CrossFit Equipment List: 21 Items (with Pictures)

CrossFit equipment list with all 21 items. An athlete brings six: cross-training shoes, workout clothes, hand protection, jump rope, towel and water.

Five belong to the coach, among them the WOD whiteboard, a large timer and scaling equipment, and ten fill the box itself: barbells and bumper plates, kettlebells, pull-up bars, rowers, rings, med balls, plyo boxes, squat racks and floor mats. The table below lists all twenty-one with the purpose of each one.

21items in total

6carried by the athlete

15supplied by box and coach

Quick answers

What equipment do you need for CrossFit?: Cross-training shoes, workout clothes, hand protection, a jump rope, a towel and a water bottle. Everything heavy, from barbells to rowers, belongs to the box.
What does a CrossFit gym need to open?: Barbells with bumper plates, kettlebells, pull-up bars, rowers, rings, med balls, plyo boxes, squat racks and rubber flooring, plus a whiteboard and a large timer.
What is the most important piece of CrossFit equipment?: The shoes. A flat, stable sole under a squat and enough cushioning for short runs is what a running shoe cannot give you.
What should a beginner buy first?: Shoes, then hand protection and a speed rope. Those three cover a beginner's first months, because the rest is already on the gym floor.

CrossFit Equipment at a Glance

Six items are the athlete's own, five belong to the coach, and ten fill the box. Membership covers the last fifteen, which is why the list a beginner actually buys is short.

Item	What it does	Who supplies it
Cross-training shoes	Flat stable sole for lifting, enough cushioning for short runs	Player
Workout clothesbreathable, moisture-wicking	Move sweat off the skin and stay out of the way during full-range movements	Player
Hand protectiongloves or grips	Keep bar work from tearing the palms, so the next session is not lost	Player
Jump rope	Double-unders and warm-ups, the one piece of gym gear athletes own themselves	Player
Water bottle	Drinking happens between sets, not after the session	Player
Personal towel	Keeps sweat off shared bars and boxes	Player
Whiteboard	The WOD, the scaling options and the day's scores in one place	Coach
Timer or clocklarge display	Runs intervals and rest periods visibly for the whole floor	Coach
First aid kit	Torn hands, rolled ankles and scrapes are the everyday injuries	Coach
Training plans and nutrition guides	Set the weekly programming and what athletes eat around it	Coach
Scaling equipment	Lighter bars, bands and lower boxes so one workout fits every level	Coach
Barbells and bumper plates	Olympic lifts, deadlifts, squats and presses, dropped from overhead	Facility
Kettlebells	Swings, snatches and get-ups, and grip work along the way	Facility
Pull-up bars	Strict and kipping pull-ups, toes-to-bar and muscle-ups	Facility
Rowing machines	Full-body conditioning with no impact on the joints	Facility
Jump ropesgym stock	Spare ropes in several lengths for drop-in athletes	Facility
Medicine balls	Wall balls, throws and twists at a weight that can be caught	Facility
Plyometric boxes	Box jumps and step-ups, usually at 20, 24 and 30 inches	Facility
Gymnastic rings	Ring rows, dips and muscle-ups on an unstable grip	Facility
Squat racks	Hold the bar at shoulder height for squats and presses	Facility
Mats for floor work	Rubber flooring that takes a dropped barbell and protects the slab	Facility

CrossFit Equipment For CrossFit Athletes

#1 Athletic Shoes (suitable for cross-training)

Cross-training shoes are a must-have for CrossFit enthusiasts; they provide the necessary support and stability for a variety of activities, from lifting to sprinting. The right pair aids in performance, prevents injuries, and withstands the rigors of diverse workout routines.

Reebok Nano X5

The classic CrossFit shoe

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Midsoledual density, firmer foam in the heel, responsive foam in the forefoot
UpperFlexweave, lightweight and breathable
Outsoledecoupled Metasplit outsole
Insoleremovable, with arch support
Built forlifting, jumping, short runs and walking

The Nano is the shoe the sport grew up with, and the split is the point: a firm heel so a loaded squat does not sink, a softer forefoot so a 400 meter run between rounds is bearable. A running shoe gives you the second half and none of the first.

#2 Workout Clothes

Functional workout clothes, tailored for high-intensity exercise, are pivotal. They keep athletes comfortable and unrestricted while performing various movements. Breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics are preferred to manage sweat and reduce chafing, enabling athletes to focus solely on their workout.

#3 Gloves or Hand Protection

Hand protection, like gloves or grips, helps prevent calluses and blisters, common in CrossFit training due to frequent bar work and lifting. They provide a better grip, reduce slippage, and allow athletes to train harder and more frequently.

JerkFit Raw Grips 3.0

Two-finger leather grips

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Build2 finger leather grips covering the full palm
Designindex finger left free for flexibility
Wristadjustable strap, shaped to avoid digging in
Usepull-ups, toes-to-bar, muscle-ups, kettlebell swings
SizingS to XL by hand width, sandpaper included to break them in

Grips are not gloves: the leather sits between the palm and the bar so the skin does not fold and tear on a long set of pull-ups. The two-finger cut leaves the index free, which is why they still feel like a hand on the bar rather than a mitt.

#4 Jump Rope

A jump rope is a simple yet powerful tool in CrossFit, primarily used for cardiovascular training and improving coordination. Its portability and effectiveness make it indispensable for warm-ups, skill work, and high-intensity workouts.

Loocio Speed Rope

Ball bearings, adjustable

Jump Rope, Tangle-Free Rapid Speed Jumping Rope Cable with Ball Bearings for Women, Men and Kids, Adjustable Foam Handles Steel Jump Ropes for Fitness

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Cablesteel wire with a PVC coating
Bearingsball bearings in both handles
Lengthadjustable to the athlete
Handlesfoam covered, non-slip
Carryfolds into a pocket

Double-unders need a cable that keeps turning while the wrist barely moves, and that comes from the bearings, not from the price. A rope of this kind is the one piece of box equipment worth owning yourself, because the length is set to you.

#5 Water Bottle

Hydration is key in CrossFit to sustain energy levels, facilitate recovery, and prevent overheating. A durable water bottle allows athletes to easily hydrate between sets, staying refreshed and ensuring optimal performance throughout the workout.

#6 Personal Towel

A personal towel is essential for managing sweat during intense workouts. It helps maintain hygiene by keeping equipment clean and providing a way for athletes to dry off and stay comfortable, so they can train without distractions.

Equipment for Coaches and Teams

#1 Whiteboard

Whiteboards are crucial for coaches to outline the Workout of the Day (WOD) and strategize team sessions. They serve as a visual aid for instruction and motivation, allowing athletes to clearly understand the day's objectives and track their performance.

#2 Timer or Clock

A large display timer or clock is essential to manage workout timing and rest periods, keeping athletes and coaches on track. It enforces discipline in training intervals and benchmarks progress during time-sensitive WODs.

LUCORB Gym Timer

Interval clock with remote

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Display15 x 4 inches with 2.9 inch digits, 6 brightness levels
Modesclock, countdown, stopwatch, interval timer, alarm
PresetsTabata, HIIT, Fight Gone Bad 1 and 2, plus 9 custom intervals
Feedbackround counter and a time progress bar
Mounting2 keyholes for the wall, or standing
PowerUSB-C, must stay plugged in

The whole floor works off one clock, so the digits have to be readable from the far rack. The preset modes matter more than they sound: Tabata and Fight Gone Bad are set once and started with the remote instead of programmed before every class.

#3 First Aid Kit

A comprehensive first aid kit is indispensable for swiftly addressing injuries or medical needs. Stocked with supplies for cuts, sprains, and basic medical care, it upholds the safety and wellbeing of athletes during rigorous CrossFit sessions.

#4 Training Plans and Nutrition Guides

Training plans and nutrition guides are vital to optimize athletic performance and recovery. Customized plans align with athletes’ goals, while nutrition advice ensures their bodies are properly fueled for endurance and strength.

#5 Equipment for Scaling Workouts

Variety in equipment enables scaling workouts to individual fitness levels, accommodating beginners to elite athletes. This inclusivity is fundamental to CrossFit, promoting progression and preventing injuries by adapting exercises as needed.

Equipment for Facilities

#1 Barbells and Bumper Plates

Barbells coupled with bumper plates form the backbone of CrossFit strength training. Essential for a variety of lifting workouts, they allow athletes to perform Olympic lifts, deadlifts, squats, and presses, facilitating full-body strength and conditioning.

papababe Olympic Barbell

7 feet, 45 pounds

PAPABABE 7ft Barbell 45lb Olympic Barbell 1000lbs Capacity Home Gym Silver

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Length7 feet, 45 pounds, shaft 51.57 inches
Steel190,000 PSI, rated to 1000 pounds
Sleeves2 inch, fits Olympic and bumper plates
Rotationneedle bearings and bushings together
Grip30 mm diameter, chrome coated knurling

Bumper plates need 2 inch sleeves, which is the line between an Olympic bar and the cheaper 1 inch kind. Bearings plus bushings is what keeps the sleeve spinning under a clean, so the plates turn instead of the wrists.

#2 Kettlebells

Kettlebells are versatile tools for developing power, strength, and endurance. They are central to many CrossFit workouts, aiding in building grip strength, improving coordination, and offering a dynamic range of movements such as swings, snatches, and Turkish get-ups.

Amazon Basics Kettlebell

25 pounds, cast iron

Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell for Strength Training, Wide Handle, 25 Pounds, Black

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Weight25 pounds
Materialsolid cast iron, powder coated
Handletextured wide handle for one or two hands
Size7.8 x 4.6 x 9 inches
Notethe coating can chip if it is dropped on a hard floor

One solid piece of iron, no shell and nothing to come loose, which is what a swing needs. The wide handle is the detail that decides whether two hands fit for swings and one hand still sits comfortably for a get-up.

#3 Pull-up Bars

Pull-up bars are critical for upper body conditioning; they support a range of exercises from strict pull-ups to kipping pull-ups and muscle-ups. They are key for developing back, arm, and shoulder strength, and are utilized regularly in CrossFit programs.

ALLY PEAKS Doorway Pull-Up Bar

For 24 to 32 inch doorways

ALLY PEAKS Pull Up Bar Thickened Steel Pipe Super Heavy Duty Steel Frame Upper Workout Bar| Multi-Grip Strength for Doorway | Indoor Chin-Up Bar Fitness Trainer for Home Gym Max Limit 440 lbs

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Frame1.7 mm thickened steel with powder coating
Fitsstandard doorways 24 to 32 inches wide
Gripsmulti-grip positions for wide, narrow and neutral pull-ups
Protectionsilicone pads against the door frame instead of foam
Included2 resistance bands (30 lb and 25 lb), 2 handles, door anchor

A rig is a gym purchase, a doorway bar is the home version of the same movement. The silicone pads are worth noticing, because foam pads are what leaves marks on a rented door frame.

#4 Rowing Machines

Rowing machines offer full-body conditioning, emulating the movements of rowing on water. They provide low-impact, high-intensity cardiovascular workouts, important for building endurance and stamina within the CrossFit community.

Merach Q1S Rower

Magnetic, 16 resistance levels

Merach Rowing Machine, Magnetic Rower Machine for Home, 16 Levels of Quiet Resistance, Dual Slide Rail with Max 350lb Weight Capacity, App Compatible with LCD Monitor, Q1S

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Resistancemagnetic flywheel, 16 levels, very quiet
Raildual slide rail, more stable than a single rail
Capacityup to 350 pounds, fits users to 6 foot 7
Datadistance, time, calories, speed, cadence and heart rate through the app
AppsMerach app and Kinomap
Size65 x 19.3 x 24.8 inches, 58.9 pounds

Magnetic resistance is the compromise for a rower at home: quieter than air, and quiet is the reason it stays in the living room instead of the garage. The dual rail is not cosmetic, a single rail is what tips when you drive hard off the foot plate.

#5 Jump Ropes

Jump ropes are a staple for cardiovascular workouts in CrossFit, aiding in the development of coordination, agility, and footwork. Their use in high-intensity interval training helps athletes improve their aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels efficiently.

#6 Medicine Balls

Medicine balls are used for exercises, from wall balls to core workouts. They enhance explosive power and functional strength, crucial components of the diverse regimen found in CrossFit training.

Titan Fitness Wall Ball

10 pounds, soft shell

Titan Fitness 10 LB Soft Leather Medicine Wall Ball, Blue Color-Coded Weighted Wall Ball, Full Body Dynamic Exercise Med Ball, Core Fitness, Strength Training, Exercise Conditioning

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Weight10 pounds, color coded blue
Diameter14 inches
CoverPU leather over PP cotton, soft and easy to catch
Seamsdouble stitched and reinforced
Usewall balls, thrusters, squat throws, twists, sit-ups
Not forslamming on the floor

A wall ball is thrown to a target and caught on the way down, so the shell is soft on purpose and the 14 inch diameter is what makes it catchable. It is not a slam ball, and using it as one is how the seams go.

#7 Plyometric Boxes

Plyometric boxes are used for box jumps, step-ups, and other explosive movements that improve vertical leap, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Their utilization promotes lower-body power and is a key element in CrossFit plyometric training.

BalanceFrom 3-in-1 Plyo Box

20, 24 and 30 inches

BalanceFrom 3-in-1 Foam Plyometric Jump Box for Home Gym, Multiple Heights

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Heightsrotates between 20, 24 and 30 inches
Buildhigh density foam, 20 x 24 x 30 inches
Surfacetextured anti-slip top
Weight16 pounds, easy to move
Usebox jumps, step-ups, HIIT and agility drills

Foam instead of plywood is the whole argument: a missed jump costs a bruise rather than a shin split open. Rotating the same box for three heights also means one purchase covers a beginner scaling to 20 inches and everyone else at 24.

#8 Gymnastic Rings

Gymnastic rings offer an advanced level of upper body and core workouts through exercises like ring dips, muscle-ups, and the iron cross. Their instability forces athletes to engage core muscles and maintain balance, integral for building functional strength.

GHB Gymnastic Rings

Wooden, 1.25 inch

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Ringsbirch wood, 1.25 inch thick for a wider grip
Straps1.5 inch numbered straps for symmetric height
Bucklepass-through buckle with double locking
Includeddoor anchor, foot straps, grip tape and a carry bag
Usering rows, dips, muscle-ups, and lower body work with the foot straps

Wood over plastic because chalked hands hold on it and sweat does not turn it slick. The numbered straps solve the annoyance nobody mentions, getting both rings to the same height without a tape measure.

#9 Squat Racks

Squat racks are essential for safely performing heavy lifts like squats, presses, and jerks. They are fundamental in strength development and provide a stable platform for athletes to train with significant weight loads.

SPORTSROYALS Power Cage

1200 lb cage with lat pulldown

SPORTSROYALS Squat Rack, 1200 lb Power Cage with LAT Pulldown for Home Gym

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Capacity1200 pounds
Frame50 x 50 mm steel, 1.5 mm wall thickness
Pulleysupper and lower pulldown system with bearing pulleys
Adjustment14 height positions for the J-hooks and safeties
Includedlat bar, cable bar, 2 handles, J-hooks, dip bars
Storage1 barbell holder, 6 plate posts, 6 handle hooks

A cage rather than two uprights is what lets you squat alone: the safeties catch the bar when the rep does not go up. The pulldown and dip station are the reason one frame replaces two or three separate pieces in a home gym.

#10 Mats for Floor Work

Mats provide a protective surface for floor exercises and high-impact workouts, reducing the risk of injury. They offer comfort during ground movements and are essential for CrossFit gyms to ensure a safe and effective training environment.

FAQ

What is the equipment you need to play CrossFit?

Weights, jump ropes, and gym rings are the equipment you need to play CrossFit. Essential gear includes items for lifting, gymnastics, and cardiovascular training, catering to CrossFit's varied workouts.

What is the most important equipment in CrossFit?

Barbells and bumper plates are the most important equipment in CrossFit, as they're versatile for strength training, Olympic lifts, and compound movements which are frequent in CrossFit routines.

What is a recommended list of CrossFit equipment for beginners?

Here's a recommended list of CrossFit equipment for beginners: a jump rope, kettlebells, a yoga mat, and resistance bands. These items offer a balanced start to various CrossFit exercises.