Equipment Guide for Functional Fitness, CrossFit and HYROX

What do you actually need?

Functional fitness, CrossFit, and HYROX don't actually require much equipment. Many start with almost nothing – and train for a long time without anything extra.

But eventually, most people discover that a few small things can make their training both a little more comfortable and a little more effective.

Here's a simple overview of equipment many end up with eventually.

Equipment for HYROX

HYROX is not particularly equipment-demanding in principle. The exercises are fixed, and much of the training is about running fast enough between the strength stations.

But a few small things can be good to have.

For example, kneesleeves can be nice for walking lunges. The standard requires the knee to touch the ground every time – and in that case, some cushioning can be useful.

In exercises like farmers carry or sled work, chalk (magnesium) can also be helpful. When your hands get sweaty, it's good to have a little extra grip.

And since the workouts can be long:

A water bottle nearby is rarely a bad idea.

Equipment for CrossFit and Functional Fitness

CrossFit and functional fitness involve many different exercises.

One of the strengths of the sport is that everything can be scaled. This means that the workout can be adapted to you – your level, your form, and any minor injuries.

So you don't need a lot of equipment to start.

But eventually, many notice that some basics make training a little easier.

Basics Many Start With

Jump Rope

Jump ropes appear in a great many workouts.

Everything from single skips to double unders and more creative variations.

A good jump rope makes it easier to find the rhythm – and that makes a big difference when your heart rate is already high.

Chalk (Magnesium)

When hands get sweaty, barbells and dumbbells suddenly become quite slippery.

Chalk helps with that.

It provides better grip in exercises like:

• 
  pull-ups
  
• 
  toes-to-bar
  
• 
  deadlifts
  
• 
  farmers carry
  

In short: less slipping, more control.

Tape

Tape is often used on hands or thumbs.

It can protect the skin in workouts with a lot of friction – for example, many repetitions on a bar or dumbbells.

Many also use tape in weightlifting to protect their thumbs in a hook grip.

Small details, but often quite valuable.

Protection and Support

Kneesleeves

Kneesleeves can protect the knees from impact in exercises like walking lunges, where the knee touches the ground every repetition.

They can also be good to have in exercises like:

• 
  squats
  
• 
  box jumps
  
• 
  Olympic lifts
  

If your knees are a little stiff or just need some warmth, sleeves can make your workout more comfortable.

Wrist Wraps

Wrists often take a bit of a beating in CrossFit.

Especially in exercises like:

• 
  front squat
  
• 
  snatch
  
• 
  clean
  
• 
  push press
  

Sometimes it's due to a wide grip on the bar. Other times, limited shoulder mobility means the wrists have to compensate.

Wrist wraps can provide a little extra support – and make the lifts more comfortable.

Weightlifting Belt

A weightlifting belt is often used in heavier strength lifts.

The purpose is to give the abdomen something to press against, allowing you to create more pressure and stability in the core during the lift.

This can make the spine more stable in exercises like:

• 
  squats
  
• 
  deadlifts
  
• 
  clean
  

Many also use a belt in lighter lifts. Not because it's necessary, but because it helps them remember to keep the core tight and the back stable.

Endurance Training

CrossFit can also include running, cycling, or swimming.

Most boxes don't program this daily, but many do it alongside their regular training.

For such workouts, it's often enough to have:

• 
  good running shoes
  
• 
  sunglasses if you're training outdoors
  
• 
  water and some energy if the workout is long
  

Simple and effective.

One Last Thing

One of the most important things about CrossFit and functional fitness is that everything can be scaled.

You can adjust:

• 
  weights
  
• 
  repetitions
  
• 
  exercises
  

so that the workout suits you, your body, and your form on the day.

You don't need all the equipment right away.

Start simple.

Hurry slowly.