Whether you're an avid CrossFitter, have a lot of WOD-loving friends on Instagram or enjoy tuning into The CrossFit Games, you've probably noticed something: Not only are most CrossFit athletes impressively muscle-bound, but they also all have their "can't work out without it" gear.
That's because the right equipment can support you during as you lift, grunt and sweat it out. "There is certain gear that can be beneficial to your lifts and performance in CrossFit," says physical therapist Grayson Wickham, certified strength and conditioning specialist and founder of Movement Vault, a mobility and movement company for athletes like CrossFitters.
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But, he says, "When you're incorporating gear, the question should always be: When should you should be using this?" Should you be using it for all rep schemes? All weights? All movements?
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According to Wickham, most gear isn't meant to be used during every single exercise or workout. Still, he says, when used correctly, proper gear can help support you as you work your way through a WOD.
Read more: 17 Benefits of CrossFit That Will Convince You to Give It a Try
So what CrossFit gear is effective and when? Below, CrossFit trainers and fitness pros break down the tools — including weight belts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, CrossFit shoes and grips — that'll help you stay on top of your workout (and climb the leaderboard).
Between front squats, pull-ups, Olympic lifts, push-ups and burpees, many of the staple movements in CrossFit put a lot of strain on your wrists. That's where wrist wraps come in.
"Wrist wraps give your wrists some extra support and security during these movements, and can help keep you from putting too much pressure on the somewhat delicate joint," says Tony Milgram, Level 1 CrossFit trainer with ICE NYC in New York City, NY.
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But they're not for everyone. "I don't recommend them for beginners, because if you use them too early on in your training, it can limit your wrist muscles from getting stronger, which can cause injury of the wrist later on," Wickham says.
The market is pretty saturated with wrist wraps made of all types of materials and held together with different clasps. Milgram recommends (and uses) Rogue's simple nylon wraps ($24.95, Rogue.com)."They're easy to use and adjust mid-workout, supportive and relatively inexpensive," he says.
Some athletes prefer a thicker, cotton/poly wrist wrap with Velcro closure, like those from Tuff Wraps ($29.99, Amazon.com). When deciding on a pair that works best for you, Wickham says to make sure you can still flex the wrist (which you'll need to be able to do for most of the Olympic lifts and other exercises you're doing). And you shouldn't have to drop more than $30 on a pair.
Usually made of neoprene, knee sleeves are basically bear hugs for your knee. How do they work? Sarah Ray, Level 3 CrossFit trainer and program development manager at Volt Athletics, says they provide compression to the joint, which increase blood flow. Because blood transports nutrients, the sleeves can actually help quell the inflammation that happens naturally after exercise, she says.
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Additionally, wearing knee sleeves can also improve something called kinesthetic awareness, says Wickham. "That's when having a stimulus or compression on the area helps you become more aware of it." So if, for example, your knees cave in as you squat (which is bad!), wearing knee sleeves may help you tune into that error and remind you to press your knees out as you squat, he says.
But (and this is important), Ray says: "If you have pain in your knee, wearing sleeves will not fix that." Only seeing a movement specialist and getting to the root cause of the pain will.
When picking out a pair, go for a Goldilocks fit — tight but not too tight. "They shouldn't be so snug that they restrict your ability to complete a full squat, but you shouldn't be able to fit more than one or two fingers between the material and your skin," Milgram says.
Check out Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeve ($39.95, Amazon.com), RockTape Assassin Knee Sleeves ($38.96 to $129.99, Amazon.com) or Bear Komplex Compression Knee Sleeves ($44.98 to $59.98, Amazon.com).
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Read more: The 10 Most Common CrossFit Mistakes
Lifting some really heavy weights? Grab a weight belt. "Their purpose is to encourage athletes to press against an external object, to get them to brace their core and spine and create intra-abdominal pressure," Ray says. But she and Wickham agree these should only be used by athletes lifting at least 75 percent of their one-rep max.
"The belt takes over some of the work your core is doing, so if you start relying on the belt every time you lift, your core muscles could become less strong or less stable," says Wickham. "Over time this can create an imbalance between your leg muscles and core muscles, which can lead to injury."
That's the same reason he suggests newbies hold off on investing in and wearing a belt until they're learned how to brace their core when they lift and developed the requisite core strength.
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Because they're under $50, comfortable and effective, the Harbinger Nylon Weight-Lifting Belt ($19.99, Amazon.com), Bear Komplex Weight-Lifting Belt ($29.98 to $44.99, Amazon.com) and Valeo Performance Weight Belt ($16 to $24.99 , Amazon.com), are faves among CrossFitters.
Because there's such a variety of movements in CrossFit, Wickham says investing in a cross-training shoe is a must. "Cross-training shoes are flexible enough to allow your foot to move well during dynamic movements like double-unders, box jumps and running, but also stable enough for weighted exercises like squats, kettlebell swings, snatches, cleans and deadlifts."
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Built specifically for cross-training, shoes like the Nike Metcon 5 ($130, Nike.com), Reebok CrossFit Nano 9 ($130, Reebok.com) and No Bull Trainer ($129, NoBull.com) all fit the bill.
Read more: The Best Shoes for Every Type of Workout
Spoiler alert: If you do CrossFit, you're going to have to use your hands. While some athletes wear their callouses proudly, others don't love rocking the thickened skin outside of the box.
Lifting gloves are one solution. They add a layer of material between your hand and the pull-up bar, barbell, dumbbells, etc., says Ray, which reduces the friction of the equipment against your hand and therefore reduces the risk of calluses.
You might consider investing in a pair of Trideer Padded Weight Lifting Gloves ($16.99, Amazon.com) or Reebok CrossFit Gloves ($50, Amazon.com). But with gloves, it's more about how they fit than how much they cost. If a pair under $20 fits your hands best, get those!
Keep in mind, though, that gloves may make certain movements harder, says Ray. Because they add an extra layer of material, gloves increase the diameter of whatever you're gripping, forcing your forearms to work harder in order to maintain your grip, she says.
Read more: Test Your Strength With These 4 Benchmark CrossFit WODs
Another option for hand protection? Grips! Most athletes use these to reduce the risk of ripping calluses, says Wickham. That's a huge advantage, as ripping can take a long time to heal, which can take you out of the gym.
Plus, they don't cover your fingers, so they're less likely to get in the way during other exercises. For instance, you wouldn't want to have your fingers covered for a movement like a wall ball where you need to have a good grip on the medicine ball.
There are two main categories of grips — those with individual holes for each finger like the Bear Complex Leather Hand Grips ($39.98, Amazon.com), and those without finger holes like Victory Freedom Grips ($45, VictoryGrips.com).
Wickham says which you choose comes down to personal preference. "Some athletes say the fingerless grips are easier to get on and off during a workout with a gymnastics and non-gymnastics movement," he says. Experiment and see what works best for you.
Welcome to Adamas CrossFit, where we believe in making your fitness goals accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just starting, having the right equipment is crucial for effective CrossFit training. A well-equipped home CrossFit gym offers the consistency, convenience, and control you need to stay on track with your workouts.
CrossFit is renowned for improving strength, endurance, and overall fitness through varied and functional movements. To maximize your training, you need the right tools. This guide will help you identify the best CrossFit equipment for your home gym, ensuring you can perform exercises that meet your fitness needs.
We’ll cover everything from barbells and kettlebells to resistance bands and squat racks, providing comprehensive recommendations to build a home gym that supports your fitness journey. Let’s dive in and discover the essential equipment to transform your home into a CrossFit powerhouse.
Building a strong foundation in your home CrossFit gym starts with quality barbells and plates. These essential pieces are the cornerstone of many CrossFit workouts, allowing you to perform various lifts that enhance strength and endurance. From squats and deadlifts to Olympic lifts like the clean and jerk, the right barbell and plates are crucial.
There are two main types of barbells to consider: standard and Olympic barbells. Standard barbells are lighter and shorter, suitable for beginners or those with limited space. However, Olympic barbells are the gold standard for CrossFit due to their durability and ability to handle heavy loads. Typically, Olympic barbells weigh 20kg (44lbs) for men and 15kg (33lbs) for women.
When choosing a barbell, consider the knurling (textured grip), whip (flexibility), and tensile strength (resistance to bending). Brands like Rogue Fitness, Eleiko, and American Barbell are highly recommended for their quality and reliability. A good barbell can significantly enhance your lifting experience and safety.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Zechen Fitness sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
For CrossFit, bumper plates are often the best choice. Coated with rubber, bumper plates can be safely dropped from overhead without damaging your floor or the plates. This is crucial for exercises like the snatch or clean and jerk, where dropping the barbell is common.
Bumper plates come in various types: competition, training, and economy. Competition plates are the most durable and accurate but also the most expensive. Training plates balance quality and cost, while economy plates are budget-friendly but less durable. Reliable brands include Rogue, Fringe Sport, and Again Faster.
Choosing the right weight set depends on your current strength level and fitness goals. A basic set might include pairs of 10lb, 25lb, and 45lb plates, allowing for progressive overload as you build strength. Opt for plates that can withstand the rigors of CrossFit training to ensure longevity and safety in your home gym.
Kettlebells are a versatile and indispensable part of any home CrossFit gym. These uniquely shaped weights allow for dynamic and functional movements that can significantly enhance your strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. From swings and snatches to Turkish get-ups, kettlebells provide a full-body workout that is both challenging and effective.
One of the primary benefits of kettlebells is their versatility. They can be used for a wide range of exercises targeting different muscle groups, making them ideal for both strength training and cardio. Kettlebell workouts are known for improving functional fitness, which translates to better performance in daily activities and sports.
Additionally, kettlebells are great for full-body conditioning. Exercises like kettlebell swings and cleans engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting muscle coordination and stability. This not only helps in building muscle but also enhances your core strength and balance.
When selecting kettlebells for your home gym, it’s important to choose the right weight range. Beginners might start with a 12kg (26lbs) kettlebell for men and 8kg (18lbs) for women, while more advanced users might opt for heavier weights. It’s beneficial to have a few different weights to accommodate various exercises and progression in strength.
Material and design are also crucial factors. Cast iron kettlebells are durable and have a traditional feel, while competition kettlebells are standardized in size and shape, regardless of weight, which can be beneficial for consistent technique. Brands like Rogue Fitness, Kettlebell Kings, and Dragon Door are known for their high-quality kettlebells.
Investing in quality kettlebells can make a significant difference in your CrossFit training, offering a wide range of exercises to keep your workouts varied and effective. Whether you’re performing swings, snatches, or get-ups, kettlebells are a must-have for any home gym.
Pull-up bars are essential for any home CrossFit gym, enabling a variety of upper body exercises that boost strength and endurance. From traditional pull-ups and chin-ups to advanced gymnastic movements, a pull-up bar provides the versatility needed for a comprehensive workout.
There are several types of pull-up bars to consider. Wall-mounted pull-up bars offer the most stability and can support different exercises, including kipping pull-ups and muscle-ups. They require a sturdy wall for installation but provide excellent overall stability.
Doorframe pull-up bars are convenient for limited spaces and portability. They fit over standard doorframes and can be easily removed when not in use. However, they may not support advanced movements that need more stability.
Portable pull-up bars, often free-standing, offer flexibility as they can be moved and adjusted. These are ideal for outdoor workouts or areas where permanent installation isn’t feasible. Choose the type that best fits your space and workout needs.
Proper installation of your pull-up bar is crucial for safety and effectiveness. For wall-mounted bars, ensure they are anchored into studs or a solid wall using high-quality hardware. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to secure the bar.
If using a doorframe pull-up bar, ensure your doorframe is sturdy and can support your weight. Avoid using these bars on weak or hollow frames, and regularly inspect the bar and doorframe for any signs of wear or damage.
Place your pull-up bar with enough clearance above and around it to perform a variety of movements safely. Proper installation and placement will maximize the effectiveness of your pull-up bar workouts.
Gymnastic rings are versatile tools for building strength, stability, and coordination in your home CrossFit gym. Originating from gymnastics, these simple yet powerful pieces of equipment offer endless possibilities for upper-body and core workouts.
One primary advantage of gymnastic rings is their ability to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting balanced strength development and preventing imbalances or weaknesses. They offer a range of exercises that can be scaled to accommodate all fitness levels, making them suitable for beginners and advanced athletes alike.
Setting up gymnastic rings in your home gym is straightforward. They can be hung from a secure overhead structure using adjustable straps or mounting brackets. Ensure proper form and control throughout each exercise to maximize effectiveness and safety. Adjust the height of the rings to accommodate different exercises and skill levels. Gymnastic rings unlock new possibilities for functional strength training, offering unparalleled versatility for achieving fitness goals.
Jump ropes are simple yet highly effective tools for cardiovascular conditioning and improving agility in your home CrossFit gym. Whether you’re aiming to enhance endurance, coordination, or footwork, incorporating jump rope exercises into your routine can provide a fun and challenging workout experience.
Jump rope training offers numerous benefits for physical fitness and overall health. One primary advantage is its effectiveness in improving cardiovascular health by elevating your heart rate and increasing blood flow to your muscles. This enhances endurance and stamina over time.
Additionally, jump rope exercises improve coordination and agility through repetitive jumping motions. This challenges timing, rhythm, and spatial awareness, benefiting performance in CrossFit workouts and other activities.
When selecting a jump rope for your home gym, consider rope material, handle design, and length adjustability. Speed ropes made of lightweight materials like PVC or cable are ideal for fast-paced workouts. Weighted ropes provide added resistance for a more challenging workout.
Look for ergonomic handles with a non-slip grip for comfort and stability. Adjustable ropes allow length customization to fit your height and jumping style, ensuring optimal performance.
Investing in a quality jump rope suited to your fitness goals and preferences enhances CrossFit workouts and provides a fun way to improve cardiovascular health, coordination, and agility. With consistent practice, you’ll experience the benefits of jump rope training in your overall fitness and performance.
Medicine balls and slam balls are versatile additions to your home CrossFit workouts, offering intensity and variety. These weighted balls are essential for strength training, power development, and core stability, enhancing the effectiveness of your fitness regimen.
Medicine balls are ideal for functional strength exercises involving throwing, catching, and lifting. With various weights and sizes, they allow for progressive overload and versatility in workouts. Exercises like wall balls, slams, and twists engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting full-body conditioning and coordination.
While both are weighted balls used for similar exercises, medicine balls are designed to bounce and are made of durable rubber or leather. Slam balls, on the other hand, are made of tougher, non-bouncing materials like rubber or PVC, intended for high-intensity, explosive exercises. Choose based on the exercises you prefer and your fitness goals.
When choosing medicine balls or slam balls for your home gym, consider factors like weight, material, and durability. Select a weight that challenges you without compromising form and opt for high-quality materials that can withstand repeated use. Brands like Rogue Fitness and Again Faster offer reliable options to suit your training needs.
Investing in medicine balls and slam balls adds diversity and effectiveness to your home CrossFit workouts. With a variety of exercises to choose from, these versatile tools elevate your training and help achieve your fitness goals efficiently.
Resistance bands are versatile and portable tools that can benefit your home CrossFit workouts. Whether you’re trying to improve strength, flexibility, or mobility, incorporating resistance bands into your routine can add variety and challenge to your exercises.
One of the primary advantages of resistance bands is their versatility. They can be used for a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups, making them suitable for full-body workouts. From strength training and muscle activation to stretching and rehabilitation, resistance bands offer endless possibilities for improving overall fitness and athletic performance.
Additionally, resistance bands are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for home gyms with limited space or for on-the-go workouts. They can easily be stored in a drawer or gym bag, allowing you to take your workouts wherever you go. This convenience makes resistance bands a convenient and effective tool for maintaining consistency in your training routine.
There are several types of resistance bands available, each offering different levels of resistance and versatility. Loop bands, also known as mini bands, are small, circular bands that can be used for exercises targeting the lower body, such as squats, lunges, and glute bridges. Tube bands, on the other hand, are longer and can be used for a wider range of exercises, including upper body movements like rows, presses, and curls.
When choosing resistance bands for your home CrossFit gym, consider resistance level, material, and durability. Select bands with varying resistance levels to accommodate different exercises and fitness levels. Look for high-quality, latex-based bands that offer durability and longevity, ensuring they can withstand repeated use.
Squat racks and stands are vital for any home CrossFit gym, offering a sturdy platform for a variety of compound exercises. From squats and bench presses to pull-ups and dips, they provide stability and versatility for comprehensive strength training.
Squat racks are essential for performing heavy compound lifts safely. They feature adjustable safety bars or spotter arms to catch the weight if a lift fails, reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, many racks include pull-up bars or attachments for a wider range of exercises.
Consider factors like space and budget when choosing a squat rack or stand. Full-size racks offer maximum stability and versatility, while stands are more compact and budget-friendly options. Look for adjustable height and safety bars to accommodate different exercises and user heights.
Proper installation is crucial for safety. Ensure the rack is on a level surface and securely anchored to the floor or wall, especially for heavy lifts. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully during assembly to prevent accidents and ensure stability.
With a squat rack or stand in your home CrossFit gym, you can perform a wide range of exercises safely and effectively, maximizing your strength training and achieving your fitness goals efficiently. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, investing in a quality squat rack or stand is essential for building strength, muscle, and confidence.
Building a home CrossFit gym equipped with essentials like barbells, kettlebells, pull-up bars, gymnastic rings, medicine balls, resistance bands, and squat racks is a fantastic way to achieve your fitness goals with convenience and flexibility. These tools offer endless possibilities for challenging and effective workouts, helping you improve strength, endurance, agility, and overall fitness from the comfort of your own space.
However, while a home gym can yield great results, investing in a CrossFit gym like Adamas CrossFit takes your fitness journey to the next level. With certified coaches, a supportive community, and access to a wide range of equipment and classes, you’ll receive personalized guidance, accountability, and motivation every step of the way. Plus, the camaraderie and encouragement of fellow members create an atmosphere that fosters growth and success.
Ready to take your fitness journey to new heights? Contact Adamas CrossFit today to schedule your free No Sweat Consultation. Discover how our experienced coaches and vibrant community can help you reach your fitness goals faster and more effectively than ever before. Don’t just work out – join the CrossFit revolution at Adamas CrossFit.
To set up a basic home CrossFit gym, you’ll need essentials like barbells, bumper plates, kettlebells, pull-up bars, resistance bands, and a jump rope. These tools cover a wide range of exercises and movements to keep your workouts varied and effective.
Focus on consistency, variety, and intensity in your workouts. Follow CrossFit programming or create your own routines that incorporate functional movements, strength training, and cardio. Don’t forget to prioritize proper form and recovery to prevent injury and maximize results.
Absolutely! CrossFit workouts can be scaled and modified to accommodate all fitness levels, from beginners to elite athletes. Certified coaches can provide guidance and support to help beginners learn proper techniques and gradually increase intensity as they progress.
CrossFit is suitable for anyone looking to improve their fitness, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. Whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, or overall health improvement, CrossFit offers a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.
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