Everyone deserves to be happy and healthy, so exercising is a wonderful way to do that. If you want to practice high-intensity workouts, you will need to build a CrossFit home gym. CrossFit is a combination of gym, weightlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and metabolic conditioning. To perform CrossFit, you will select and use some equipment.
Why should you build a CrossFit home gym?
The key reasons you need to establish a CrossFit home gym are that it may help you get more flexibility in doing exercises, keep significant costs low, and monitor your daily training routine.
Long-term savings
Though most public gyms provide excellent services and facilities, they usually come with a steep price tag. During a recession or pandemic period, you cannot pay a certain amount of money for your monthly membership. Cut their months short and set up your CrossFit home gym as a long-term solution.
If you are looking to buy a full system for your CrossFit home gym, you will need to spend about 5,000 USD. However, you can decrease the investment in your home gym setup by selecting second-hand CrossFit equipment. The cost could be under $2,000 USD. Simply focus on the main essentials.
Suitable for your health
By owning a gym with accurate equipment at home, you can possibly practice all training programs when it suits your body and health best. Additionally, you do not need to figure out when the busy time comes to go to the gym.
If you have a family or hectic working hours, then hitting your home gym will make the difference between exercising and being lazy on the couch. The last thing you want to face is a long commute from the local gym to your house.
Serious workout routine
If you practice CrossFit workouts in a commercial gym, you might change your training program and even your routine based on what is available. You will not have access to the best equipment. And the gym equipment might not be involved in the fitness sessions you relish.
Moreover, you could invest in your own apparatus to ensure that your performance will improve. It possibly makes your training sessions more effective and improves your inspiration (of course). The result will be better, and you will work out more often.
Convenience and independence (in practice)
By having a gym in your house, it is accessible 24 hours per day. The commute to your home gym is a piece of cake. Compare this point to a local gym: you need to spend the time to hit the gym (and go back to the house), and you can save these minutes for exercising. Yes, you will have enough time to get ready.
When you have your own CrossFit home gym, you do not have to tackle gym rules in public gyms. For those who are introverted, you are not worried about fitness fashions and fancy fitness accessories.
If you do not care about fashion trends, you will stick out like a sore thumb in a gym center. Forget this issue when setting up your home gym. Just be yourself and emphasize your workout routine.
Furthermore, you can use the sound system in your CrossFit home gym. No one can bother you, and this is a vast plus for those who prefer private space to exercise.
Things to take into account before making your CrossFit home gym
Many CrossFit workouts only require bodyweight performance, but adding pieces of fitness equipment expands your options and keeps you entertained. In addition to proper essentials, you probably want to invest in aerobic gear, including an air bike, a rower, a sled and battle ropes, a plyo box, and many weight-lifting sets. Do not forget to check the space and weight storage, as well as other necessary things.
Fitness space
The most beautiful thing about a CrossFit home gym is that it could be set up anywhere. Make sure that your house is wide enough for a functional fitness area and that you can perform your weightlifting, for instance.
Any space in your house could become a home gym for CrossFit workouts, from your spare rooms to a dusty shed. Take measurements of the area you will convert into a gym because it may determine your workout consequences.
Weight storage
Besides your training space, you should allocate the right weight storage. Storage is usually overlooked when constructing a home gym. Not many of you realize that it plays an important role when the workout space is limited. Weight storage even prevents distraction and potential injury.
The weight storage could be diversified to include barbells, kettlebells, dumbbells, and bumper plates. You can keep barbells on the squat rack, place them in a holder, tuck them into a corner, or even hang them on the wall. Relying on your available space, a vertical or horizontal rack is available, as they can be kept in a floor mount or put on the wall with weights.
Height restrictions in the workout space
Height is another aspect that you need to draw attention to when making a home gym for CrossFit workouts. This is because you could exercise with wall balls, overhead movements, Olympic weightlifting, Olympic rings, climbing ropes, etc.
Identifying your clearance will help you come up with an idea of the categories of CrossFit programs you can obtain. Therefore, you can decide what items to add to your home gym and stock them.
Flooring
Not only do you need the right CrossFit apparatus, but your home gym also needs the proper flooring. CrossFit workouts usually require heavy weights to drop between reps. Some weights are made from rubber and low-bouncing materials, but they still damage your floor through repeated force and high weight capacity. For that reason, adding heavy-duty rubber mats or trailer mats is a great way to protect the floor.
Your fitness goals and training programs
The apparatus you buy first to begin your CrossFit collection for your fitness space depends on your workout targets and training programs. If you want to improve strength, for instance, you will need barbells, a rack, and bumper plates in advance. This is because they give you lots of movement.
If you want to focus on cardiovascular endurance, think of Assault bikes or rowers initially. Follow that as a guide to make up your mind about what you will purchase first and what can wait.
Your budget
Well, there are several ways to make the budget go further, like flexible finance options. However, do not rush and be silly by spending money that you cannot afford at all. Keep calm and look at what your budget has available. Then, you should do your homework by reviewing.
The best CrossFit essentials that won’t break your wallet
A CrossFit home gym may be a solution for you in selecting your adventure. In general, you do not need luxurious equipment to achieve fitness goals. Nonetheless, you will be able to train more CrossFit exercises and boost your levels with a few optional pieces of gear.
Figure out what training programs you prefer doing most, your overall health, and what you want to invest in. If you are not sure where to kick off, these are some picks for any of you going to build a gym at home.
1. Amazon Basics Dumbbell
Dumbbells do not only work well for bicep curls but also impact your entire body with step-overs, snatches, thrusters, hang power cleans, and overhead lunges. Handy dumbbells are also fabulous as a post-WOD accessory.
While the recommended weight sets for a CrossFit home gym could be 35 pounds (for women) or 50 pounds (for men), you should consider picking a range of weights like AmazonBasics rubber-encased to optimize your training session. If your budget and fitness areas are tight, adjustable bells will be yours. They may allow you to put on significant weight.
Pros
- Solid and durable weights
- Ideal for beginners
- Easy to hold and practice
- Nice-looking dumbbells with black or gray color
- Non-slip and encased weights for training
- Available in multiple sizes
- Can be used for resistance training programs.
Cons
- Stinky and oily first few days
- Not suitable for intermediate and advanced trainees.
2. JFIT Plyometric Boxes
Made of heavy-duty steel, the construction of JFIT Plyometric boxes is super strong and durable. A grip landing surface and non-slip rubber pads on four corners can explode the feeling of working out.
The set comes in four different height levels in order to fit all trainees. JFIT plyometric boxes are excellent for jumping on or stepping on, but pushing off the boxes can make them tilt off the surface.
The versatile height range allows novices to change the height without much hassle. In general, the set boxes are worth the money. For those who are looking for long-lasting and functional plyometric boxes, the JFIT could meet these factors.
Pros
- No assembly required.
- Skid-free material (rubber feet)
- Non-skid surface
- Stackable design
- Adjustable height levels
- Easy to switch legs
- No exterior hardware
- Magnetic lock pin
- Solid structure
- Simple to store
- Can be used for different workouts
Cons
- Not heavy enough for jumping
- No fast motions
3. Concept2 Indoor Rowing Machine
If you have prepared the training space to keep fit and you want to get a cardio machine beyond a jump rope, you will invest in a rower. The Concept2 indoor rowing machine (model D or model E) is always a well-known product.
Not only is the Concept2 suitable for cardio equipment, but it is also a favorite rower of CrossFit trainees. Due to the easy-to-read performance monitor and nice-looking handle, you can do CrossFit sessions whenever you have the time at home.
The package includes screwdrivers and instructions, so it is fairly simple to put all the pieces together. Additionally, Concept2 is a cinch to keep in the right place. Separate the equipment into two main pieces and use the wheels to move it out.
Pros
- Low-impact workout
- Real-time reliable data
- 14-inch seat height
- Adjustable footrests
- Ergonomic handle
- Simple installation (8 screws only)
- Wireless Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility
- Games included
- Minimal noise
- Air-resistance flywheel
- Smooth feel
- Simple maintenance
Cons
- No real printed instructions
- A little large and heavy in each part.
4. Body-Solid Olympic Bar
The Body-Solid Olympic bar, which weighs 44 pounds and is made up of PVC pipe, could be the next essential for your CrossFit home gym. This product provides knurling with a criss-cross texture to support your hand’s control barbells without slipping. Moreover, it reduces the effort of using hand chalk to get a solid grip.
The weight capacity is 600 pounds, so you could do squats, benches, and deadlifts to enhance your heart’s content. The black oxide, on the other hand, may prevent rusting, chipping, and scarring. Your home gym will be pristine and motivated.
Pros
- Excellent bar for heavy workload
- Ease of setting up and use
- 600 pound capacity
- No rusting, chipping, scarring, or peeling with the black oxide finish
- Durable
Cons
- Scratches easily
- Not good in packaging and delivery
5. Yes4All Kettlebell
Well, kettlebells offer you dynamic movements, multiple workouts, and grip strength. In the dumbbell exercises, you can focus on a specific muscle group or make a kettlebell session to practice a full-body workout.
When it comes to the CrossFit home gym, kettlebells are a staple in the boxes. Getting them in your home gym would help you complete movements with different exercises such as farmer carries, sumo kettlebell deadlifts, high pulls, goblet squats, kettlebell swings, etc.
Yes4All’s vinyl-coated kettlebells might attract you because of their well-made and simple look. These two factors are the best for a home CrossFit gym. The cast iron material, for example, enlarges the time to use the weight. The powder coating, on the other hand, prevents chipping. In a nutshell, these kettlebells are top-notch at a reasonable price point.
Pros
- Easy-to-grip handle
- Wide and smooth handle
- Solid cast iron construction and heavy-duty protection
- Can be trained in many exercises with these kettlebells.
- Ease of spot
- Smooth coating
- Affordable price
Cons
- A bit heavy
6. Elite Sportz Equipment Ab Mat
Elite Sportz ab mats are necessary equipment for any of you who want to do workouts, especially core movements. Put it under your lower back to increase support, and you can extend your body.
If you always practice sit-ups and crunches, add this ab mat to make them more effective. Your shoulders will not hit the floor, and you do not need to stop the exercise suddenly to change your posture.
The mat is padded for enjoyment, and the curve ought to support your spine for additional protection against a solid surface. Please note that you should add a Yoga mat or carpet to the floor below in advance. Then, you use the Elite Sportz ab mat to begin the movement. The carpet or the Yoga mat will lock the ab mat in place and secure your torso.
Pros
- Arched and sleek design
- Compact and portable
- Premium-quality and long-lasting materials (foam and vinyl)
- Prompt delivery
Cons
- Ease of slipping
7. Dynamax Medicine Ball
The Dynamax soft-shell medicine ball is a multifunctional tool that could be utilized for CrossFit workouts (from wall balls to medicine ball cleans). The medicine ball stands out for its soft texture and durable structure.
No matter how many times you slam the ball to the floor, it will not split and stitch. More surprisingly, the product withstands the outside force when you use it on cement or asphalt.
Pros
- Soft-shelled with a heavy-duty, durable vinyl construction
- Scuff resistant
- Ergonomic design
- There are multiple color schemes to choose from.
Cons
- No complaint
8. RUNMax Pro Weighted Vest
If you are seeking a one-stop-shop solution to make your CrossFit workout more challenging at home, think of a RUNMax Pro weighted vest. It usually weighs about 20 pounds, so it helps you do bodyweight exercises without any hitches. Burpees, air squats, lunges, and push-ups are popular movements for CrossFit with a weighted vest.
The vest includes weights, so you feel more interested during your bodyweight exercises. It molds to your upper body, and you ought to change the side straps to reach the proper fit. They do not bounce when you run or do solid activities.
Pros
- Shoulder pads are an option for extra comfort.
- Phone pocket and water bottle holder included.
- Different sizes for trainees to select
- Well-constructed and reasonable price
- It is easy to adjust the weight load.
Cons
- It is quite difficult to control the belt.
9. ProsourceFit Gymnastics Rings
Made of premium-quality material (plastic), ProsourceFit gym rings are lightweight and durable enough to work out. These rings are an incredible option for both athletes and beginners.
With an affordable price tag, the rings are an economical option for anyone who needs high performance. The standard grip diameter (1.25 inches) in the ring provides the advantages of a big surface for support and balance, alleviating pain from movements.
Pros
- Gentle grip
- Budget-friendly selection
- Clear instructions
- Well-constructed
Cons
- A bit thick and big
10. WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope
The WOD Nation speed jump rope is made for a special design. If you get an inaccurate swing, for instance, the rope is automatically stable for you to recover. At that time, you ought to adjust your movement to catch up with your training programs.
The shape and design of the rope enable you to do single or double jumps. For CrossFit workouts, speed is the heart, and the WOD Nation speed jump rope is one of the best pieces of equipment.
Pros
- Comes with all tools and parts.
- Great rope for boxing training
- Lightweight enough
- Rapid and well-balance
- Ease of installation, use, and adjustment
Cons
- Cannot be used on many surfaces
- Only be adjusted with a wirecutter
Final words
Start by selecting the right equipment that will meet your fitness targets, match your budget, and fit in your training space. If budget is a main factor, you should make a plan and think of the apparatus you need to buy first. From that plan, you can slightly construct your CrossFit home gym over time.
