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Best Home CrossFit Equipment of 2024 to Crush Your Next CrossFit Workout

From barbells and power racks to kettlebells, jump ropes and plyo boxes, these are our top picks for setting up an at-home CrossFit gym.

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CrossFit is all about functional fitness, meaning it develops your fitness in real-world ways, whether that’s via aerobic capacity (so you can sprint for the subway or chase after your kid) or muscular strength and endurance (so you have no problem hoisting your groceries or laundry). And while it can seem like there’s a CrossFit box—aka gym—stocked with all the equipment you could dream of on every corner these days, what’s more functional than setting up a space for you to do your WOD—your “workout of the day”—at your home gym?

An at-home CrossFit gym can be an exercise in choosing your own adventure. Technically, you don’t even need equipment for certain CrossFit WODs, but you’ll be able to do more WODs and maximize each individual workout with even just a few choice pieces of gear. It really comes down to figuring out what exercises you like to do most and what you want to invest in first. But if you’re not sure where to start, these are our top picks for anyone looking to set up a CrossFit gym at home in 2024.

Our Picks for the Best CrossFit Equipment of 2024:

Best Rack for CrossFit: Titan T3 Series Power Rack

Titan Fitness T3 Series Power Rack

Key features:

  • $489.99—$649.99
  • 1,100-pound rackable weight capacity
  • Available in two height and depth options

A power rack is mostly used for barbell exercises like bench presses, shoulder presses, deadlifts, bicep curls and shoulder shrugs. These steel cages have horizontal safety bars that can be adjusted to different heights for safety when you’re working out without a spotter. Designed for elite level athletes, the Titan T3 Series Power Rack is made from heavy-duty steel with one-inch hole spacing through the bench pressing and cleaning zones, and two-inch spacing above and below. It also comes standard with a 1.25-inch pull-up bar, a two-inch fat pull-up bar, and two reinforced J-Hooks to hold your barbell in place.

Pros:

  • Can be customized with T-3 Series Weight Plate Holders
  • Compatible with a variety of power rack accessories
  • More affordable than most competitors

Cons:

  • Takes up a significant amount of space
  • Needs to be bolted down for stability
  • Barbell and weight plates must be purchased separately

Best Air Bike for CrossFit: Schwinn Airdyne AD7

Schwinn

Key features: 

  • Multi-display LCD console
  • High-resistance, low-noise fan

The beauty of air bikes lies in their simplicity. The more effort you exert, the more resistance the fan blades generate, giving you a solid, well-rounded cardio workout. The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 stands out from other air bikes because it’s relatively quiet. 

With the Schwinn Airdyne AD7, you get two adjustment points for the seat, front and rear stabilizers, a drivetrain cover to protect the belt from dirt and dust and dual-handle handlebars on each side of the flywheel to work your arms.

The star of the show is the flywheel, which is a 26-inch blade fan with a weighted inertia ring that you can adjust to your liking. Similar to an air rower, you don’t have any max resistance, giving you a full challenge every time you sit down for a workout. The saddle is comfortable, the handles are versatile and even though the console controls feel dated with its old-school, digital watch-style look, there are plenty of pre-loaded programs for HIIT and interval training. 

Pros:

  • Quality construction and design for a low price
  • Sturdy and balanced feel
  • Upgraded console comes with nine pre-loaded workout programs

Cons:

  • Very heavy at 113 pounds
  • Non-backlit console

Best Rower for CrossFit: NordicTrack RW900

NordicTrack RW900

Key features:

  • 22-inch Tilt and Pivot HD Touchscreen
  • Inertia-enhanced flywheel
  • 30-watt sound system

If you’ve been in the market for a top-of-the-line rowing machine, look no further than the NordicTrack RW900. This premier indoor rowing machine utilizes high-tech magnetic resistance and a 22-inch Tilt and Pivot HD Touchscreen that sits just above the flywheel. The machine hooks up to iFit, which has thousands of classes led by top-of-the-line fitness instructors to help you reach your fitness goals.

As for the construction of the rowing machine, the RW9000 is designed to feel sturdy and stable no matter where you’re sitting. The handle is slightly angled, and comes with a grippy texture. The seat is constructed with minimal contouring and support for the tailbone. Note that it sits pretty high off the ground, making it a great choice for those with mobility issues who struggle with getting low to the ground.

Pros:

  • Large 22-inch touchscreen with guided iFit workouts
  • Quiet magnetic resistance design
  • Very steady with steel stabilizers and oversized steel monorail

Cons:

  • 250-pound weight capacity is relatively low compared to similar machines

Best SkiErg for CrossFit: Rogue Concept2 SkiErg

Concept2

Key features: 

  • PM5 Performance Monitor
  • Flywheel and damper
  • Wall-mount or freestanding functionality

The Concept2 Ski Erg from Rogue offers all the benefits of skiing at home—except the thrill of a bluebird powder day, of course. This unique machine is designed to simulate the act of cross-country skiing. With its adaptive design, you can switch from classic alternating arm motions to double pole in seconds, diversifying your at-home skiing experience. 

Though it might look complex compared to other machines you’ve seen at your local gym, it’s surprisingly easy to get the hang of. Use the damper to crank up the air resistance for your exercise of choice (just like you would on an exercise bike). Then, use the PM5 console to type in other conditions, such as low-hill, uphill or straight snowy. 

At only 80 pounds, it’s not difficult to move from place to place. Don’t let the lightweight design fool you, though. This machine isn’t weak by any means. The durable drive cords can handle high-pressure workouts, the frame is made of lightweight—but sturdy—aluminum and the top bracket is made of steel for added strength.

Pros:

  • Very easy to assemble
  • Lots of unique exercise modes for training different muscles

Cons:

  • Requires regular maintenance (cleaning, fastener and pulley inspection) for safety and optimal performance

Best GHD for CrossFit: REP Fitness Glute Ham Developer

GHD

Key features:

  • 16-gauge steel frame
  • Thick footpads
  • 13 adjustment points

GHD stands for glute ham (hamstring) developer, and this REP Fitness machine is designed to do just that. From Sorenson holds to back extensions to hip extensions, there are several exercises you can flow through on this piece of equipment. It includes padding for comfort, and aims for easy adjustments and a seamless experience.

One of the most notable features of this GHD is the resistance band pegs, which you can find just below the glute pad. When you add resistance, you can work in more explosive movements that challenge your muscles more. With oversized pegs and large caps on the ends, you can ensure that your resistance bands will stay secure throughout each rep. 

The REP Fitness GHD is 150 pounds with attached wheels that make the machine easier to move, which is helpful if you have limited space in your home gym. Even with its lightweight build, it feels very durable. The powder-coated frame gives the 16-gauge steel a professional feel, while the solid footplate makes getting on and off easy. 

Pros:

  • Targets multiple muscle groups
  • Comfortable padding
  • Easy to move around your home gym

Cons:

  • The 21-inch by 15-inch footplate could be a bit wider
  • We’d like to see a higher-gauge steel

Best Plyo Box for CrossFit: REP Fitness 3-in-1 Plyo Box

rep-plyo-box_product

Key features:

  • $109.99
  • Available in three different dimensions
  • Has a weight capacity of 400 pounds

Plyometrics—aka explosive jumping—increases your muscle power. And it’s a super easy way to spike your heart rate without running out your door for sprint intervals. This three-in-one box from REP Fitness wraps soft foam (which absorbs your body’s impact) around an inner wood core (which can support up to 400 pounds), and covers it all with thick vinyl to keep your feet (and the box) from slipping. Depending on which side you place down, you’ll get three height options, allowing you to progress your jumping over time and perform bodyweight exercises like decline pushups or tricep dips.

Pros:

  • Compact footprint with multiple height options for versatility
  • Vinyl is tough enough to use outside and removable for cleaning
  • Absorbs shock to protect joints

Cons:

  • No handles for easy moving
  • Can be unstable at the tallest height setting
  • Tallest setting has least amount of surface area, which can be challenging

Best Barbell for CrossFit: Force USA Pro Series Barbell

PS

Key features:

  • $349.99
  • Weight limit of 1,500 pounds
  • Made from zinc-plated steel

With or without a rack, a barbell is a powerful, versatile tool for CrossFitters. Use it for deadlifts or ab rollouts, glute bridges or landmine presses. The Pro Series Barbell from Force USA is over seven feet long with a 28.5-millimeter diameter ideal for Olympic lifting and powerlifting. Knurling (a diamond pattern on the bar) increases the amount of friction between the steel bar and your hands so your grip stays secure, even if you’re somehow capable of loading it all the way up to the max capacity of 1,500 pounds. The bar is finished in black zinc, which protects against rust.

Pros:

  • 190,000 PSI tensile strength heavy-duty durability
  • Works well with chalk if you need more grip
  • Has bronze bushings, which allow the loadable sleeves to spin well with weight plates

Cons:

  • Only available in 20 kilograms, which may be a heavy starting point for some users

Best Kettlebells for CrossFit: Fringe Sport Prime Kettlebells

Fringe Sport

Key features: 

  • Black matte powder-coated finish
  • Solid-cast iron construction
  • Flat base for easy storage

Fringe Sport is known for manufacturing quality, affordable fitness products, and the Fringe Sport Prime Kettlebells are certainly no exception. They’re made using a solid cast iron mold for durability and topped off with a black matte finish for a bit of added protection. Each weight increment has a different color, which makes differentiating your kettlebells at a glance much easier. 

The line includes handle diameters that incrementally increase as the weight goes up, from the 1.25-inch handle on the nine-pound kettlebell to the 1.64-inch handle on the 106-pound kettlebell for more surface area to grip. People often use heavier kettlebells for more ballistics movements, so having the added bit of robustness in terms of grip with heavier weights, though minimal, can deliver you peace of mind with any durability concerns as you swing them about. These particular kettlebells are designed to offer excellent grip with a powder coat finish, and you can always rely on chalk for more grip assistance if need be.

Pros:

  • Protective powder-coated finish
  • Customers praise them for their “balanced” feel
  • Textured handle delivers better chalk hold for additional grip

Cons:

  • Handles might be too wide for some users

Best Trap Bar for CrossFit: REP Fitness Trap Bar

Trap bar

Key features: 

  • Hexagonal bar design
  • Medium-depth handle knurling
  • Durable chrome-coated frame

The REP Fitness Trap Bar incorporates a basic design that makes it an excellent addition to any beginner or intermediate home gym. It has a 16-inch loadable sleeve length, which is longer than most other trap bars in the budget-friendly range. You should have plenty of room to load up plates without feeling cramped. Handle-to-handle is about 25 inches and a bit less than 28 inches between the front and back bar, giving most people plenty of room to fit inside comfortably. The 25-millimeter handles are thinner than traditional barbell handles, and the medium knurl shouldn’t tear up your hands during high-volume workouts. The 500-pound weight limit is conservative, but should work for most CrossFitters. 

Related Post: Rep Fitness Open Trap Bar Review

Pros:

  • Medium knurl keeps hands comfortable
  • Long 16-inch loadable sleeves
  • Durable chrome-plated finish

Cons:

  • Conservative 500-pound weight limit

Best Shoes for CrossFit: adidas Dropset Trainer Shoes

Dropset

Key features:

  • Regular fit with lace closure
  • Dual-density midsole for increased cushioning and comfort
  • Breathable mesh upper with padded collar

The adidas Dropset Trainer shoes were designed with general fitness enthusiasts in mind. These have a dual-density midsole, which works well for light weightlifting, plyometric exercises and short runs. On the bottom, you’ll find a relatively aggressive tread pattern, which makes this Crossfit shoe great for getting exercise outdoors. Do note that there might not be enough traction for some higher-level Crossfit exercises, such as rope climbs.

The midfoot and heel have much firmer construction, which works for lighter weight lifting, while the forefoot is more flexible for explosive movements, such as box jumps. In high-abrasion areas, there is a bit more reinforcement with hard plastics for protection and overall durability.

Check out our review of the adidas Dropset 2 Trainer for more information on the Dropset line.

Pros:

  • Cushioned forefoot for short runs
  • Breathable upper materials
  • Friendly on wide feet

Cons:

  • Can take some time to break in
  • Not the best for those with narrow feet

Best Weighted Vest for CrossFit: 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier

5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier

Key features:

  • $215
  • Adjustable design allows for a customized fit
  • Fits multiple weight options

Strategically dispersing additional weight across your body can make exercises—especially during high-intensity workouts like CrossFit—more challenging. 5.11’s vest holds two weighted plate sizes within its nylon frame, which maximizes range of motion with adjustable shoulder straps and stretch waist bands (it accommodates users with a waist circumference between 52 and 57 inches). Because this plate carrier is designed as tactical combat gear, there are several features CrossFitters won’t need, like the grab-and-drag handle in the back and an emergency quick release handle, but that also means this vest is tough enough to handle anything a WOD throws at you.

Pros:

  • Oversized airflow panels keep you from getting too sweaty
  • Durable construction
  • Padded front and back panels and shoulder straps are padded for comfort

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Tactical features are superfluous during exercise

Related Post: 7 Best Weighted Vests For Working Out

Best Knee Sleeves for CrossFit: Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves

gymreapers_product

Key features:

  • $49.99
  • Provide warmth and compression to the knee, which increases blood flow and responsiveness
  • Made from durable, supportive neoprene material

These knee sleeves aren’t meant to act as a brace, but do provide support during squats, deadlifts, lunges and more without restricting your range of motion. More importantly, the compressive effect—which generates and retains heat around the knee joint—can reduce swelling during and after a workout, aiding the recovery process so you can get back to it sooner. Gymreapers’ sleeves are made from seven millimeters of top-grade neoprene and feature reinforced stitching so they’ll stand up to even the heaviest loads. For a tighter fit, measure the circumference around your kneecap and go one size down than what’s recommended.

Pros:

  • On the thicker side to provide solid support
  • Neoprene won’t tear or weaken over time
  • Free carrying bag included

Cons:

  • The smell can get pretty intense if you don’t wash regularly
  • Some people may prefer thinner sleeves closer to three millimeters thick
  • Sizing may be confusing

Best Hand Grips for CrossFit: Bear KompleX Three-Hole Carbon Hand Grips

Bear KompleX

Key features:

  • $44.98
  • Has three finger holes
  • Made from triple-stitched carbon fiber

The goal of CrossFit is to get ripped—not rip apart your palms while lifting heavy barbells or hoisting your own body weight. These hand grips from Bear KompleX protect your skin against tears, abrasions and calluses as you start to rack up the reps while doing moves like pull-ups, muscle-ups, kettlebell swings and deadlifts. Three finger holes (over your index, middle and ring fingers) secure these safely to your hands, and the triple-stitched carbon fiber creates a super sticky grip even without chalk.

Pros:

  • Specifically suited to slick and powder-coated bars and handles
  • Adjustable wrist strap beneath the buckle provides support without digging
  • Carbon fiber material is very durable

Cons:

  • Finger holes require breaking in
  • Circular openings are less comfortable than square cut openings
  • Not as grippy as leather

Best Jump Rope for CrossFit: Buddy Lee Aero Speed Jump Rope

Buddy Lee

Key features:

  • $33.71
  • Made from durable PVC cord
  • Swivel bearing system avoids drag and tangles

Jumping rope is a serious cardio workout: A 140-pound person can burn nearly 200 calories in just 15 minutes. Buddy Lee’s Aero Speed Jump Rope weighs just over half a pound to keep your wrists flicking and feet pogo-ing as fast as possible. No matter your pace, the swivel bearing system allows for free rotation and almost no drag, so you won’t get tangled up in the rope. And with nearly 10 feet of durable PVC cord, you can even customize the rope to your height without wrapping it around your hands like you once did at recess.

Pros:

  • Designed for athletes of all levels
  • Six-inch handles allow for solid grip

Cons:

  • Not for people over 6'5"
  • Not weighted for extra resistance

What Equipment Is Needed for CrossFit at Home?

There are plenty of CrossFit WODs that only require body weight, but investing in certain pieces of at-home fitness equipment can significantly expand your workout options (and variability is a great way to make gains and stay entertained). Besides proper apparel, you’ll want aerobic equipment, including things like a jump rope, air bike, rowing machine, plyo box, a sled and battle ropes, plus weight lifting essentials like a barbell, weight plates, squat rack, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls and sand bags. But you don’t need to get everything at once. Start with a big investment, like a squat rack, barbell and weights, or buy several more affordable smaller items, like kettlebells, a jump rope and a medicine ball.

How to Choose the Best CrossFit Equipment for You

Fitness Goals

The right CrossFit equipment for you is what supports your fitness goals. Are you focused on losing weight? Investing in a cardio machine may be the best way to start. Would you rather build muscle? A squat rack will serve you better.

Space

Because so much of CrossFit revolves around bodyweight exercises, you can get a solid WOD in even with minimal equipment due to limited space. Ideally, you want about 10 x 10 feet to set up an at-home CrossFit gym. That gives you enough space for equipment, as well as room to comfortably move around, whether you’re jumping on and off of a plyo box or doing endless burpees. If you don’t have room for a bulky piece of cardio equipment, remember that you can always do sprint intervals up and down your stairs or outside.

Budget

Budget is probably the biggest factor in setting up your at-home CrossFit gym, because it will determine what equipment you can get. Big ticket items—like an air bike or squat rack—can ring up at nearly $1,000, while there are plenty of smaller items (which can be just as challenging!) that you can buy for under $100. Once you decide your budget, choose the items that you know you’ll be most comfortable with and that you’ll use most often—that’s the best way to ensure you’ll stick with the workout and get the most bang for your buck. 

FAQs

How many times a week should I do CrossFit?

CrossFit generally follows a t​​hree-days-on, one-day-off, two-day-on, one-day-off workout schedule, which means you’d be working out five days a week. But beginners should tread carefully: Your body needs time to recover from high-intensity workouts, and skimping on that recovery can lead to overtraining and injuries. Two to three days a week is a good starting point: You should wait at least 24 hours between strength training sessions to see improvements, according to 2018 research published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology, and in one comparison between two different CrossFit WODs, it took 48 hours for biochemical and physical performance values to return to normal, a 2019 study published in the journal Biology of Sport determined. However, if you’re not working the same muscle groups, you could work out on back-to-back days (i.e. leg day followed by arm day).

Is CrossFit good for losing weight?

Weight loss is about burning more calories than you consume. And the harder you work, the more calories you burn. High-intensity workouts like CrossFit burn more calories than steady state exercise in the moment and post-workout, thanks to something called the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, also known as the afterburn effect. In order to bring itself back to its resting state, your body continues to burn calories even after you’re done sweating—and those who did high-intensity interval training showed significantly higher energy expenditure up to 14 hours post-exercise in a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Exercise Science. Meanwhile, ten weeks of CrossFit training decreased body fat by an average of 15.5 percent in a 2013 study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Will CrossFit get you ripped?

CrossFit is a type of metabolic conditioning, which means it combines cardio and strength exercises performed at different intensities, with structured patterns of work and rest periods. Translation: You’re improving your cardiovascular fitness, burning fat and building stronger muscles simultaneously. CrossFit training—which integrates exercises like deadlifts, squats, Olympic lifts, push ups, pull-ups and burpees into your training routine—uses bodyweight and actual weights to challenge your muscles, and can be used as an alternative to classical resistance training, a 2019 study published in the Asian Journal of Education and Training determined. It’s not going to turn you into a bulky bodybuilder, but it will help you develop whole-body strength, power and endurance, according to a 2018 meta-analysis published in the journal Sports Medicine.

Do I need a squat rack for CrossFit?

You don’t need a squat rack to do CrossFit, but if you’re committed to this type of exercise, it’s a worthy investment. A squat rack allows you to do Olympic weightlifting exercises like squats, snatches, cleans, bench presses, jerks and rows. For an at-home gym, you might be better served by a power rack, which is safe for working out alone. If you’re not looking to spend that kind of money or don’t have the space for a rack, there are plenty of CrossFit workouts that use bodyweight exercises or more compact equipment like dumbbells or kettlebells (you just won’t be able to lift as heavy loads with free weights).

How can a beginner start CrossFit?

Anyone who’s a beginner to CrossFit should start by going to a CrossFit gym (aka box) and working with a certified trainer. CrossFit is all about scaling movements—i.e. progressively doing more reps, moving faster or lifting heavier loads. A pro can help you determine your starting point, and advise you on how to progress safely. If you’re starting at home, don’t be afraid to start with body weight, even if an exercise calls for additional weight. It’s about quality over quantity; ripping through unfamiliar exercises with poor technique can lead to injuries. Nail proper form first, then start adding weight or picking up the pace.

How do you set up a CrossFit gym?

First, choose the essential equipment you want to have on hand and that you can fit in your space. In setting up your space, make sure the equipment is close enough together to be easily accessible, but far enough apart to allow for free movement. Place the biggest pieces of equipment (a squat rack, a cardio machine) against the walls to leave enough floor space for at least two yoga mats, so you have plenty of room for exercises done on the ground or jumping around. Depending on where you’re setting up your at-home CrossFit gym, you may want to invest in rubber tiles that protect your floors and reduce noise.

Final Thoughts

Setting up an at-home CrossFit gym isn’t a one-and-done endeavor. Start small—either with several low-cost items or one big-ticket item—and go from there. The more you stick with it, the more you’ll want to trick out your home workout space.