This article enlists some of the important equipment for CrossFit training in India.
CrossFit is a multidisciplinary sport that utilizes functional movements to produce difficult workouts.
It is the fact that there is Olympic lifting, calisthenics, free weight exercises, running, sprints and even swims incorporated into the workout.
A good amount of equipment is needed in order to participate well in the sport.
Accessories
CrossFit is a sport with multiple disciplines of fitness. So, there will be a lot of accessories that covers all of them.
The key to being successful in CrossFit is having the necessary equipment to participate in the workouts.
You can always improvise, but having the ones listed down below are highly recommended.
1. Barbells
If you are going to get into CrossFit training then it is almost impossible to avoid compound lifts such as the deadlift, back squat, press, snatch and the clean and jerk.
All of these lifts are done with barbells.
The standard barbell in CrossFit is the Olympic bar.
Another common barbell in a CrossFit gym is the hex - bar.
2. Barbell safety collars
A huge part of CrossFit is training with barbells.
These attach to the outside of the barbell and keep your weight in place. So, it does not slip out.
These come in different shapes and styles.
So, here are some things you should consider.
You should look into what type of collar you want.
There are 2 types of collars.
A. Spring clip
Spring clip has a plastic end to it where you can squeeze and expand the clip, it can slide into the barbell.
B. Hexagon clip
Hexagon clip are made of plastic or nylon, and have rubber interiors that hold the bar in place. It is quicker and more efficient than the Spring clip, but both get the job done.
3. Battle Ropes
This is a thick rope that is wrapped around a floor anchor. It is a versatile exercise modality that trains power, endurance and strength.
Battle ropes come in different lengths and weights.
4. Boxes
CrossFit boxes are used for box jumps. They are also known as plyo - boxes because they are short for plyometric.
These boxes vary in height and material. So, you should get a box that you are capable of jumping.
They are also made of different materials. CrossFit boxes can be wooden boxes but they can also be metal or soft cubes.
5. Bumper weights
In a traditional gym, weights are made of metal and are not meant to be slammed on the floor. In this, bumpers plates are used.
People should be careful while using bumper plates because of their tendency to bounce.
You should be constantly aware of where your barbell is, and should not throw it.
6. Cross training shoes
When looking for a cross training shoe, it should have extra heel support, increased midsole material, and a breathable outer later.
The heel support is for support during jumping and Olympic lifts. Increased midsole material gives you more grip on rope climbs and supports you during squats. Lastly, the breathable outer layer allows your feet to cool down.
7. Dumbbells
They are basically miniature barbells you can hold in your hands, but their weights can be already attached, and you can do a variety of exercise with them.
Training with dumbbells also allows you to do unilateral movements, or movements with one arm. This can help strengthen any muscular imbalances you may have and can develop core strength in the process.
Dumbbells can either come in block sets where you can adjust the weight with a button, or in individual sets.
8. Jump Ropes
Jumping rope is one of the simpler exercise in CrossFit, but it has legitimate benefits.
It helps with footwork, endurance, speed and coordination.
Beginners should use larger ropes to first get some rhythm, but once you start doing double – under, you will need a jump rope that is thin and lightweight.
When buying a jump rope, you should also consider how tall you are.
Obviously, the taller you are the longer rope you will need. It also helps to get a rope that is adjustable.
9. Kettlebells
A common exercise in CrossFit is the Kettlebells swing, where you hang the weight in between your legs and use your hips to swing the weight up to your shoulders and back down creating a pendulum with your arms.
When looking for Kettlebells you should consider the size of the handle and what the Kettlebells is made out of.
You should not pick one you cannot grip because the handle is too wide.
It can be made out of steel or powder coating.
10. Medicine Balls
Medicine balls are another piece of equipment that come in different sizes and styles. They are made to either bounce or slam.
Rubber balls that have air in them bounce back to you when you throw them against a wall or the floor. You just need to have quick reflexes for when it comes back.
11. Power Rack
There racks are for when you are doing power lifts such as back squats, front squats, rack pulls, presses or even shoulder shrugs.
Each rack comes with hooks that can be put into holes of the rack.
Some power racks even have a pull up bar attached. So, you can do pull ups or muscle ups, which is when you pull yourself up to the bar and do a chest dip at the top.
12. Pushing Sled
If your goal is to increase your power, then you definitely need to invest in a sled. They can be pushed, pulled or dragged.
The sled comes with two long poles and fits into holes at the front of the sled.
13. Sprint Bike
Sprint bikes or assault bikes, are stationary bikes used to train endurance in CrossFit.
14. Weighted Vests
This is just a way to add some extra resistance to your exercises.
Wearing these vests during a workout session improves your strength and endurance.
15. Yoga Mats
Floor gyms are going to be dirty and uncomfortable. So, you should have a yoga mat with you because you may do exercise on the ground during your session.
It is used for stretching, core exercises such as planks and V - ups, and body weight exercises like push ups and cobras.
The mat provides an extra cushion. So, your back, knees, or hands are not irritated by the floor.
We all wish to be healthy, fit and look our best on all occasions. With the fast - moving world, the need for fitness and better health has gained immense priority and relevance. Let’s begin by choosing right equipment which form the basic support system needed for impactful workouts.
