What program is more appropriate for Army Physical Readiness Training, Cross Fit or P90X?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 09:53:15 -0400

I'm a P90X junkie.

Lots of military folks prefer CrossFit, as suggested by the vast number of CrossFit military affiliates (http://www.crossfit.com/).

It appears that the P90 series of programs (Power 90, P90X, P90X2, P90X3, along with other programs from BeachBody) mirror the comprehensive approach to fitness, nutrition, and health described in FM 7-22 and the Army Performance Triad (http://hprc-online.org/total-force-fitness/performance-triad).

While I would not go as far as the satirists at The Duffel Blog who have jokingly suggested the Pentagon is looking to ban CrossFit (http://www.duffelblog.com/2014/04/crossfit-ban-dod/#!5RDEq), more serious journalism (http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/strength-and-power-training/Growing-Pains-CrossFit-Injuries-On-the-Rise.html; http://www.armytimes.com/article/20100930/OFFDUTY03/9300301/The-hidden-danger-extreme-workouts) suggests that CrossFit may create more health problems than it solves. (Other studies suggest CrossFit may be good, afterall: http://www.25idl.army.mil/PT/U.S.%20Army%20CrossFit%20Study.pdf)

This is an old conversation, with plenty of Army guidance (http://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/PHN_No_0312-01_Extreme_Conditioning_Programs_and_the_Army_2012.pdf) based on government-funded research (http://www.researchgate.net/publication/51788315_Consortium_for_Health_and_Military_Performance_and_American_College_of_Sports_Medicine_consensus_paper_on_extreme_conditioning_programs_in_military_personnel)

Which do you prefer? Or are there better programs out there?

Performance Triad — Human Performance Resource Center

HPRC has added the Army’s Performance Triad to its Total Force Fitness arsenal with this overview, including a description of what the initiative is, its three focal areas, and how to get started.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 2:15 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 14:15:25 -0400

I believe cross fit is too stressful on the body and causes unnecessary joint damage.

Response by CPT Dave Shephard made Jun 30 at 2014 4:58 PM

CPT Dave Shephard — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 16:58:47 -0400

As a physical fitness enthusiast, I think CrossFit performed correctly with properly trained coaches is the best organized methodology for military fitness.

I agree that CrossFit is intense (and thus can be dangerous). But intensity is the single most important factor in promoting fitness. As humans we are designed to adapt to a stimulus. If our physical training isn't stressful enough to prompt the body to adapt (i.e. get fitter, faster, stronger) then it won't be effective. Be smart, listen to your body, and seek out coaching for movements that you are unfamiliar with (just like with any other workout regimen).

One thing however that CrossFit does well that other regimens don't replicate is Community. CrossFit training is typically done in group settings or within a larger community of members. We are generally more likely to adhere to a physical training regimen (especially an intense regimen) if we have a community of supporters holding us accountable.

And finally, CrossFit incorporates ideals of holistic training. It has done a lot to educate our community on nutrition, mobility, and many other factors that effect human performance. Training in my opinion is only 15%-25% of the challenge. Sleep, diet, and hydration are collectively far more important to performance.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jul 7 at 2014 5:26 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 17:26:46 -0400

Running is always a popular choice in the Army. Soldiers swear by it however I have found running to be detrimental to my physical fitness (I have dainty ankles!)

I started CrossFit and I love the variations in exercises. For me personally, I've cut down on running and started focusing more on strength training and building muscle by doing CrossFit exercises, which is actually great for my cardio as well.

Everyone is different and it's all about finding what works for you and not listening to the indoctrinated sheep in the military tell you what is best for your body if you know otherwise.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2014 7:12 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 19:12:39 -0400

Why not Hip Hop Abs?

In all seriousness we need something that gets the base level up first! We need to enforce the standards starting at basic where they should only graduate if they ACTUALLY pass with at least 60 in each event and do the same in AIT. Do not give us a dud. Then we can go into crossfit then crazier workouts.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2014 7:34 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 19:34:48 -0400

I prefer P90x3....IMHO, the right program is the one that the individual will follow and that gets them to their goals and provides life-long maintenance....The right program may be several programs or individual activities. If we make a one-size-fits-all regulation for something that is highly individualized I believe it will fail.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Jul 7 at 2014 9:27 PM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 21:27:17 -0400

I'd be extremely cautious when it comes to taking part in Crossfit training based some of the points made in this article I read. Be sure to find out about the training and certification that the trainers at a gym went through since some places will certify a Crossfit trainer in a weekend.

Why I Don't Do CrossFit

CrossFit seems to think that the more pain you are in, whether on that day or the days following the workout, the better. The more you disregard the pain and keep pushing through it, the "tougher" you are. But this is not true, and more importantly, it's not healthy.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Jul 7 at 2014 9:43 PM

SFC A.M. Drake — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 21:43:17 -0400

Sir,

T-25 works for me with elements of Crossfit on the weekends and spin class, it's all good for me.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jul 8 at 2014 4:41 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 04:41:35 -0400

My preference is P90X, mostly because it uses body weight for resistance and is a whole body workout, vs T25 (mostly cardio) and CrossFit (which relies almost entirely on equipment). Using body weight for resistance means the program is transportable, and CHEAP. Having used P90X, I confess to liking the results and in a world where results count, that's all that need to be said. Oh, and I've used P90X for corrective training on some BCT privates. Those prison cell pushups forever and unalterably changed more than a few attitudes.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 2:18 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:18:49 -0400

Crossfit like exercises, that are done properly, and not just for max reps and time (saw a video of a guy who broke his own back doing olympic lifts as fast as he could) are extremely beneficial to military functional fitness. However, I find the crossfit culture, and the atmosphere in a cross fit gym to be a bit creepy. This is just a personal observation. I'm just not into it. I do swing kettlebells, and do burpees and pullups as part of my personal routine.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 2:23 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:23:49 -0400

How about FM 7-22? Once the Army as a whole (no APFT failures) can adhere to that then we could venture into more rigorous workout routines.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2014 6:49 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 18:49:37 -0400

Nobody has touched on Insanity yet? In my opinion is miles better than p90x in relation to Army Physical standards for one key reason: CARDIO!

Doing p90x will definitely up your pushups and maybe even your situps but unless you are running on your own, your run will suffer.

I have even coached a few soldiers who were on the AWCP through use of insanity which eventually got them off the program.

Response by SGT Lance Shavchuk made Aug 5 at 2014 8:26 PM

SGT Lance Shavchuk — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 20:26:21 -0400

I have participated in p90x in the past (and loved it at the time) and am currently training in crossfit. I could care less what program a person chooses if either of these. What is important is that ppl get health, remain healthy, and improve their p.t. standards. Crossfit has gained a bad rep from injuries but what about sports. Nobody wants to bash football and basketball.

Response by CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 7:58 PM

CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 19:58:21 -0400

I have been doing CrossFit for about 2 years and as much as I love it, there is no way that it can be a part of organized unit Physical Readiness Training in my opinion. A key element of CrossFit is being able to perform the movement(s) with proper form to be as efficient as possible during the workout. With that being said, I don't see how it is feasible to allot a vast amount of time to teach the proper technique to everyone.

P90X, Insanity, T-25, and Les Mills Combat are all good programs that can be done easily. The first time we did Les Mill's Combat, I was soaked head to toe and had a hard time walking to the shower.

Response by MAJ Haris Balcinovic made Mar 9 at 2015 6:48 PM

MAJ Haris Balcinovic — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 18:48:18 -0400

I would argue that perhaps neither is the a great fit - I hate to be a downer on P90 and Cross Fit, as they are phenomenal workout routines, but you are always going to alienate certain groups. The truth of the matter most everybody is different and prefers different workouts, I have plenty of battle buddies who despise even a mention of Cross Fit or P90. I myself prefer good run / hike / jog / ruck. I think what's appropriate is to incorporate a workout that works for the small team or squad, at most a platoon size element. Let the NCOs and Soldiers own it and do what they like. Just make sure the leadership knows what's going on - let the PLs and PSGs do what they're supposed to. As a CO I always encouraged platoons to do their own thing. I had my company runs just to piss everybody off, but other than that it was theirs. And as long as everybody was producing (meet or exceed the standard) I was happy.
Pushing fad/niche workouts such as P90 or Cross Fit as a standardized workout will most certainly alienate Soldiers who want to workout but prefer something else. Again, let the young/junior NCOs do their thing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 7:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 19:21:37 -0400

I use my TRX for indoor home workouts

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 9 at 2015 10:23 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 22:23:09 -0400

Push - Ups, Sit - Ups, Rope Climbing, Stairs, Pull-ups, Running, and Road Marching.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 7:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 19:54:12 -0400

I don't think that anything really needs to change... I think we need to enforce... I was asked what I thought was the biggest difference between the Army and the Marines and though there are a few the biggest one would be enforcement.. When Soldiers are allowed in basic training to pass their APFT with scores of 50 per event when the standard is 60 we have a problem... And yes this was happening since we were dealing with the aftermath at the unit... We can't fix what isn't broken if we don't use it properly to begin with... We set a standard but then lax up the rules to maintain numbers... Because being green in some pie chart is more important... I have had a majority of my Soldiers come out of Basic unable to pass a PT test to standard and we are stuck trying to get them to the standard.. Why don't we actually use what we have and use it properly instead of wasting more money to do research or change an existing program that probably does work... And as for crossfit from a medical perspective.. Regardless of the proper training doing that many repetitions on any joint causes undo wear and tear and causes medical complications down the road... Physical Tharapists hate crossfit and want it banned as a whole because they are seeing much younger crowds with wear and tear on their joints that you would see in someone double their age... I do like P90X but as a personal workout... But I really think we need to use what we have...

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 8:34 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 20:34:00 -0400

I love crossfit, but it is not specific enough once you've got past the beginner gains- it is(or should be) focused on Olympic lifting and gymnastic skills. Really you should be moving onto something that periodizes your PFT/rucking skills like Military Athlete or maybe gym jones. But I prefer Crossfti vs p90x because I love Olympic lifting. I may be biased because I coach Crossfit, but hey.