July 29, 2025

Comparing Popular Workout Styles at a Private Gym Near Me: CrossFit vs. Bodybuilding vs. Powerlifting

Gym culture is evolving. In the past, physical training was essential for survival and military strength. Today, fitness is the new mantra. Everyone is on the lookout for ‘a private gym near me’ to kickstart their fitness journey. People are more aware that investment in their health will pay long-term benefits.

‘A private gym near me’ can be found on Google easily. They offer different workout modalities like CrossFit, Bodybuilding, and Powerlifting. What are these popular workout styles? This blog introduces you to the other workout styles so you have more options when you start your fitness journey.

The different styles have their strengths and approaches. Understand them and see what aligns with you. Visit a private gym near you and check it out.

What makes a Private Gym Special?

The entire experience of a private gym is different. In a private gym, you are not just your membership number. The trainers will gather information about your goals, lifestyle, past and current health conditions, and injuries. They will know you by name and will track your progress. This personalised attention will keep your motivation levels up.

Private gyms have exclusive equipment that caters to different exercise modules. There will not be long queues to get to the equipment. Members have to book in advance so that the crowd at a time is controlled, and everyone has access to all the equipment.

At a private gym, the fitness trainers give you a personalised workout plan. It is tailor-made for you, keeping your goal and fitness level in mind. The trainers keep track of your progress and tweak it as you progress.  

They can also help with your nutrition if you are struggling with that. The trainer will also give you pointers about little lifestyle changes that can help you attain faster results.

Private gyms are a cosy community. Here, everyone becomes familiar with each other and shares a common goal – to be their healthiest self.

Overview of workout styles

CrossFit

CrossFit is a comprehensive fitness regimen defined by constantly varied, functional movements performed at high intensity. Its core philosophy focuses on preparing individuals for the unpredictable demands of life with broad, general, and inclusive fitness. The movements in CrossFit mimic real life. Workouts are designed to engage multiple muscle groups. The aim is to ensure workouts are practical and effective. This type of workout will enhance your everyday strength and mobility.

CrossFit is all about helping you build fitness that lasts a lifetime. The goal is to boost your ability to perform well in a wide range of activities, over different periods of time, using different types of movements. It's a well-rounded, measurable approach to getting and staying fit.

There are six types of CrossFit WOD (workout of the day):

 EMOM: It stands for “every minute on the minute”. Workout to a timer and do a set number of reps at regular intervals.

 AMRAP: “As many rounds as possible”. Complete a set of exercise combinations as many times as you can in the given time.

 RFT: “Rounds for time”. Complete a given number of rounds of a circuit as fast as possible.

 CHIPPER: One round of exercises, usually with high reps, to be completed in the fastest time possible.

 LADDER: You gradually increase or decrease the number of reps or weight as you go.

 TABATA: Eight rounds of high-intensity intervals, followed by 10 seconds’ rest.

In CrossFit, you'll often use all kinds of equipment—like barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, pull-up bars, plyo boxes, and jump ropes. The variety helps keep the workouts functional, dynamic, and never boring.

Bodybuilding

You must have seen bodybuilders at a private gym near you lifting heavy weights. Bodybuilding involves strenuous physical exercise like lifting weights to strengthen and enlarge the muscles of the body. The science of bodybuilding focuses on understanding how muscles grow and are developed through training and nutrition. This includes the principle of:

 Hypertrophy: Weight training causes micro-tears in muscle fibers. When you rest your body, the body repairs these microtraumas, and that results in muscle growth.

 Hormones and muscle Growth: Hormones play a crucial role in muscle repair and growth.

 Nutrition and Bodybuilding: Diet plays a crucial role in bodybuilding. A well-balanced diet that includes all the essential macronutrients is necessary to support muscle repair and growth.

 Other factors: Sleep, genetics, and stress management are other factors that play a key role in bodybuilding.

Bodybuilders use a variety of equipment, including free weights like barbells and dumbbells, as well as machines, racks, and benches.

Working out in front of a mirror at a private gym helps you correct your form and technique when performing exercises.

Powerlifting

Powerlifting is a form of competitive strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts-

 Squats

 Bench press

 Deadlift

Powerlifting is all about building maximum muscular force through three main lifts - squat, bench press, and deadlift.  It involves understanding how the body responds to stress and training the body to handle it. This kind of training leads to muscle growth (hypertrophy) and better coordination between muscles and nerves.

The ultimate goal? To lift the heaviest weight you can in just one try.

Which Style Suits You Best at a Private Gym Near You?

A private gym near you will offer a personalized workout plan that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and fitness level. After having a clear understanding of the styles that appeal to you, you can have a discussion with your fitness trainer and include them in your workout.

Be clear about the results you want to achieve. Do you want to improve your strength, aesthetics, fitness, or overall health? Once you are clear about that, you can narrow down your choice to one or two styles, or you can even choose a combination of them.

Talk to your friends who are into fitness. Enquire about their fitness journey and what approach helped them. Get the conversation going with gym members and fitness trainers in private gyms near you. If private gyms near you allow it, you can even try out a couple of classes to sample the workout. Lots of private gyms offer a free workout session so you can check out their space and get a feel for the vibe.

If you’re thinking about trying a different workout style each week at a private gym, here’s a sample routine to get you started:

CrossFit: 3-5 WODs per week, mix strength and cardio.

Bodybuilding: Chest/Triceps, Back/Biceps, Legs, Shoulders.

Powerlifting: Squat day, Bench day, Deadlift day, accessory work.

Make the Most of Your Private Gym Membership

The best part of a private gym is the fitness trainers. They are usually your best ally. Discuss your goals with them and work with them. You will see better, faster, and safer results.  Fitness trainers will keep track of your progress and guide you in the best direction for quicker results. They will keep you motivated and boost your confidence.

Try to attend the special classes that your private gym organizes. Private gyms often offer a variety of workout styles for you to explore, so don’t be afraid to try them all and see what fits you best. One of the great things about a private gym is the strong sense of community—it’s a place where everyone’s working toward the same goal: better fitness.

Members tend to be supportive and encouraging, ready to cheer you on through hard days and celebrate your small wins.

Last Set

There are many workout styles, and you have been given ample information about three of them – CrossFit, Bodybuilding, and Powerlifting. The science and outcome behind the three are different. All three have their pros and cons.

Now that you have theoretical data about the different styles, schedule a visit to a private gym near you and experience these styles firsthand. If reading about it hasn’t cleared all your queries, this experience surely will! Workouts should be enjoyable, and you must enjoy the journey to fitness, so make an informed decision.

Discover our new partnership with Gainz & Shreds for easy, healthy meals!

learn more