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CrossFit Home Gym: 21 Must-Have Items

last updated: Feb 25, 2021

Strength training or cardio workouts have a tendency to run a little stale over time. Building a CrossFit home gym is an amazing way to keep workouts fresh and your muscles engaged. By packing your home gym with simple and affordable equipment such as kettlebells, barbells, and simple machines, you can build killer muscles and never get bored!

It also utilizes many bodyweight routines, which means you won’t have to drain your bank account for an effective home gym. WODs (or Workouts on Demand) constantly rotate new and exciting workouts on a daily basis to ensure that a new muscle group is screaming every time you workout.

In this guide, we have gathered some of our favorite CrossFit home gym tools to keep your workouts engaging and exciting.

In a hurry? The test winner after 10 hours of research:

Emerge Wooden Olympic Rings
Emerge Wooden Olympic Rings
Why is it better?

Solid 9" rings

Safe dual-webbed straps

Up to 800 pounds

Dual-safe buckles

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21 Must-Haves for Your CrossFit Garage Gym

1. Emerge Wooden Olympic Rings

$$
Emerge Wooden Olympic Gymnastics Rings Bodyweight Home Gym Training Set
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Solid 9" rings

Safe dual-webbed straps

Up to 800 pounds

Dual-safe buckles

You may not think of gymnastic rings as an essential part of your Crossfit gym, but they are quite a versatile tool and they truly do work your body to the max! The Emerge wooden rings are solid and made out of wood, with a 9" diameter.

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The trainers are heavy-duty, reinforced with cross-webbed strapping that can withstand a lot of weight holding athletes and the extra added weight that reaches 800 pounds. The dual-safe buckle also makes sure you stay safely lifted off the ground.

These rings are small and can fit literally anywhere, giving you the chance to use them no matter where you are. You also get a free guide that will help you reach your goals faster.

2. Cap Barbell Kettlebell

$$
Cap Barbell Kettlebell
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$49.99
Features

High-quality cast iron

Powder-coated finish

Wide opening handle

Flat bottom

Kettlebells are an overall favorite and a great addition to any gym, and Cap kettlebells are truly finely made. You can choose anywhere from 15 pounds to an 80 pound set to truly challenge your body.

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These kettlebells are made out of solid cast-iron without any welding, removing potential weak spots where damage could occur.

The industrial powder-coat keeps them rust-free and safe from abrasion. The wide handle makes gripping them comfortable, while the flat bottom allows you to store them anywhere you find the proper spot for them.

3. CAP 7-Foot Olympic Bar

$$$
CAP 7-Foot Olympic Bar
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$83.98
Features

110000 PSI tensile strength

Solid cold rolled steel

Snap clips

Black oxide finish

You'll have one more brilliant addition to your gym from CAP Fitness if you decide to go for this barbell! The seven-foot Olympic bar< has a 110000 PSI tensile strength thanks to the cold-rolled Japanese steel, promising quality, and durability.

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A black phosphate finish keeps the bar safe from all kinds of damage while giving it a sleek look. This bar weighs 44 pounds, so it's more than enough to challenge most beginners!

The sleeves have snap clips that make loading up weigh plates quicker and safer. The medium-depth knurling keeps the bar glued to your hands without pinching the skin.

4. GymNext Flex Timer

$$$$
GymNext Flex Timer - Home Edition - Controlled from Mobile App via Bluetooth
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$149.00
Features

Bluetooth compatible

Easy-to-use app

Clear LCD display

Perfectly timed sets are the heart and soul of CrossFit, which is why a timer clock is essential when building your home workout space. We loved this design from GymNext because it hosts large and easy-to-read times that you can read even when sweat is pooling in your eyes! This design is also super easy to program and comes preloaded with sets that include Standard, Interval, Round Tabata, and EMOM.

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Users love that they can easily set the timer by pairing it with their smartphone. Simply download the app, select the style of workout and hit go. We also love that this design pair with your BlueTooth speaker so that your heart-pumping workout mix will fade when your set is almost over.

It easily mounts to a wall or ceiling and boasts a 4 inch LCD display with bright easy to read numbers. We also love that this design includes a 95-decibel buzzer to indicate when your set or workout is over. It may cost a little bit more than some of the other designs out there on the market, but we feel that this smart design is worth every penny!

5. REP FITNESS 3 in 1 Wood Plyometric Box

$
REP FITNESS 3 in 1 Wood Plyometric Box
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$59.99
Features

3 different heights

3/4" plywood

400 pound maximum

Pre-drilled holes

This 3 in 1 plyo box can be used no matter which way you turn it, giving you three different ways you can use it to test your strength. The plyo boxes are made out of 3/4" plywood with interlocking sidewalls that can withstand a lot of abuse!

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There's no internal bracing here, lowering the overall weight of the box without sacrificing durability. There are handles there for portability and easy handling. The boxes are rated at 400 pounds, so you can safely jump and dance on them without worrying about breaking them down.

The boxes come pre-assembled, or they can come as a kit with detailed instructions. The edges are sanded down and smooth to keep you safe from hurt.

6. Letsfit Resistance Loop Exercise Bands

$
Letsfit Resistance Loop Exercise Bands with Instruction Guide and Carry Bag
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Very affordable

Color-coded

Carrying case included

Resistance bands are a great way to add additional weight to your bodyweight routines without the need for expensive and cumbersome weights. What we love most about this set of resistance bands from Letsfit is that they are color-coded to make it easy to find the right weight for your workouts, and are made from super-strong materials that won’t snap back in your face! Plus, they come in at an affordable price point that won’t break the bank.

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For bodyweight exercises, resistance bands add a new level of difficulty if you find that you are knocking out 20 push-ups without breaking a sweat. This design comes in a pack of 5 different bands that include extra light, light, medium, heavy, and extra heavy. They are color-coded so you can easily grab the perfect resistance needed for your workout.

We also love that this set comes with a carrying bag that is included with your purchase. The best part of resistance bands is that you can take them with you on the go. If your CrossFit training takes you to the park or to the beach, you can pack your bands into a compact fannie pack for quick and easy access as needed.

7. Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050

$$$$
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$149.99
Features

Full range of motion

Multi-function electronic motor

Comfy molded seat

Foldable arms

Foam padded hand grips

Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 mimics rowing a boat perfectly, giving you the full range of motion and all the benefits you would get if you went on the water! The resistance is adjustable and hydraulic, making the ride smooth and jerk-free.

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The LCD monitor is large and easy to use, showing you plenty of parameters you need to know how good you're doing. The footpads are textured to keep your feet from sliding down, and there are extra straps that keep your feet locked in. The seat is molded and comfy, so don't worry about readjusting yourself over and over again to find that sweet spot - the whole seat is a sweet spot!

The foam-padded hand grips are gentle to your hands and save them from corns and blisters. The folding arms save a lot of space in your home, and there's no need to struggle to create extra space to house them. The frame is made out of steel and sturdy enough to support a lot of weight!

8. Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller

$$
Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller for Core Workouts
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$39.99
Features

Wide wheel

Ergonomic hand grips

Spring resistant

Another great ab tool to have on hand for your home gym is a great ab roller. These affordable and compact devices light up your core and help build strength in all of those little stabilizing muscles. We love this design from Perfect Fitness because it is composed of tough materials that can really take a beating, and boasts a smart frame that makes it a little bit easier to use than some of the other models out there on the market.

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What makes this design special is that has built-in resistance springs that help to stabilize while offering a more challenging range of motion. It has ergonomic handlebars that cock your wrists that a more natural angle that won’t add strain on your joints.

We also love that this design has a wider wheel when compared to some of the other designs on the market. A wider wheel makes it easier to engage in side-to-side motions that trigger not only your central core but your right and left core as well. Plus, the design also works to trigger stabilize muscles in your arms as well for a full upper body workout in one compact shell.

9. ChopFit Functional Trainer System

$$$
ChopFit Functional Trainer System
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$89.95
Features

Adjustable difficulty levels

Helpful companion app

Easy to get started

The goal of CrossFit is to keep workouts fun and engaging. While standard kettlebell lifts or dumbbell chops get the job done, they aren’t nearly as fun! What we love most about ChopFit is that it adds a new spin on basic dumbbell lifts, and boasts a smart design that allows you to amp up the difficulty as needed.

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What users love most about this design is that it comes with a companion app to keep your workouts new and fresh. This app provides users with special WODs that are centered around their equipment. It also hosts a wide variety of instructional videos and a video library of various workouts.

We also love that the ChopFit boasts a heavier load in the front of the ax that allows users to quickly switch up the difficulty level. If you are just starting out, holding the ax closer to the head decreases the weight load on your muscles and joints. By holding it at the end of the handle, the weight is far heavier, and basic movements are much more difficult.

10. WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope

$$
WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$17.99
Features

Fast and lightweight

Comfy rrgonomic handles

Kink-resistant wire

Easily adjusted with hand screws

Handy carrying bag

The speed jump rope is equipped with ball bearing technology giving you the possibility to jump even faster. The rope is really extremely fast and will definitely improve your RPM! You can use this rope for much more than just Crossfit, so you'll be getting a lot of value for your money.

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The rope is as light as a feather, adding to its speed even more. The handles are comfy and ergonomic, and they won't shoot out of your hands when things get fast. The wire cable is kink resistant.

You will easily fit under this rope since the max length is 10 feet and it's completely adjustable. The handy carrying bag makes transporting and moving it around a breeze.

11. The Beam Store 24-Inch Parallettes

$$
The Beam Store 24-Inch Parallettes
Amazon Link
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Amazon Link
Features

Set of two

1.5-inch hardwood handles

Sturdy steel frame

Compact design

This is a pair of bars that look like push up extension bars. They allow you to do a lot more than pushups, however. With a pair of parallettes, you can add dips, planches, L-sits, and handstand push-ups to your workout of the day options.

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The parallettes measure 24-inches across, and they stand 9-inches tall, enough to support almost every body shape and size. The bars are constructed out of durable hardwood that is 1.5 inches in diameter for you to grip comfortably and safely.

The frame is constructed out of sleek jet-black steel that will not bend or break no matter how hard you try. They are small and compact, so you can easily store them away and move them around if need be.

12. Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

$$
Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$24.99
Features

Quick installation

Three grip positions

Uses leverage to hold up

Foam grips

If you’ve purchased a quality power rack, it will come with, at least, one pull up bar. However, many times the pull-up bars on racks are too high to allow for the performance of such essential Crossfit moves as muscle-ups and double unders.

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The bar will immediately transform your regular door frame into a small yet intense gym piece. We say immediately because the bar is easy to install - it only takes mere seconds to do so! The bar can fit nicely into frames that are up to 35.4-inches wide.

It allows you to place your hands in three different positions: narrow, wide, and neutral. the foam grips make holding onto the bar comfy and safe. There are no screws or bolts here to damage your door.

13. CAP Barbell Solid Hex Dumbbell

$$$
CAP Barbell Solid Hex Dumbbell
Amazon Link
best offer for today
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$94.50
Features

Hexagonal shape

Industrial enamel coating

Iron head and steel handle

Medium-depth knurling

15-120 pounds

Yes, you’ve got some kettlebells, but they’re not a replacement for dumbbells, especially when it comes to moves like the dumbbell bench press and push presses. To avoid the expense of buying a complete set, consider investing in an adjustable pair of dumbbells that will allow you to select your resistance level.​

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The heads of these dumbbells are made out of very hardy sleek gray iron which is joined by a steel handle. Both of these elements are then coated with a durable industrial enamel coating which protects them from rusting and corrosion damage.

Their hex shape keeps them from rolling away and you won't have to chase them around your house when you want to work with them again. The handle actually has some medium-depth knurling that gently holds onto your palms without rubbing them raw. Their sizes range from 3-120 pounds in sets so you'll have more than enough to keep you busy!

14. Marcy Flat Utility Bench

$
Marcy Flat Utility 600 lbs Capacity Weight Bench
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$65.84
Features

600 pound weight capacity

Steel tube frame

High-density foam

Boxed upholstery

Two-year warranty

You’ll want a bench that is multi-purpose enough to allow for use on weighted pressing moves with dumbbells or kettlebells, as well as steps ups, and box jumps. Make sure that the bed of the bench is not too wide to allow you to do flye type exercises. Ideally, your bench should also adjust for incline work.​

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The bench is actually quite durable, supporting up to 600 pounds. The steel tube frame is heavy-duty and provides a stable ground that saves you from awkwardly landing on the floor as you do your best to press your max. The upholstery is boxed and filled with high-density foam which lets you sink into it enough to give you just the right amount of support.

It's compact and portable, fitting neatly into every home gym. The frame is reinforced with a powder coat that protects it at all times. A two-year warranty promises durability and quality!

15. ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat

$
ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat
Amazon Link
best offer for today
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$25.99
Features

Quite durable

Non-skid

Interlocking puzzle pieces

Water-resistant

Noise-reducing

Even with bumper plates to lessen the impact, you still need to have some serious floor protection for your CrossFit garage gym to be able to withstand the pounding that comes with daily workouts of the day.

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You have a number of options, and you should check out each of them carefully, including rubber horse stall matting, and virgin rubber floor tiles. Even though they are the most cost-effective alternative, EVA interlocking foam tiles probably won’t be up to the task.​

The puzzle pieces of these tiles interlock easily, allowing for a quick assembly and disassembly. They are water-resistant and noise-reducing, saving you and your neighbors a lot of trouble.

16. Sparco 75620 Dry-Erase Board

$
Sparco 75620 Dry-Erase Board
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$8.68
Features

Erasable surface

Magnetic strips

2 PVC tabs

Marker included

If you are able to, why not get hold of some whiteboard paint and create a whiteboard area on the back wall of your CrossFit Garage Gym where you can record your WOD’s and your training results?​ This board is just made for that purpose, and with some dry-erasing markers, you are set for some expert progress tracking.

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The surface is erasable, and you can easily change what is written with just one quick motion. The magnetic strip allows you to mount the board wherever there is some metal conveniently placed for you to access effectively.

Two PVC tabs are included in case you want to hang the board. A black dry-erase marker is included with this purchase so you can start tracking immediately!

17. CAP Barbell Olympic 2-Inch Plate Rack

$$
CAP Barbell Olympic 2-Inch Plate Rack
Amazon Link
best offer for today
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$72.10
Features

Heavy-duty construction

Easy and quick storage

Rubber base

Powder coat finish

Compact design

You don’t want to have a CrossFit garage gym that is constantly littered with messy weight plates sprawled all over the floor. Hopefully, your Power Rack will be fitted with some weight storage pins for you to load your bumper plates onto. If it doesn’t, you may be able to purchase them as an add-on. Check this option out before you fork out for a standalone weight tree.​

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The rack is made out of quite durable steel that has a powder finish, which keeps it safe from corrosion and any other kind of damage. You can stack weights that have a two-inch center hole, so be careful about matching your plates with the rack.

The rack holds weight plates of various sizes. The stand has a rubber base that keeps your floors safe from dents and abrasions. The rack is small and compact, fitting into most homes with ease.

18. Marcy Hyperextension Roman Chair

$$$$$
Marcy Adjustable Hyperextension Roman Chair
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$73.99
Features

Hyperextension station

High-density foam

Foam-padded handles

Quality construction

This is a fantastic piece of equipment for strengthening and shaping the butt, hamstrings, and lower back. It’s relatively expensive but you will never regret having this unit in your training arsenal. We have written a complete guide to best glute ham developers that you may need for your home.

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Developing your core and glute strength will make you infinitely more efficient on the power Crossfit moves that you’ll be doing in your power rack.​ The hyperextension setting makes sure you're executing the proper form when using the chair.

The seat is equipped with high-density foam, while the handles are padded with foam for that ultimate comfy experience. Two foam leg holders keep you anchored in place and hug your calves gently. The frame is made out of steel tubes, protected with a powder coat.

19. YYGIFT Quick Release Collars

$
YYGIFT Quick Release Collars
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Quick release

Non-sliding

Reinforced plastic

Collars are the safety belts of your weight bar. You need to have total confidence in their integrity so that you can focus on the task at hand and not worry about plates falling off. There is a myriad of collar mechanisms to choose from. You need to focus on quick release muscle clamps, which can be put on and removed with a single hand and are slip-resistant.​

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These collars fit easily on standard Olympic barbells, which is what you'll be using for Crossfit. They release quickly, yet do not slide easily, promising safety above everything else. They are made out of reinforced plastic, so they may not last that long, but their affordable price makes them a worthy companion.

20. AbMat

$$
AbMat
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Features

Full range of motion

Contoured to fit lower back

Stable and safe

Prevents injuries

The Ab Mat is a patented training device that targets the abdominals and core in a variety of training applications to strengthen and build the mid-section. It allows you to get in a great ab session in a confined space in just a few minutes.​

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The mat is designed in such a way that lets it sit perfectly underneath your back, supporting it all the way. The AbMat stays put underneath you, not wobbling or sliding slowly but surely away from your back. An added guide lets you know just how great it is to use the mat.

21. TRX ALL-IN-ONE Suspension Training

$$$$$
TRX ALL-IN-ONE Suspension Training
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$179.95
Features

35-page workout guide

Singel anchor design

Up to 350 pounds

Easy setup

Suspension trainers are versatile and compact. They provide great benefits for unilateral training with more than 300 bodyweight exercises, without any bulky pieces of equipment or weights. A great investment that can last a lifetime.

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Aside from the actual suspensers, you also get a set of indoor and outdoor anchors, a detailed workout guide, and a free 30 day trial for the TRX app!

The suspensers are lightweight and portable, yet strong enough to support a lot of weight, but no more than 350 pounds. The single anchor design is patented and quick to set up and adjust.

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Portability

Some items we listed here are portable, some are really not all that portable. Their size ranges from small and quite portable rings to huge power racks and chunky rowing machines.

You must make sure that you have enough room in your house or garage to house everything we listed here, or at least the essential six items!

Versatility

Almost every product here is extremely versatile and can serve you for much more than just Crossfit, so you can add a lot of variety into your fitness life. Take Olympic bars as an example. You can do powerlifting, weightlifting, Crossfit, and all of those disciplines include a lot of different exercises that focus on different parts of your body.

You will honestly pay quite a bit for everything so it's good that you can use these for a lot of various exercises and disciplines!

Frequently Asked Questions

q: What is needed for a CrossFit home gym?

a:

If you are too excited to get going and don’t want to wait on your deliveries, there are many CrossFit routines that utilize bodyweight alone. Movements such as sit-ups, push-ups, and HIIT are all you need to get your training off of the ground.

As you get stronger, equipment such as barbells, Olympic plates, jump ropes, and pull-up bars will help take your program to the next level!

q: Is CrossFit ok for beginners?

a:

We know that CrossFit can seem a little intimidating, but it is designed to wring those muscles dry, no matter what your skill level is. This style of training is actually very beginner-friendly. Reps are limited to as many as you can pump out in a given time.

When you are just starting out your reps will be low but it is still pushing you to your personal limits. As you progress and get stronger, your reps will increase as your waistline decreases.

q: Can you do CrossFit at home?

a:

The beauty of CrossFit is that it can be done just about anywhere! If you have the right equipment and tools, as well as access to online workouts, you can fit in a killer workout. The good news is that you don’t need to invest in expensive gym equipment to build some serious muscle.

q: Is making a Crossfit gym costly?

a:

All things considered, making a Crossfit gym, or any gym, in general, is a costly endeavor. It's also time-consuming, with figuring out what to get and assembling it all together in limited space. But you will have your own little private space, and you'll be able to go whenever you want to without wasting time going to a different gym, so it's actually quite okay to spend a little bit more to enjoy the convenience!

q: Do I really need everything listed here?

a:

Some items are very important, while others just make Crossfit much easier. You really do need an Olympic bar, a power rack with a pull-up bar, kettlebells, weight plates, a plyo box, and maybe gymnastic rings. The rest is optional, but it will definitely make Crossfit a better experience!

q: Can a beginner build and use a Crossfit gym?

a:

You will definitely need some help with setting up a gym. This article provides you with enough info to get started, but you probably won't be able to do it yourself. You will also need to build up your strength and endurance before you actually get into Crossfit since it is a demanding physical activity!

q: Can't I just go to the gym?

a:

Sure you can, no one is stopping you! But a commercial gym may lack the space for you to do everything, plus some machines may be missing as well. It's also time-consuming to go out to the gym and back any time you want to work out. Having your own gym has its own set of pros and cons, and it's up to you to decide what you value the most!

q: Do I need specialized clothing and shoes for Crossfit as well?

a:

You don't need special clothes per se, maybe some compression socks and shorts and a comfy shirt. But you definitely need proper Crossfit shoes!

They will make this sport easier on you, and you will feel less fatigued because they are specially made for it, instead of your regular running or weightlifting trainers.

Sources

  1. Edward Cooper, 7 of the Best CrossFit Workouts to Try, Lifestyle Website
  2. Steve Kamb, A Beginner’s Guide to CrossFit, Blog