In the age of expansion for CrossFit and fitness in general, many companies are hopping on the gravy train by producing products to supplement your workout, maximize your gains, and make you look like the coolest person in the gym. Here’s the thing though… you’re spending money on stuff you probably don’t need and even worse, you’re using some of it as a crutch, impeding ‘gains’, brah.

The list of items you can buy now is vast: knee sleeves, wrist wraps, lifting belts, hand protectors, snatch socks? I’m not actually sure about snatch socks, but it’s probably a thing(if it’s not, I call it). Let’s take a moment here and let you know why you’re getting ripped off, and why certain shoe companies keep coming out with the same shoe, in new/flashy colors. Money… it’s as simple as that. These companies use games athletes to market stuff ‘YOU NEED’, when in reality, you don’t.

Let’s look at the knee sleeve for instance. If you’re a runner, and you don’t have a knee injury, are you going to wear a brace? Probably not… Now, I’m not saying that knee sleeves are the devil - what I’m saying is, use them when you’re hurting so you can keep training those squats and keep the joint warm. In fact, all of the items I’ve mentioned can have a place in your training. If your wrist is hurt, wrap it, if you’re squatting a shit ton and can’t keep your core, wear a belt. However, don’t use these items in lieu of training with your body as it is. CrossFit in general is about functional fitness, and being able to perform daily tasks with more efficiency; the minimalist approach on gear is the best way to go. Hopefully you’re not robbing homes and need to scale a wall, but if you are, don’t be the person who needs your wrist wraps, knees sleeves, weightlifting belt, and sweet new nano’s to get away from the police. Stay classy, less is more!