport and have less gaps than most athletes.

@deeshmond said it 'Crossfit is definitely helpful for building muscle but definitely not the most optimal method' I totally agree on this and I do Crossfit 5 times a week.

Craig, I have been in a conventional gym since I was 14 (now 30) and I looked fairly good. BUT... I had started CrossFit just before the cornavirus shut everything down. Lucky I got equipment before everything got bought and in all seriousness my physic has never looked better BUT, more importantly my mental health is super healthy. Far to many individuals caught up in flexing biceps will never understand the high you get from feeling amazing!

Great advice, totally agree with you!

Sir how can I train like CrossFit without equipment? How should I program it? Im a basketball player and I do think that Crossfit will improve my endurance and athleticism.

I watched, taking everything seriously, untill the part where you do "muscle ups" in the gymnastic rings

I am new to CF and enjoying it very much, specially because of the community. That aspect helps me with consistency. In the end the best sport is the one you do. However, you are talking about top athletes with specific coaches for weight lifting and training. But what about the average Joe like the rest of us. Being honest, in a cross fit box you see maybe one or two people with a really good physique, but, the majority, even the ones doing it for years, they are either thin or carry a some sort of belly....I am progressing myself but as newbie I ask myself if this sport is the best one for achieving a muscular physique or, what is everybody doing wrong.

Great videos bro! Really! 🤟🏻☄️

Does CrossFit’s programming still rely on the WOD/random exercises every day or are there programs that rely on progressive overload, with the WOD’s being the “game day” so to speak? Obviously you can build muscle doing CrossFit, look at CrossFit athletes (performance enhancement discussions aside, because it’s obviously part of the sport), but if hypertrophy is the only goal I don’t think CrossFit is the optimum way to do it. That said, the best program is one you enjoy and stick to, and if that’s CrossFit, then more power to you.

I've recently started the Functional Bodybuilding program by Marcus Filly after doing crossfit for 2 years. It's been amazing for me! I've progressed more in 2-3 months than I have in one year doing 3 crossfit sessions per week.

Sick content per usual 🏋🏽😍

Great content bro!

What’s your best tip for students wanting to get gains?

What's with the cuts and burn on your arms?

Great video man! I really like how you explain the movements you do in crossfit and the reason you are doing certain moves. You have a knack for explaining the purpose and progression of moves that a lot of people think are just gimmicky or trying to cheat reps. Keep up the great content. Love you and Jas both!😀

Do you have any CrossFit programs?

The elephant in the room is that the top crossfit competitors don't just do the daily WOD and go home, they have a whole program outside of doing WODs that most people who do crossfit will never touch. Don't also forget the PEDs

This is a really useful video to open up more discussion on people's fitness priorities. One training method vs. another has to be about what you want to achieve at the end of the day.I spent two decades as a body builder and strength trainer, where lean mass is the objective. Flexibility, gymnastics, speed and endurance aren't really the focus, so independent of any training for other sports, it's really an aesthetic endeavour. That's fine for some, but I've moved on from that being my primary objective in training, because is seems limiting at best and maybe a little superficial.For the couple of years I've been into CrossFit, I've continued to maintain muscle mass, but I've improved in gymnastics, speed and endurance significantly. I could perhaps be more aesthetically fit and more advanced in strict lifting movements had i continued as a body builder, but the offsetting benefits are better all around fitness -- I'm a physically more skilled and capable person as a result of CrossFit.So, again, it's about what you want to achieve, but CrossFit and other functional fitness styles of training will get you to a higher level of all around fitness and with that will come a naturally improved physique. And, as Craig said in the video, you can always include targeted muscle development in your overall fitness regimen alongside CrossFit training.

Hmmm, I just started. In fairly good shape to start with. Age 61. Age is a big deal. Recovery takes way longer and a nap is key. All my muscles are sore after 3 workouts. “Running” today at 10:00. I’m sure our coach has lots of fun planned. I’m really happy with CrossFit so far. Training for my next Spartan race.

Great fucking vid! I’ve always been a bodybuilder/powerlifting type of guy. But I find CrossFit definitely more challenging but at the same time functional. I’m training to be a Navy SEAL, and I find that just simple lifting is not enough, CrossFit targets my cardio and strength at the same time. I still lift but for the program that I’m training to get into I find CrossFit a LOT more useful. Running, swimming, lifting, ect.. helps me out the best. And I’ve definitely have a better physique then when I was lifting. What’s also crazy is that I’ve I figured this out before I saw this vid months ago. But to each it’s own. #crossfit

Loving your channel and always been curious about CrossFit, how do you think it would translate as in complimenting a triathlete I.e. me 🧐🧐

CrossFit training will make you good at CrossFit. Which includes muscle hypertrophy, but it’s not the same as training for body building, which trains specifically for hypertrophy (at the cost of other things like conditioning or maximum strength). It just depends on your goals.

Have to admit the Science behind it dude reminded me of Cartman with his voice lol... Craig since I started in August I’m all ready stronger than any time previously in over a decade of fitness!! Man even my running times are getting shredded too and I’m no slouch at running... Looking to get gains as I increase my food intake for next yrs comps and get a good base built... CrossFit is more than just fitness - it’s my family 🐺

nice video mate! glad to see you're doing well

You can make gains on a regular crossfit program if you are a newbie. After that, you need programming, which is exactly what pro Crossfit athletes do, but it's not what the commercial, average Joe, Crossfit experience is like. If you go to the box, do your technique and then the WoD, like 99% of Crossfit trainees do, you'll make some decent gains for the first 6 months and then almost completely stall after that. It would be interesting to track the progress of average crossfit enthusiasts that do just WoDs (i.e. the standard Crossfit protocol) and see how much they improve after their first year of working out. I'm pretty sure the answer is: close to zero

No one Absolutely nobody Craig: Jeff NippAARRD