Crossfit and Personal Training

CrossFit and personal training demand more than standard fitness equipment. Functional strength training, explosiveness, fitness and coordination come together in a training approach where variety and intensity are central. The right materials make your training sessions more versatile, more challenging and more effective, whether you train at home, outside or in a personal training studio.

The range runs from battle ropes and power sleds for explosive strength and conditioning to weight vests, macebells, clubbells and gymnastic rings for functional bodyweight and strength training. Supplemented with coordination material, parallettes, push-up bars and interval timers for a complete functional training setup. The main selection criteria are the type of training you want to perform, the available space and whether you train indoors or outdoors. Also view our complete range of small fitness equipment for all supplementary training products.

What is functional training and why is it effective?

Functional training focuses on movement patterns that connect to real physical performance: pushing, pulling, rotating, jumping and dragging. Unlike isolated strength exercises on machines, functional exercises train multiple muscle groups simultaneously in movement chains that make the body as a whole stronger and more athletic.

CrossFit is one of the best-known expressions of functional training. The workouts combine weightlifting, gymnastics and metabolic conditioning in short but intensive workouts. Personal trainers use functional equipment for varied training sessions where every session is different and the body is constantly challenged. Also read our blog starting with strength training for more background about functional strength development.

Which CrossFit or personal training equipment suits you?

The right choice depends on your training goal, the type of movements you want to add and the available space. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You want to train explosive strength and conditioning with maximum intensity: Battle ropes are one of the most effective tools for explosive full-body conditioning. The wave striking movements train shoulders, arms, core and legs simultaneously while the cardiovascular system is heavily loaded. Available in lengths of 12 and 15 metres and diameters of 2.5 to 5cm, where a thicker diameter gives more resistance and loads grip strength more intensively.

You want to add sled training for leg strength, strength endurance and sprint speed: A power sled or dog sled trains the leg muscles, glutes and core via pushing and pulling movements across the floor or grass. Effective as both a conditioning and strength tool. When pushing the quadriceps are loaded most, when pulling the hamstrings and glutes. Add weight plates for progressive loading. Combine with our range of weight plates for the right weights on the sled.

You want to make your bodyweight exercises more intensive without extra equipment: A weight vest adds extra resistance to pull-ups, push-ups, dips, lunges and running without needing to hold loose weights. Available in adjustable models of 5 to 30kg for progressive loading. Ideal for athletes who already master their bodyweight exercises but seek more resistance for further progression. Also view our range of power racks and dip stations for the ideal combination with a weight vest.

You want to train rotational strength, grip strength and coordination with unconventional weights: Macebells and clubbells have an unequal weight distribution where the centre of gravity is outside the handle. This trains not only muscle strength but also joint stability, coordination and rotational movements that are not possible with symmetrical weights. Popular in martial arts, functional strength and rehabilitation training.

You want to add gymnastic ring training for functional upper body strength and core stability: Gymnastic rings give maximum freedom of movement during push-ups, dips, rows and muscle-ups so that stabilisers in shoulders, arms and core are more intensively activated than on fixed machines. Wooden gymnastic rings are more comfortable during prolonged use than steel rings due to better grip during perspiration.

You are a personal trainer or are setting up a functional training studio: A complete functional training setup contains battle ropes, a power sled, weight vests, gymnastic rings, parallettes and an interval timer for planning and tracking AMRAP, EMOM and interval training sessions. Also view our range of fitness equipment for gyms for complete gym fitting solutions.

What types of CrossFit and functional training equipment are there?

Battle ropes

Heavy ropes of 12 or 15 metres that you anchor at a fixed point for wave striking movements. Train explosive upper body strength, shoulder stability, core and conditioning simultaneously. The diameter determines the resistance: 2.5cm for beginners and advanced conditioning training, 3.7cm for more resistance and grip loading, 5cm for maximum intensity and grip strength development.

Power sleds and dog sleds

Steel platforms that you load with weights and push or pull across the floor via a rope. One of the most effective tools for leg strength development, strength endurance and sprint speed. No deceleration movement making them safe with hamstring and knee injuries. Suitable for use on artificial grass, sports floor or concrete.

Weight vests

Adjustable vests with weight plates that add extra resistance to bodyweight exercises and cardio. Available in models of 10 to 30kg with individually removable weight plates for accurate progression. Ideal for pull-ups, dips, push-ups, lunges and running for advanced athletes who seek more resistance than their own bodyweight offers.

Macebells and clubbells

Unconventional training weights with an unequal weight distribution where the centre of gravity is outside the handle. Train rotational strength, grip strength, shoulder mobility and coordination via circular and striking movements. Available in weights of 2.5 to 10kg. A challenging addition to regular strength training for athletes who want to expand their functional strength and movement skills.

Gymnastic rings and parallettes

Gymnastic rings hang on adjustable straps at a fixed point for push-ups, dips, rows, muscle-ups and L-sits. The unstable suspension position activates more stabilisers than fixed machines. Parallettes are low handles for L-sits, push-ups and handstand training close to the floor. Both are compact, portable and ideal for bodyweight training at home or in the gym.

Coordination and speed equipment

Cones and marker sets for speed and coordination exercises, agility drills and interval training. Compact and inexpensive but particularly effective for improving explosiveness, foot speed and spatial awareness. Popular with personal trainers, footballers, runners and athletes who want to improve their athletic basic qualities.

Interval timers

Digital timers for tracking AMRAP, EMOM, Tabata and other interval training formats. An interval timer gives structure to your CrossFit and functional training sessions and removes the need to keep track of time yourself during training. Available as large wall models for a gym or studio.

Other functional equipment

Push-up bar sets for a deeper descent during push-ups and less wrist loading. Slant boards for deep squat mobility and calf stretching. Medicine ball rebounders for explosive throwing exercises. Each product adds a specific element to the functional training setup.

What to look for when buying?

Available space

Battle ropes and power sleds require considerably more space than compact machines. A battle rope of 15 metres needs at least 8 metres of free running space for effective wave exercises. A power sled is best used on a long free track of at least 10 to 20 metres. Gymnastic rings and parallettes are compact and suitable for small training spaces.

Surface for sled training

Power sleds perform best on artificial grass or a wear-resistant sports floor. On a hard concrete floor the sliders wear faster. Some models have adjustable sliders for use on different surfaces. Always check the recommended surface of the desired model before purchasing.

Progression and weight range

Always choose models with weight vests and macebells where you can expand the weight as you get stronger. A weight vest where you can add individual plates gives more progression possibilities than a model with a fixed weight. With macebells and clubbells preferably buy multiple weights so you can vary per exercise and training volume.

Our advice: Start with the tools that most directly connect to your primary training goal. For explosive conditioning and full-body training a battle rope is the most versatile first purchase. For loading bodyweight exercises a weight vest is the logical first step. For functional strength in a personal training context gymnastic rings give the most exercise variety per purchase amount. Also read our blog the 12 best strength exercises at home for training inspiration with your new equipment. Always lay a fitness mat as a base for floor exercises.

Who is CrossFit and personal training equipment suitable for?

• CrossFit athletes who want to train at home or in a box with functional equipment for WODs and conditioning training sessions.
• Personal trainers who want to assemble a mobile and versatile training kit for varied training sessions with clients on location.
• Advanced home athletes who want to supplement their existing strength training with explosiveness, functional strength and conditioning.
• Athletes and team sports who want to improve their physical basic qualities via functional strength training and coordination exercises.
• Gyms and functional training studios who want to set up a complete functional training zone.

Combine functional training equipment with a solid strength base via our range of dumbbells, kettlebells and strength equipment for a complete functional training setup. Also read our blog create and set up your own home gym for tips about setting up a complete home setup.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our fitness store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about CrossFit and personal training equipment

What do I need as a minimum for functional home training?

A basic set for functional home training consists of a pair of kettlebells or dumbbells for weight work, a set of gymnastic rings or a pull-up bar for upper body work via bodyweight and a battle rope or weight vest for conditioning. Add an interval timer for structure in your training sessions. With these four elements you already do hundreds of different functional exercises.

What is the difference between a macebell and a clubbell?

Both have an unequal weight distribution with the centre of gravity outside the handle. A macebell has a long shaft with a ball at the end for striking and circular movements. A clubbell is shorter and thicker with a more club-shaped profile for more powerful gripping exercises and rotational movements. Macebells are more used for mobility and rotational strength, clubbells more for grip strength and explosive arm strength.

How heavy should a battle rope be?

The resistance of a battle rope is determined by diameter and length. For beginners a rope of 15 metres with a diameter of 2.5cm is a good starting point. Advanced athletes and for maximum grip loading choose a diameter of 3.7 or 5cm. A longer rope gives more weight and more resistance through the greater wave amplitude.

Is a weight vest also suitable for running?

Yes, weight vests are also suitable for running and walking for extra resistance in cardio training. Choose a well-fitting model that does not move with the running stride and a weight that does not disturb your running technique. Build up the extra weight gradually to prevent overloading of knees and hips.

How much space do I need for sled training?

For effective power sled training you need at least a free track of 10 to 20 metres. On shorter distances the training stimulus is less effective because you have no build-up phase for maximum strength development. Sled training is therefore more suitable for athletes with a large garden, access to artificial grass or a sports hall than for a small home gym.