When and How to use CrossFit Gear


In the early days of CrossFit Pasadena, there were no Nike metcons, no Reebok nano’s, no romaleo weightlifters, knee sleeves… you get the picture. People wore Asics and New Balance Minimus shoes, there was no market for gear. As CrossFit grew so did the industry for workout gear. Now, it is hard to imagine training without our favorite knee sleeves, belt, wrist wraps, and gymnastic grips. We have become so dependent on these items that when I talk to many athletes they believe, they cannot and will not, lift well, or have a good workout without those things. It is at this point I would challenge you to stop using gear.



Gear is intended to help you with your training, but if you are having to belt up, and wear lifters for “Fran” then we have some glaring holes in your fitness that we need need to work on. Gear should not serve as a band-aid for aches and injuries. Eventually, your body will break down and you will get injured if this is what you are using the gear for. If this is you, come and talk to a coach so that we can help you take care of your ailments.

Lastly, when we are in the beginning to middle of a strength cycle this is a perfect time to stop using your gear. The reason why is you will be training at lighter percentages in the early weeks which will allow for you to drill down your technique. For example, if you are having to use knee sleeves and a belt on 65% of what is going to happen when you get to 95%? A good rule of thumb is to build confidence and strength up to 90%, then anything over those percentages adds the gear. It is at those times you will notice the support and will be able to confidently hit those lifts for the day (depending on how you are eating and recovering).  One of our favorite sites for getting new gear is

So use the gear in moderation, and definitely on those days when it is time to find a one rep max!

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