The Value of Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, and CrossFit Training

At CrossFit Hollywood – Your Los Angeles Functional Fitness Hub

When I coach bodybuilding, powerlifting, or CrossFit, I treat each modality with the utmost respect. Every training style serves a unique purpose and helps you achieve different fitness goals. Rather than debating which is “better,” it’s important to understand the purpose of each so you can choose the best option for your lifestyle and objectives.

Bodybuilding: “Making the Lightest Weights Feel as Difficult as Possible”

Bodybuilding focuses on maximizing muscle size and aesthetics.

• Key Training Details:

• Repetitions: 8–12 per set

• Rest Period: 1–3 minutes between sets

• Goal: Enhance sarcoplasmic hypertrophy for a fuller, more sculpted look

While bodybuilding is renowned for creating an impressive physique, it also improves strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular function. Whether you’re training at home or at a group class in Los Angeles, bodybuilding techniques can support your overall fitness journey.

Powerlifting: “Making the Heaviest Weights Look as Light as Possible”

Powerlifting is all about building raw strength.

• Key Training Details:

• Primary Lifts: Squat, Deadlift, Bench Press (and sometimes the Overhead Press)

• Repetitions: 1–5 per set

• Rest Period: 3–5 minutes between sets

• Goal: Increase your one-rep max on major lifts

This modality is ideal if you want to push your strength limits. At CrossFit Hollywood in Los Angeles, our coaches integrate powerlifting techniques to help you build a solid strength foundation, even if your main focus is on functional fitness.

CrossFit: “Training for the Unknown and Unknowable”

CrossFit is a comprehensive fitness program designed to prepare you for any physical challenge.

• Approach:

• Incorporates elements of bodybuilding, powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, sprinting, and endurance training

• Enhances multiple fitness components including accuracy, agility, balance, coordination, flexibility, speed, and stamina

• Goal: Create a well-rounded athlete who can tackle diverse challenges

CrossFit isn’t about perfecting one specific movement. Instead, it develops all-around fitness and mental toughness. Our CrossFit classes at CrossFit Hollywood in Los Angeles are designed for anyone ready to embrace a versatile, challenging, and supportive training environment.

In Conclusion

There isn’t one “best” training modality—each has its strengths depending on your personal goals. Whether your passion lies in bodybuilding, powerlifting, or CrossFit, the most important thing is to do what makes you happy and healthy. At CrossFit Hollywood, we are committed to guiding your fitness journey in a positive, community-focused space.

Remember, first wealth is health—so get moving and make every workout count!

-Coach Andy