What Equipment Do I Need for CrossFit?

New to Furnace Fitness and wondering “What equipment do I actually need for CrossFit?” You’re definitely not alone — this is one of the most common questions we hear from new members in their first month! The great news is that if you’re just starting out with us, you’ll need very little to begin.

That said, there are a few useful accessories that can make your CrossFit journey smoother, more comfortable, and more fun as you go.

Your First CrossFit Class

All you really need for your very first class at Furnace Fitness is a positive attitude — seriously! Your coaches will take care of the rest. Coming in with an open mind will set you up for success far more than any fancy gear or supplements.

That said, a sturdy water bottle is a must. You can fill it up in the Furnace Fitness cafe area if you need a top up, bringing your own bottle is a must and it can be kept handy whilst you take class to stay hydrated.. Stick to metal or plastic — no glass, please! Look for something durable that won’t crack or spill if it’s knocked over during class.

If you forget or you just need a little extra boost, we stock a range of WATA the refreshingly natural beverage brand from the Toon!

Do I Need My Own Skipping Rope?

A skipping rope is one of the few pieces of actual equipment where members will often bring their own. Everything else that appears in class (weights, barbells, dumbbells, you name it!) is always provided in a CrossFit gym, but it’s very common for a CrossFit gym to expect you to bring your own skipping rope. At Furnace Fitness though, we’ve got you covered: we have a range of Factory Weights branded skipping ropes for members to use in class, so you don’t need to rush to buy one! That being said, you may find you like a particular style of handle or length of rope, especially as you become more adept at performing the infamous double-unders.

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Eager to buy your own? Start with something simple that is adjustable, so if you don’t get the length right first go, you can adjust as needed! Just don’t be too hasty in cutting the rope until you’ve tried it for a few classes. If you’re set on your preferred rope length, SGF are a great option who will cut to your desired size.

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If you’re confident with double-unders and want to level up your game, check out Velites. An official sponsor of the CrossFit Games, they offer a wide range of jump ropes including weighted ropes and handles (yep, it’s a thing!) so be sure to double check what you’re ordering before you hit ‘check out’ to avoid any nasty weighted-surprises!

If you decide to get your own, we can order Velites gear for you at a discounted price through our member partnership — so don’t rush to buy online before chatting with us first!

Other great suppliers of ropes include; RX Gear & Reyllen.

Should I Buy Gymnastic Grips?

This is a big one: grips, or no grips? If you’re serious about working on your gymnastics, this is likely to be a firm yes. However, don’t rush into it! There is a lot to be said for building up some tolerance and toughness in your hands so that you don’t become completely reliant on gymnastic grips. Think of them as a tool to prevent tearing, allowing you to increase volume in your gymnastic practice, not as the solution to being able to hang from a bar.

Our recommendation? For all strict work (which, if you’re new to CrossFit, you should be doing a lot of before you dive into the world of kipping!) go bare-handed. Grip strength has a huge carry over to many other movements, from kettlebell swings to olympic lifting, and will help toughen up your hands a little for things like farmers carries. As you start exploring kipping, try out some grips to protect your palms from tearing.

If you can, try before you buy – simply ask around the gym for recommendations and see what feels comfortable! At Furnace Fitness, you can try out Velites gymnastic grips before committing to a pair. Once you’ve found what suits you best, we can get Velites equipment for you at a member discount — another perk of being part of the Furnace community.

Other popular gymnastic grips suppliers we would recommend are: Frog Grips , Victory Grips  & Reyllen 

What About Knee Sleeves?

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Unless you have been recommended to wear knee sleeves by a doctor or physiotherapist, the general advice would be to not use knee sleeves. There is a common misconception that they ‘only do good’, and are needed if you’re going to squat heavy, or that they can magically fix pain. In reality, they are great at keeping the knees warm (so if your joints really struggle in the cold, this could be a big help), but the likelihood is that if you feel like you need knee sleeves to be able to do a workout, it’s a sign that there might be an underlying problem that needs addressing. Pain could be a sign of injury, or muscular imbalances, which could (hopefully!) be easily diagnosed – and perhaps even cured.

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Moreover, wearing knee sleeves all of the time could in fact hinder your progress – the layer of material in the crease of your knee limits the range in the joint, meaning you may not be building strength through the full range of motion. Usually, full range of movement is best – so it shouldn’t automatically be avoided without consulting a pro first. If you’re struggling with knee pain and feel like you are relying on knee sleeves (or are thinking about buying some), you might find that you can solve the underlying issue for the long term, without needing to go shopping for knee sleeves!

Unless you’ve been specifically advised by a physiotherapist to wear them, knee sleeves aren’t a must-have. They’re great for keeping joints warm and can provide a little compression, but they’re not a magic fix for pain or instability.

If you’re feeling discomfort in your knees, it’s better to address the root cause rather than relying on sleeves. Our coaches can help assess your movement, and we will always ensure you are well warmed up.

Let’s Talk Shoes!

This, friends, is a topic we’ll save for another day! There are TONS of great functional fitness shoes out there – some specifically designed for CrossFit, some hybrid shoes designed to be great all-rounders if you’re doing more running and jumping, some harder soled shoes designed for Olympic weightlifting, and everything in between! It can be overwhelming.

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So, if you’re starting out in CrossFit, our recommendation for now would be to wear a pair of shoes that are:

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Comfortable. Hopefully this one is pretty obvious…!

Flat-ish. Generally shoes with a flatter sole work well for weightlifting, as opposed to very bouncy running shoes. If you’re attending our HYROX classes, you may prefer a more cushioned sole to support the volume of running.

Stable & Secure. You won’t want much lateral movement in your shoes to make sure they stay on, and to keep your ankles safe! If you can roll your foot to either side easily, avoid.

Clean. This one’s not just for us – it’s for you too. You might be doing press ups and burpees on the very same bit of floor that you’re standing on, so keeping the gym floor clean isn’t just to make it look nice: it’s for your health and wellbeing too.

To make things even better, Furnace Fitness members get 20% off all inov8 gear, including their CrossFit and training shoes. Inov8 are known for their durable, versatile footwear designed to handle everything from heavy lifts to sprints and rope climbs — ideal for your training at the Furnace.

All the Gear and No Idea?

It’s easy to get excited about the kit — and we totally get it! But remember, fancy accessories will never replace solid movement, consistency, and a good attitude.

Start simple, listen to your coaches, and as you progress, you’ll naturally discover what bits of gear make a difference for you.

Whether you’re brand new to CrossFit or ready to level up your training, Furnace Fitness is here to help you get the most out of every workout — gear, guidance, and all.

Ready to get started?

Book your Furnace Fitness Intro & Discovery  with one of our coaches today and find out why Furnace Fitness is the perfect place to start your CrossFit journey.

Already a member and not sure what gear you need next? Chat to a coach — we’re always happy to help you find the right fit.

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