If you are new to CrossFit, it is common to feel overwhelmed by all the equipment you see people using: hand grips, training shoes, belts, etc. The good news is you really don’t need much to get started, and the equipment you buy now will last you anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Most CrossFit gyms, including High Bar, supply the major equipment, but we did the research for you and have provided a break-down of the top-rated cross-training shoes, grips, jump ropes, and lifting belts to help make your CrossFit gear purchasing decisions a little easier.
What High Bar Already Provides
These are the major equipment pieces that are necessary but already provided for you. Unless you just want to buy your own custom-made barbell with your name on it, we’ve got you covered with these items.
Cross-Training Shoes
You do not need the most expensive shoe on the market, but your first pair of CrossFit shoes should be COMFORTABLE, RELIABLE, and VERSATILE enough to perform a variety of movements. Since CrossFit combines lifting, running, jumping, gymnastics, and lateral movement, a cross-training shoe is often a better all-around choice than a normal running shoe, like Hokas or Brooks, or a flat-base shoe, like Converse or Vans.
Recommended brands:
Grips
Initially, you probably don’t need grips. In fact, we recommend waiting until you have developed more experience on the rig with pull ups, toes to bar, and variations of these two skills. When you begin to perform higher volumes of gymnastics movements, that is when grips become a beneficial investment.
There isn’t one type of grip that is better than the others. Grip choice is all about preference: material, thickness, finger holes, size, etc. You can discuss options with coaches and other members to see which option would fit best, but it really is up to your personal preference.
Recommended brands:
Jump Ropes
This is more of a “buy later” item, as High Bar offers several jump rope sizes and styles for athletes to use during workouts. That being said, as you become more advanced in your jump roping skills and begin to learn double-unders, a speed rope will come in handy. Buying your own jump rope allows you to cut the cable to your height/size as well, whereas the ropes offered in the gym may not be exact. Another note about jump ropes is the initial cost is relatively expensive, but as long as you keep the handles in good condition, the cable itself can be replaced for $10-$15 if it starts to fray or break.
Recommended brands:
Weightlifting Belts
Like jump ropes, weightlifting belts are not a “must-have” item. As you become more comfortable with lifting and are able to work up to heavier loads, a belt could be a helpful tool. For most athletes, a nylon, quick-adjust belt is the most practical option, especially during workouts when you need to be able to tighten and loosen the belt quickly.
*Note: A belt is NOT a replacement for learning how to brace and use your core correctly.
Recommended brands:
Don’t Overthink Your Gear
You do not need a closet full of CrossFit gear to be successful. Start with the basics and add equipment as you progress. The most important thing you can buy is equipment that helps you train comfortably, safely, and consistently.
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