I was an active CrossFit athlete with my local gym for many years and loved it! After being involved for over 3 years, I decided to take a break and experience some different types of workouts. One of the workouts I tried and really enjoyed was Orangetheory! Since I moved to Little Rock, I have joined Orangetheory and have been doing it consistently for about 6 months. From that experience, here are the standout differences I’ve found in CrossFit and Orangetheory!
Details
If you are not familiar with CrossFit or Orangetheory I have posts for each you can read here and here! They are both boutique workouts that are different every day, while also independently unique in my opinion. CrossFit can be a hodgepodge of workouts and most gyms are fully independent from one another. Orangetheory, on the other hand, is a franchise. Theoretically if all gyms are following the guidelines, whether you’re at a studio in L.A. or Little Rock you are doing the same workout!
Cardio
Obviously, both of these workouts include cardio. The main difference is that the cardio for Orangetheory is much more traditional than cardio in CrossFit. Depending on your preferences or challenges with cardio, you should be able to find a good fit in one of these two styles!
OTF
If you have not been to an Orangetheory class before, it includes both the treadmill and the water rower each class. The intensity and time spent on the rower does vary, but there is a large amount of each class dedicated to being on the treadmill. I really enjoy the treadmill in an Orangetheory class because the structure helps me forget I’m running on a treadmill. I run about 2 miles each class and don’t feel like that’s what I was doing, which is fun for me!
CrossFit
In CrossFit, you can get your cardio from a slew of different exercises. Most CrossFit gyms have a handful of Concept 2 Rowers, Echo bikes or assault bikes, and/or ski ergs. Those machines can be used independently or, God forbid, together in a workout. You also get strong cardio from lifting heavy weights or body weight exercises like burpees or pullups. The fun thing about CrossFit is you learn that cardio doesn’t mean running. I was surprised more than once by what exercises would really kick my butt with cardio (wall balls – I don’t miss you).
Strength Training
Everyone’s first thought about CrossFit usually includes a guy slinging an outrageously heavy barbell around. On the other hand, most people don’t really consider Orangetheory a strength training type of workout. I would argue that both of those are big time misunderstandings!
CrossFit
We’ll start with CrossFit this time. Yes, CrossFit does include a lot of traditional weight lifting techniques that involve the barbell. No, it has never been encouraged in any CrossFit gym I have ever taken class in to sling as much weight as humanly possible onto that barbell for a workout. CrossFit does focus a lot on strength training, but they are also diligent with including cardio and flexibility. In fact, some of the hardest CrossFit workouts I’ve done didn’t include the barbell at all.
OTF
Looking now at Orangetheory, I understand that most people think it as a very cardio based workout. The truth is, each class is designed for you to split the time up evenly between cardio and strength training. Orangetheory has also rolled out a strength training only class called Lift45. This class does not utilize the treadmill or rower for the entire 45 minutes. Instead, it focuses strictly on strength training and has become a popular addition for people looking for that extra time on the weight floor.
Environment
I don’t need to split this section up between CrossFit and Orangetheory. In my experience, both of these fitness niches are extremely inclusive and welcoming. Both gyms encourage their members to drop in to other CrossFit or Orangetheory gyms to meet people in different places. The first thing I did when I moved from Knoxville to Little Rock was to look up CrossFit gyms and Orangetheory studios. I knew from experience I would find a group of really welcoming people in both places. It can be intimidating to try a new type of workout, but I recommend giving these places the opportunity to wow you!
Final Thoughts
If I had to give you some deciding factors between trying CrossFit or Orangetheory, here’s the breakdown. Someone needing a workout to push them to get through more traditional cardio and not as concerned about strength training, should try Orangetheory first. Someone really focusing on building strength while also maintaining cardio, should give CrossFit a try first. Either way, I would really encourage you to experience both!
Have you tried CrossFit, Orangetheory, or both?! Leave your thoughts down below in the comments for others to see!