The 15 Most Important Pieces of Gear for CrossFit
Walking into a CrossFit box for the first time can be overwhelming, especially when you see the array of gear people are using. What’s essential? What’s optional? This listicle breaks down the must-have and helpful equipment for CrossFit, demystifying the gear and helping you make informed decisions about what’s right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned CrossFitter or just starting out, this guide will help you gear up for success.
I’ve been coaching CrossFit for 15+ years and gear choices vary for each athlete. Fortunately, we have hand-picked the best gear in our Pro-Shop and we are happy to make specific recommendations for you… even if its for gear we don’t sell.
At the end of the day, we know that you having the best gear possible will help keep safe and pain-free for many CrossFit Classes to come. Buying the right gear will drastically improve your CrossFit experience. It’s an investment in your joint health and its well worth the price. Knee pads are cheap… knee surgery is not.
1. CrossFit Trainers: Your All-Around Powerhouse
- What they are: Versatile shoes designed for a mix of lifting, running, and jumping. Think stable base for lifting and flexibility for dynamic movements.
- Why you need them: Essential for everyday WODs, providing the necessary support and agility.
- Your general purpose running shoes or tennis shoes won’t cut it. Yeah, I know you see people wearing running shoes at Onelife and similar gyms. Those people don’t know squat about lifting.
- Example: Nike Metcons, Reebok Nanos, Tyr trainers. Read our Shoe Guide Here.
2. CrossFit Lifters (Weightlifting Shoes): For Serious Lifting
- What they are: Shoes with a raised heel, designed to improve squat depth and stability during heavy lifts.
- Why you need them (eventually): Ideal for dedicated weightlifting days or as you progress to heavier loads.
- For Serious Lifting: For squats, wall balls, kettlebell work, clean, snatches, jerks, thrusters, and pushpress. Lifters are safer and better and than any other shoe on the market.
- Key Feature: Elevated heel allows for a more upright torso in squats.
3. Versalifts: The Heel Lift Hack
- What they are: Inserts placed inside your trainers to mimic the raised heel of weightlifting shoes.
- Why they’re helpful: A more affordable and convenient option than buying separate lifters, especially for occasional heavy lifting.
- Note: Not as stable as dedicated weightlifting shoes for max lifts.
4. Double Under Jump Rope
- What they are: CrossFit classes feature double unders which is a unique exercise wherein the athlete spins the rope twice jump rope twice per jump.
- Why you need them: CrossFit classes feature jump ropes in workouts frequently. We do not provide “house ropes.”
- Pro Tip: There are hundreds of rope manufactures on Amazon.com. We’ve done the research and sell the best three jump ropes at $25, $50, and $75. Don’t waste your time or your money looking elsewhere.
5. Shin Guards / Rope Gaters: Protect Those Shins!
- What they are: Protective gear worn over the shins.
- Why you need them: Prevents scrapes and bruises from rope climbs, deadlifts, and box jumps.
- Pro Tip: Look for breathable and durable materials.
6. Knee Pads / Knee Wraps: Joint Support and Warmth
- What they are: Pads offer cushioning, while wraps provide compression and support.
- Why you need them: Provides warmth and stability for the knee joint, especially during squats and lunges. Wraps are often used for heavier lifts.
- Choose based on: Pads for impact protection, wraps for compression and support.
7. Metcon Weight Belt: Lightweight Support
- What it is: A lighter, more flexible weight belt often made of nylon or similar materials.
- Why it’s helpful: Provides some core support during lighter to moderate lifts, allowing for more mobility.
- Best for: WODs that combine lifting with other movements.
8. Leather Weight Belt: For Heavy Lifting Days
- What it is: A traditional, sturdy leather belt.
- Why you need it (for heavy lifting): Provides maximum support and stability for the lower back during heavy lifts like squats, deadlifts, and cleans.
- Key Feature: Stiff material creates intra-abdominal pressure for better core stability.
9. Elbow Pads: Protect Your Elbows
- What they are: Padded sleeves worn on the elbows.
- Why you might need them: Provides comfort and protection during movements like ring dips, handstand push-ups, and thrusters.
- Consider if: You experience elbow pain or discomfort during these exercises.
10. Wrist Straps / Wrist Wraps: Stabilize Your Wrists
- What they are: Straps that help you maintain proper wrist alignment on presses and cleans.
- Why you need them: You’ll be lift more with less pain and lower risk of injury.
- Choose based on: We sell to two types of wraps, each with a specific purpose and advantages.
11. Deadlift Straps: Grip Strength Assistance
- What they are: Straps that wrap around the barbell and your wrists, improving grip during deadlifts.
- Why they’re helpful: Allows you to lift heavier weights by taking the strain off your grip.
- Use Sometimes: Deadlift straps are great for helping you de-emphasize the grip needs in a deadlift. But don’t use them every time, because you’ll want to develop natural grip strength too.
12. Gym Bags: Haul Your Gear in Style
- What they are: Bags designed to carry your workout gear.
- Why you need one: Put all your CrossFit gear in one bag. Bring that bag to class every time.
- Look for: We recommend 4 specific bags: 2 duffel bags and 2 backpack style bags.
13. CrossFit Grips: Prevent Rips and Tears
- What they are: Leather or synthetic grips that protect your hands during pull-ups, toes-to-bar, and other gymnastics movements.
- Why you need them: Prevents blisters and tears, allowing you to train more consistently.
- Variety of styles: We sell many different brands and styles of CrossFit grips. Talk with Dawn or Paul for specific recommendations.
14. Chalk & Chalk Bags: Enhance Your Grip
- What they are: Chalk absorbs sweat and improves grip, while a chalk bag keeps it contained.
- Why you need them: Essential for maintaining a secure grip on the barbell, especially during heavy lifts or sweaty workouts.
- Pro tip: We sell the best chalk and chalk bags on the market. Saving 50 cents on buying cheap generic chalk isn’t worth it. Our chalk protects your hands better and gives you a stronger, more secure grip.
15. Hand Care: Recovery is Key
- What it is: Products and practices to keep your hands healthy.
- Why it’s important: Prevents calluses from ripping and promotes healing.
- Include: Pumice stones, hand lotion, and regular moisturizing. We sell all three.
Level Up Your CrossFit Journey: Gearing Up for Success
So, you’ve read through this guide and hopefully gained a clearer picture of the essential and helpful gear for conquering your CrossFit WODs. But remember, the right equipment is just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s how to truly gear up for success:
- Prioritize proper form and technique: Mastering the movements is crucial to avoid injury and maximize results. Don’t be afraid to ask your coach for guidance.
- Focus on building a strong foundation: Invest in versatile shoes like CrossFit trainers before diving into specialized gear like lifting shoes.
- Listen to your body: Don’t push through pain. Certain equipment, like knee pads or wrist wraps, can offer support when needed, but shouldn’t be a crutch.
Ready to take action?
- Visit our Pro-Shop! We’ve hand-picked high-quality gear to fit your needs and budget. Our friendly staff, Dawn and Paul, are always happy to offer personalized recommendations, even for items we don’t carry.
- Leave a comment below! Share your favorite CrossFit gear or ask any questions you might have.
- Subscribe to our blog! Stay updated on the latest CrossFit trends, tips, and workout routines.
By combining the right equipment with dedication and a positive attitude, you’ll be well on your way to crushing your CrossFit goals. Now get out there and conquer those WODs!