Wednesday 3.16.16
CrossFit Toys 101 Series
The Essentials - Things you need for your CrossFit journey
Everybody loves toys! There are toys associated with every hobby, and CrossFit is no exception. When you come to the gym, you may notice that your classmates have fancy gym bags and seemingly random workout accessory items. However, as you dive deeper into your CrossFit journey, you’ll learn that each of these accessories serves a purpose. The next series of posts will break down these items, describing their purpose, when to use them, where to buy them, what kind to get, and more.
Let’s start off with the essentials. These are items that take precedence over the rest. The majority of regular crossfitters will own most, if not all, of these toys:
The Essentials
Appropriate shoes – When I say appropriate, I mean CrossFit-appropriate. This means a shoe with minimal heel to toe drop. You also want a shoe that does not have a lot of cushion because that cushion will absorb power output during explosive movements (e.g., Olympic lifts), and we don’t want that. Finally, you want a shoe that is robust and durable so it can withstand various CrossFit movements (e.g., rope climbs). Keep your eyes out for a follow-up article that breaks down different CrossFit shoes and where to get them.
Jump rope – You need your own jump rope! But why would I buy one if there are already jump ropes at the gym?? If you have your own rope, then you’ll have the luxury of adjusting it to your height and being able to take it anywhere you go, like on vacation. But more importantly, it will be tremendously helpful with your double under progress. If you own your own rope, you will 1) be used to it, 2) be comfortable with it, and 3) not be afraid or apprehensive of it when it comes time to use it because of reasons 1 and 2. There are many companies that sell ropes. A great starter rope can be purchased at RX Smart Gear. They have very helpful videos and product descriptions to help you choose which rope is right for you. Keep your eyes out for a follow-up article on the deets of jump ropes.
Gym bag – Now that you’re accumulating all these toys, you need something to store them in! This doesn’t need to be a fancy bag. Just any decently sized bag with a few compartments will do the trick. It’s so convenient to have all of your gym equipment in one place, so you don’t have to worry if you’ve left something at home. Just grab your gym bag and go!
Lacrosse ball – This will be the best $2 you’ve ever spent. Take it anywhere with you to get some extra mobilization in during the day! I take mine whenever I’m traveling (especially on planes) so I can combat all the tightness from sitting.
Blender bottle – Or any water bottle. A blender bottle is the most convenient bottle for post workout recovery shakes. You can get them anywhere, and we sell our own custom CFCH blender bottles at the gym!
Athletic tape – This is like the duct tape of the workout world. It’s cheap and EXTREMELY useful. You can use it to tape up your hands, thumbs, make DIY grips, tape up your wrists for extra support, etc. Always keep a roll handy!
Journal – If you haven’t checked it out already, go read the post about the importance of journaling here! If you have read it, then I don’t need to repeat the reasons why having a paper/online journal is essential ☺
Hand care kit – This does not need to be an elaborate, fancy-shmancy kit you’d find at a spa. This is pretty much whatever you use to take care of your hands. Please read the post about hand maintenance for more details!
And there you have it! Those are the essentials for most of your CrossFit needs. Keep your eyes out for follow-up articles on accessory items for the intermediate to advanced crossfitter and nice-to-have items!
FOUNDATIONS
20 min AMRAP:
30 cal row
30 box jump overs
30 deadlifts
30 jumping squats
30 push ups
30 jumping squats
30 deadlifts
30 box jump overs
30 cal row
GPP
20 min AMRAP:
50 cal row
50 box jump overs (24/20")
50 deadlifts (185/135#)
50 wall balls (20/14#)
50 push ups
50 wall balls
50 deadlifts
50 box jump overs
50 cal row