As you’re about to start your CrossFit path, let me tell you about some of the must-have gear that every newbie needs.
New to CrossFit?
I remember gym class back in high school and how hard I thought that was. Yet again, when we were in our teenage years, we thought everything was hard! I can still hear my coach saying, “Give me 100 push-ups, 75 squats, 50 burpees, and 25 pull-ups.” Take me back to the gym class!
Before you read any further, let me tell you that CrossFit isn’t about weight loss. CrossFit isn’t your regular daily workout routine. It’s a sport that pushes everyone to achieve their best. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional athlete, you’ll be motivated to do the workouts you never thought were possible.
CrossFit tests your abilities and takes you on a road of self-discovery and realization. Getting the best results requires hard work. It also requires consistency, a strong will, and the proper gear. You should also know that the sport is adaptable, meaning that it changes from one person to another. It's all about personal goals.
The Basic Gear
Gear for every type of CrossFitter out there.
Grips
Hand grips are a bit similar to normal workout gloves with a few modifications. You place it around your 3 central fingers and then extend the material across your palms. You then fasten it with velcro around your wrist. It’s the perfect way to prevent calluses and hand tears when performing pull-ups or barbell work.
Foam Rollers
Those nifty objects are made to reduce tension, massage sore areas, and speed up muscle recovery. They can be used during pre-workout, warm-up, and post-exercise.
(Olympic) Oly Shoes
Specialized weightlifting shoes designed for better stability. With a pair of these shoes on your feet, you’ll be able to lift more weight thanks to the extra height in the heel (which allows for better body mechanics). Oly shoes are excellent, especially during a squat-related workout.
Wrist Straps
Wrist straps, in contrast with wrist wraps, help you carry your weight when you're exercising.
You wrap it around your wrist and the bar for extra support and to avoid strains, especially as a beginner!
Wrist Wraps
Protect your wrists when performing heavy barbell workouts, gymnastic exercises, and WODs. Wrist supports are important for beginners who want to stay injury-free. We like the always great quality wrist wraps from Rogue Fitness. For people new to CrossFit, these inexpensive accessories will help prevent injury and keep you lifting longer. One piece of equipment every CrossFitter should own.
Double Under Jump Ropes
Any jump rope can be used for single skips but learning to do double-unders, where the rope passes twice underfoot for every one jump, is a rite of passage in CrossFit.
Compression Sleeves
A tube-like fabric that fits around the parts of the body susceptible to injury (knee, elbow) and most in need of a performance boost. The compression effects not only help prevent injury but can add a little edge in terms of power and strength output.
They basically enhance performance as well as speed up recovery time with muscle-related injuries. The most common type of compression sleeve is the knee sleeve, which helps protect against knee injury while also helping improve performance.
Compression socks are also popular for protecting shins and increasing circulation.
Resistance Bands
They look like giant rubber bands and can be used for stretching and resistance training. A great piece of kit for fitness while traveling. An essential piece of pre- and post-workout equipment. Also great for creating alternative exercises for hitting muscle groups.
Training Shoes
Unlike the Oly shoes, those are used for the regular or rather the days you won’t need to lift weights or are taking part in WODs. Olympic lifting shoes are clunky and definitely not suited to box jumps or running. There are plenty of CrossFit training shoe designs and even some vegan-based shoe designs to choose from.
Lifting Belt
There's always debate around whether belts are a help or a hindrance. But from our point of view, lifting belts prevent you from pulling a muscle in your back when doing heavy Olympic lifts or deadlifts. They work. Just don't rely on them. And take your weight belt off when not going heavy.
Our Favorite Must-Have Gear
Believe it or not, getting the right gear for your workout can help you take your workout to a whole new level! It can help you lift heavier, keep your hold longer, and even run faster.
No kidding. Just look at how Nike’s new Vaporfly shoes help athletes run faster. Now that I got your attention, let me help you take a closer look at some must-have CrossFit equipment and accessories!
Investing in proper gear won’t only help your performance, it will help avoid workout injuries.
Bear KompleX 3 Hole Leather Grips
You have the option to choose either a 2 or 3-hole grip depending on your preference. It’s made with quadruple stitching to ensure durability.
Things We Like
● Superior leather reduces slipping
● Adjustable straps
● Breathable
● Choose size based on one's own hands size
Things We Don’t Like
● Nothing. It’s all good.
WODFitters Textured Leather Hand Grips
These superior leather grips were made for your inner beast. They’re ergonomically designed to reduce pressure. They also come with a cool carrying pouch, so you wouldn’t misplace them anywhere.
Things We Like
● Reduce friction on palms
● Encircles the whole wrist
● Protects from abrasion and scars
● 60-day money-back guaranteed
Things We Don’t Like
● May cause minor irritations to fingers outside the hole
Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller
This company’s main focus is on the therapeutic aspect, making sure that they develop products that would fit everyone’s needs. They’re available in 4 colors.
Things We Like
● 30-day return policy
● 1-year warranty
● Durable
● Patented design
● Online videos to ease use
Things We Don’t Like
● Maybe a bit stiff for some users
● Color may fade away from sweat
LuxFit Foam Roller
LuxFit created this roller that is ideal for physical therapy. Their surface is smooth, and they keep liquids at bay.
Things We Like
● Comes in different sizes
● 3-year limited warranty
● Online instructional video
Things We Don’t Like
● The speckles may be uncomfortable for some users
Reebok Men’s/Women’s CrossFit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker
There’s no surprise that Reebok would create great shoes like these. Reebok’s been in the market for decades and it never seems to fail people looking for running shoes, gym shoes, or something that’ll be perfect for CrossFit workouts.
After all, they always have killer designs!
Things We Like
● Lightweight
● Increased stability
● CMEVA midsole
Things We Don’t Like
● The size may be a bit smaller than other similar shoes
Adidas Men’s/Women’s Powerlift 3.1 Cross Trainer
Adidas, like other competing brands, has been in the market for a very long time.
They produce over 900 million sports products yearly! They know how to stay busy that’s for sure! It comes at no surprise that they’d make shoes that would be ideal for CrossFit training.
Things We Like
● Breathable material
● Narrow fit
● Lightweight synthetics
Things We Don’t Like
● Heel material may not be supportive for heavy lifters
Rip Toned Lifting Wrist Straps
These straps were designed by professionals, for professionals or those who like to test their limits! Even if you're not going to the CrossFit Games, it's perfectly fine to get a pair. Made from Neoprene and padded for extra comfort.
Things We Like
● Risk-free trial
● Used by IFBB athletes
● Durable material
Things We Don’t Like
● People with small wrists may be bothered by padding
Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps
Harbinger has been known in gyms for decades now. They started expanding and creating CrossFit workout products that would be both beneficial and comfortable for all their consumers.
Things We Like
● Synthetic material
● Heavy-duty stitching
● Soft on the skin
● Merrowed ends (sealed)
Things We Don’t Like
● Short straps loop once around the bar.
WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope
You should aim for a rope that is so lightweight and fast to get the most out of the exercise. The WOD Nation Speed jump rope comes with adjustable cables and a carrying bag as an added bonus.
Things We Like
● Affordable price
● 100% limited lifetime warranty
● Patented bearings
Things We Don’t Like
● The coating may wear off after some time
Survival and Cross Speed Jump Rope
If you’re looking for something that is both efficient and cost-friendly, then this would be your best option. The Survival and Cross Speed jump rope comes with high-quality handles and is adjustable for convenience.
Things We Like
● Efficient swing
● Compact – fits anywhere
● Lifetime warranty
Things We Don’t Like
● May lope a bit when swinging at a slower rate.
Run Forever Calf Compression Sleeves
These sleeves not only serve the purpose of saving your calves but they also come in amazing colors that’ll surely fit anyone’s styling needs!
Things We Like
● Enhances blood circulation
● Non-slip cuff
● Seamless design
● Great comfort
● Soft and durable
● Perfect fit guaranteed
Things We Don’t Like
● No returns
Nordic Lifting Elbow Compression Sleeves
Made from nylon material that ensures a perfect fit for both men and women. The sleeves are non-slip for comfort. They also ease pain and aid with muscle recovery.
The Nordic sleeves are available in plenty of colors to choose from.
Things We Like
● One-year warranty
● Comes in different sizes
● Durable material
● Improves blood circulation
Things We Don’t Like
● Might be a bit difficult to put on
Fit Simply Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
These heavy-duty bands are made with 100% latex. They also come in 5 different resistance levels to fit any CrossFitter's needs.
Things We Like
● Affordable
● Made with durable material
● Easily carry anywhere
Things We Don’t Like
● May roll down legs during excessive exercise
Black Mountain Products Resistance Band
This resistance band is made with the best rubber material to ensure the durability that you need during your CrossFit workout. It’s available in different resistance levels.
Things We Like
● Lifetime warranty
● Stackable to get more weight
● Double stitching material
Things We Don’t Like
● Relatively expensive
Final Thoughts
When you start your fitness path, it’s important to keep your determination in check! Take a look at some of the workouts you might want to try out during your next workout. Ask your coach about them first, set your timer, and get going!
Start today, get your gear, and hit the nearest gym near your home. It’s an investment you won’t regret!
