Votre Gara-Gym - 12 équipements essentiels pour votre entraînements à la maison | Charlie Tango Fitness

Your Gara-Gym - 12 essential pieces of equipment for your workouts at home

Non-CrossFit insiders might be surprised to learn that CF creator Greg Glassman encourages gyms at home and in the garage.

Mr. Glassman even authored the now classic PDF document on how to create a CrossFit gym at home.

A CrossFit sanctuary in the house or garage is no ordinary gym!

Today I want to look at what sets CrossFit apart, why you should invest in CrossFit gear for the home, 12 essential pieces of CrossFit gear for working out at home and/or in your garage and how to create a Box at home.

How is cross-training different from other workouts?


CrossFit is a unique discipline, a sport with its own purpose and its own philosophy.

Many participants swear that their level of fitness success could only be achieved by using CrossFit.

CrossFit is a high-intensity functional workout that uses bodyweight exercises, combined with some movement with specialized equipment not normally found in commercial gyms.


The philosophy in a nutshell:


Functional movements constantly varied and performed at high intensity.
With Cross-training workouts, you work every muscle group using functional movements - the essential movements of life.

The workouts change continuously, are performed with intensity, and last a fraction of the time of a traditional workout.

Anyone can start cross-training at any fitness level. People who are out of shape will adapt the WOD moves to their level, focusing on proper form, so they can complete the daily WOD with their peers.


WOD = Workout of the day


Each box creates a WOD that changes every day. The WOD is a varied workout that takes place on various equipment.

This is a high intensity training challenge, designed to be completed in a compact time frame - usually no more than fifteen minutes.

These challenging power workouts are designed to help CrossFit enthusiasts challenge themselves while achieving higher levels of fitness in the shortest amount of time possible.

Short workouts combined with enviable results make CrossFit very appealing.

They're not for the faint of heart, but if you've had enough experience with CrossFit, it's one of the most effective and intense workouts you can get in a very short time.

CrossFit is all about speed and requires followers to work as fast as possible. Sure, it's harder than slower routine workouts, but it has distinct advantages.

You will be able to see results and achieve your goals much faster with rapid immersion.

If you follow one of our CrossFit programs, for example, you could reach your fitness goals in half the time.

Once you reach your goal, it will take you even less time out of your day to maintain your desired level of fitness.


What's not to like?


It's easy to see why you're considering setting up a CrossFit gym at your home.

How much will it cost to practice CrossFit in a box?


Shocking but true:

A CrossFit box may look like a simple gym, but membership in this modest gym is often more expensive than a commercial gym and usually has more limited hours.

It is not uncommon to see a monthly contribution of 60 to 80€ (or more in metropolitan areas).


Do you want to save 1,200 to 1,800 euros per year?


Invest in your own home CrossFit gym.

You can go anytime you want, put on your underwear, listen to "Eye of the Tiger" on rehearsal, and wear sweat bands.

No one will judge you.

Why set up a CrossFit gym in your garage?

The availability of the boxes!

CrossFit gyms don't exist on every street corner, like "Globo" style commercial gyms.

If you live outside of a major city, getting to a CrossFit gym can be tricky. If you work out during gym hours, that also poses a serious dilemma.

Even if you could go to a CrossFit gym, could you go there regularly during the gym's opening hours?

Having a CrossFit gym in your garage makes it easier to fit more exercise into your daily life.

Make no mistake!

CrossFit is a great workout.

That said, people like you may choose to install a CrossFit garage gym or a CrossFit home gym for several reasons.

Maybe there is a CF Gym nearby
Membership fees are sometimes over €100 per month
The class schedule does not fit into their schedule
They like the routine of the CF, but are not as comfortable in the CF culture
They prefer to train at home rather than in a "box".
Setting up a CrossFit gym in your garage can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. You can choose key gear, keep it raw, or do it all.

The choice is yours.

12 Items of CrossFit Equipment You Need for the Home Garage Gym

CrossFit gyms are filled with equipment designed for fast and intense workouts.

CrossFit gyms contain a combination of professional-grade strength-training equipment and a few cardio options, usually rowing machines or bikes as opposed to electric treadmills.

The boxes also have several simple and modest pieces of equipment like jump ropes, medicine balls, skiergs, etc.

These are all pieces of equipment that require real, raw effort to use.

1. Bar/Rack Mount


No box is complete without a power rack. You need this rack to hold your weights, allowing you to train safely.

This is especially important for people who need to increase their weight and establish new PRs (Personal Records).

Lifting heavy weights means that at some point you may need to drop the dumbbells.

Planet Fitness-style gyms will kick your ass real quick if you drop their weights — another great reason to invest in CrossFit equipment for the home.

Power racks allow you to handle heavy weights safely and allow you to train without fear of injury.

Many racks can also be used as pull-up bars, and some have attachments for items such as pull-up slats.

One of my favorite racks is the RML-490C from Rogue Fitness.

This Rogue Power Rack is one of the best built racks you can get, made from 11 gauge steel that can hold big guys and massive weight.

Plus, it includes a pull-up bar, so you don't have to install it.

2. Dumbbells and Olympic Bars


A barbell is crucial for CrossFit.

It's a centerpiece of necessary CrossFit equipment for home workouts.

Olympic dumbbells have a 2" diameter at the end to hold Olympic weights and CrossFit plates.

Look for a bar with decent knurling, it's the cross hatch texture that makes the bar easy to grip, you don't want it slipping out of your hands.

Olympic barbells with higher weight limits tend to last longer and are less likely to bow or warp over time.

We recommend the Rogue Ohio Cerakote bar.

This is one of Rogue's most durable bars, rated F8-R by Rogue, designed to be dropped without deforming.

I also like the Cerakote finish. It is almost as resistant to oxidation as stainless steel, but much less expensive.

This Olympic bar is an excellent value.

Disk


It takes not only a dumbbell, but also weights for this dumbbell.

First, you need to make sure that the plates you choose are indeed compatible with your bar. In other words, if you have an Olympic bar, you need Olympic plates.

Standard 1" bar requires standard 1" plates.

Next you can think about what style of plate you choose, "bumper" discs are the most common style for CrossFit.

They have a uniform diameter, but the weight and width of the plate vary. The uniform diameter makes them safer to fall.

I recommend the Rogue HG 2.0 weights. These are simple, affordable, respectable, "no frills" plates that will take a beating.

They can be purchased as a set or in pairs.

3. Glute Ham Developers


This thigh expander is not an absolute necessity, but many gyms have one.

You can choose one, get one later by building your gym, or use alternative glute and hamstring exercises.

These machines strengthen the glutes better than most other machines.

In order to build the endurance and stamina for high-intensity workouts, or the beneficial strength for squats, you need to devote enough time to just working your glutes and hamstrings.

Not only do these targeted exercises facilitate a wide range of activities, but they can also help prevent injuries from overuse of devices.

I recommend the Rogue 3x3 Echo GHD.

This 3 x 3 Echo fits on top of your Plyo Box, so it takes up less space in the garage, and you can store it away if you need the space. The price isn't bad either.

4. Bench


You need a weight bench in your CrossFit den.

A good weight bench will be comfortably padded, giving you back support for tough workouts.

The ideal bench will be adjustable, allowing you to set the configurations you need to perform a variety of movements.

If you're looking for a sturdy bench that won't take too much of your savings, I recommend the Rogue Flat 2.0 Bench.

It has a nice thick neoprene cushion, is made from 11 gauge steel, has stable angled legs, and can hold a LOT of weight for a small price.

The adjustable counterpart to this flat bench is the Rogue Adjustable 2.0. It is more expensive, but it also fits.

5. Medicine Ball or Slam Ball


Medicine balls excel at promoting core strength, improving endurance, developing better reflexes, improving coordination, and even establishing better balance.

These padded, weighted balls are cumbersome at first, but regular use brings a ton of benefits that are easily accessible to CrossFit enthusiasts.

Medicine balls come in several weights, but it's best to start with the lowest weight and work your way up.

It is not recommended to use a medicine ball that is too large, especially if you are inexperienced. It's not something you want to clumsily drop on your foot.

We recommend the Valeo Medicine Ball.

6. Gymnastic rings


Gymnastic rings aren't just for gymnastics.

In fact, the first time I got my hands on a gym ring was in a CrossFit box.

These super strong rings are attached to heavy-duty straps and are meant to be mounted securely to your garage ceiling or hung from a stable pull-up bar.

By raising and lowering the rings, you will be able to perform a whole range of different exercises with them, making them a versatile tool.

We recommend Nayoya Gymnastic Rings for a complete strength and cross-fit workout.

7. Kettlebells


Kettlebells are a staple of any CrossFit gym, and they deserve a place in your home gym, too.

You need kettlebells for KB Swings, Farmer Carry, and because they look cool.

They are also used for a lot of other movements.

They're also a bit safer than traditional plated dumbbells, because you won't have to worry about the plates slipping.

Since the dumbbells are fixed-weight, consider buying a set.

The Yes4all Vinyl Coated Kettlebell Set provides a decent set at a reasonable price. They have a vinyl coating that also protects floors and walls.

8. A rope climbing kit


Do you remember climbing the rope in gym class?

CrossFit allows you to relive that childhood memory!

Rope climbing is so ubiquitous in CrossFit that many of the best CrossFit shoes have special traction on the insole just to help you grab the rope and reach new heights.

You should never climb on a rope that is not designed for climbing.

Some ropes have a lower weight rating and their texture can harm you. You don't want a rope that will slip out of your hands or cause serious burns.

You also don't want a rope that will fray too easily. Make sure the rope you buy is specifically designed for climbing exercises.

We recommend the Manila Rope Fit 1.5" climbing rope.

9. Plyometric jump box


Squat boxes, sometimes called plyometric boxes, are a common piece of equipment used in CrossFit WODs.

People use these durable boxes for jump drills, step ups, a variety of squats, and other types of torture...uh...I mean exercise.

You need to use a box designed to jump on - you need something that can take a substantial amount of shock and weight.

You can't afford to have a box break on you while you're working out.

We recommend the Rep Fitness 3-in-1 Wooden Plyometric Box for CrossFit and Conditioning.

10. Cardio: Rowing machine or bicycle


CrossFit doesn't use a lot of exercise equipment because machines tend to exclude the use of stabilizing muscles, which defeats the purpose of functional fitness.

But...

Rowing is an exception to this rule.

Rowing is used for CrossFit Cardio.

The idea behind the rowing machine is to ensure that you are fully gassed in the minimum amount of time. If you feel like you're dying, you're doing it right.

Rowing builds strength in all your major muscle groups - especially your core and arms - while increasing your heart rate.

The combination of strength training and cardio makes the rowing machine the perfect addition to your CrossFit gym, as it is the ideal multitasker.

We recommend the Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower with PM5.

11. Dumbbells


Dumbbells and CrossFit have been friends since CrossFit was founded.

Most garage gyms come with a few dumbbells or even a full set, and every CrossFit Home gym needs a set.

This versatile piece of equipment is frequently used in WODs and a complete set makes it easy to adapt to your fitness level.

I like Xmark devices. You can choose smaller or larger sets and tiered racks to hold them all.

X Mark makes a high quality product at a reasonable price and I choose them often when doing my sessions.

12. Pull-up bar


The pull-up bar is a commonly used element in CrossFit WODs.

Your CrossFit gym isn't complete without it.

If you have a stable squat rack or a high-quality power rack, chances are it includes the pull-up bar.

If you don't have a pull-up bar, a wall- or ceiling-mounted bar is a good choice for small home gyms.

An independent bar can also work, but it takes up space and isn't as stable as one found on a power rack, which is why I don't like independent pull-up bars too much.

The best solution is a solid power rack or a sturdy wall-mounted weightlifting bar.

It is the one that takes up the least space and, if installed correctly, is quite stable.

I recommend the Titan Fitness wall mounted pull up bar. It weighs 500 grams, installs away from the wall, can be used to hang your gymnastic rings, TRX, and do kipping pull-ups.

And finally, setting up your gymnasium

13. Safety floor mats


CrossFit involves a lot of lifting and dropping tasks.

Some heavy equipment could really damage your garage floor or equipment.

Gym floor mats also provide excellent grip for stable footing, making it easier to maintain proper stance and stay firmly planted on the floor during deep cleans or heavy squats.

We recommend the ProSource Puzzle Exercise Mat EVA exercise mat with interlocking foam tiles.

The Opportunities and Limits of CrossFit
There are other items you might want to pick up to complete your gymnasium:

14. Bonuses

  • Jumping rope
  • Lifting shoes
  • Cuffs to lift
  • WOD Grips
  • Chalk

If you're just starting out, you might not need to buy all of this stuff at once.

Start with a few small basics, and slowly build your CrossFit garage gym to full operation.

If you don't have the funds to buy it all at once, don't worry.

Slowly put money aside and make modest investments with each paycheck until your CrossFit gym becomes an enviable powerhouse.


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