How to Dress Properly for CrossFit

How to Dress Properly for CrossFit

CrossFit has become a very popular workout in the last couple of years, and either you or someone you know has probably played it. CrossFit is a workout and training program that is designed to build strength through different and challenging workouts. This workout doesn’t specialize in just one thing, but the goal is to build your whole body so that it is capable of practically doing anything. This is why the workout tests a different part of your functional strength each time by doing highly intensive functional movements. Since CrossFit is all about fast and explosive movements, you need to wear something that won’t slow you down. Keep reading to learn more about how to dress properly for CrossFit.

Training Shoes

As you know,CrossFit is a workout that requires you to exercise at maximum capacity, so you can get the best results. One of the most important parts of your sporting attire is the shoes. You should wear athletic shoes that are lightweight but can also absorb the impact of fast movements. CrossFit requires you to do a lot of jumping and lifting, so you will need shoes that provide a stable base and enough energy. Make sure that your shoes are cushioned with a hard midsole that allows you to tackle maximum power during heavy lifting and jumps. Your shoes shouldn’t have high heels because your feet need to be close to the ground for a stable foundation. The shoes also need to have strong support that stabilizes and secures your feet. You should also wear socks, but you need socks that will keep your feet comfortable, cool, and dry while you are working out, your regular cotton socks won’t do the trick here. Your socks should also have breathable fabric and be a good fit so your feet are protected from blisters.

Shorts and Tights

Since CrossFit involves a very rigorous workout, you need to choose shorts that will enable you to move freely. You are going to be squatting, lunging, and jumping, so your training shorts or tights shouldn’t be restricting your movements. Choose CrossFit shorts, whether they areCrossFit shorts for women or men, with a 4-way stretch that will enable you to move in different directions. The fabric must be flexible and breathable to allow maximum stretching. Your shorts should also be slim and fitted, so they won’t catch on any equipment. To avoid irritation then choose bonded seams or flat-locked. If you want your phone or headphones to be on you while stretching then choose shorts with pockets for your essentials. It is also highly encouraged for men to wear compression shorts underneath.

T-Shirts or Tank Tops

CrossFit is tough, and you are going to be working out really hard so naturally, you will be sweating a lot. This means that you have to choose a t-shirt or tank top that allows you to move freely, keeps you cool and dry and protects you from any irritations or distractions. You should look for  fabrics that don’t only look good but feel good. The fabric must be breathable, lightweight, and absorb sweat from the skin. Your top should also have mesh inserts under the arms for cooling and ventilation. Avoid baggy t-shirts which may get caught on equipment, choose a slim-fit flexible t-shirt that allows you to move easily and fast. In order to avoid irritation, look for t-shirts that are seamless, flat locked, or bonded. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, if it is hot you should wear tank tops or t-shirts, and if it is cold wear long-sleeved shirts. Women need to remember that they will be jumping, lifting, and running, so it is advised to invest in a sports bra that is designed for this kind of highly intense workout.

There are things that are not recommended while you are doing CrossFit like hats. During your workout, there will be occasions when you will lift your arm over your head, so your hat will get in the way. However, backward hats or beanies in the winter are fine. You should also remove all jewelry to avoid the risk of them getting slipped off or damaged. If you have a lot of hair or sweat a lot, you should wear a headband.

CrossFit’s popularity increases day by day, and if you want to improve your strength, fitness, and manage your weight then you should consider this strict but rewarding workout. Just make sure to dress appropriately to avoid your clothes getting caught on equipment, becoming a distraction from the workout, or cause you irritation.

 

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD WEAR TO CROSSFIT

1. THE RIGHT TRAINERS FOR YOU

Success is built from a solid foundation and that includes your training shoes. Look for cross trainers that are lightweight and agile however also absorb impact during fast lateral movements. Added to that, they also need to provide a stable base and enough energy return for power while jumping and lifting. Your CrossFit shoes should have:

- Lightweight, resilient cushioning that isn’t too plush, with a relatively firm midsole that allows you to harness, rather than lose energy for maximum power during lifts and jumps.

- A minimal heel to toe drop that allows your foot to sit close to the ground for a stable foundation.

- An upper that wraps the foot with an external heel counter and strong lateral support to help stabilize and secure the foot

- A high abrasion, non-marking outsole with traction that grips during lifts and jumps.

- A breathable upper with plenty of ventilation to help keep your feet cool.

2. A BREATHABLE TANK OR T-SHIRT

CrossFit is tough, and you’ll be working and sweating hard. Your priorities from your training wear are a) that it keeps you cool and dry, b) that it allows you to move freely and c) with zero irritation or distractions. Look for training tees and tanks with these features:

- Lightweight, breathable fabric that wicks sweat away from the skin

- Mesh inserts at key heat points such as under the arms for added ventilation and cooling

- A slim fit. Baggy T-shirts can get caught on barbells and other equipment. Look for a slim, flexible fit that moves with you during fast moves and allows you a full range of movement

- Flatlock stitching. There’s nothing worse than chaffing while you’re working hard. Look for seamless T-shirts or ones where the seams are flat-locked or bonded to avoid irritation.

3. SHORTS OR TIGHTS THAT ALLOW YOU TO MOVE FREELY

The last thing you want when you’re squatting, jumping and lunging are training pants that restrict your movement or ride up. Your best options are shorts and tights with a 4 way stretch that will allow you to move freely in all directions. Look for the following:

- Breathable, flexible fabric with a high elastane content for maximum stretch that will also ping back into shape.

- A slim, streamlined fit that won’t catch on equipment.

- Again, flat locked or bonded seams to avoid irritation

- If you’re wearing tights, mesh inserts behind the knee will boost cooling.

- Pockets for your essentials, eg. your phone/headphones

- If you’re feeling self-conscious, you can layer looser-fit but high cut shorts over bootie shorts

4. A GOOD SPORTS BRA

You’re going to be running, jumping and lifting, and that means you’ll need a sports bra designed for high intensity workouts with optimum support. Your sports bra should have:

- High Impact support. Look for deep underbands and if you’re in need of extra support - molded cups.

- Breathable, supportive fabric.

- Bonded seams to avoid irritation

- Wide, adjustable and padded straps to avoid digging in

- Mesh inserts for cooling

5. TECHNICAL WICKING SOCKS

Making do with your regular cotton socks isn’t going to cut it here. You’ll need socks with high wicking capabilities to keep your feet cool, dry and comfortable during your workout. They’ll need to have:

- Technical, breathable fabric

- An ergonomic fit that hugs the foot to avoid blisters.

 

CROSSFIT CLOTHING: WHICH CLOTHES TO CHOOSE?

Before, sportswear was limited to the bare minimum: shorts, a t-shirt and that was it. Over the years, the culture and practice of sport have changed considerably. The needs have evolved and new types of clothing have been developed to meet this demand.

It is very important that when you train you are not embarrassed by your clothes. Your CrossFit outfit should be functional and breathable.

CrossFit is a training method that combines different elements from weightlifting, gymnastics, HIIT cardio and other sports practices. Clothing for CrossFit therefore requires a special approach. The main characteristic of this discipline being its high intensity, your CrossFit outfit will have to be resistant to wear and tear and the fabric that composes it will have to be durable.

:

 

THE CENTRAL ELEMENT OF HIS CROSSFIT OUTFIT

 

THE SHOES

Shoes are the most important part of your CrossFit outfit. Choose lightweight, agile cross-training shoes that absorb shock well during fast lateral movements. In addition to this, your shoes must also provide a stable base and sufficient energy return when jumping and lifting. Your CrossFit shoes must validate the following points:

1. a) Have a lightweight, durable cushioning, with a relatively firm midsole that allows you to harness energy rather than waste it, for maximum power during lifts and jumps.
2. b) Have a slight drop between the heel and toes (height difference) to allow your foot to have a stable support.
3. c) Have an upper that wraps around the foot with an external heel counter and solid lateral support to help stabilize and secure the foot
4. d) That the upper is also breathable to help keep your feet cool.

If you are looking for CrossFit shoes, you can check out the 

collection of Cross Training shoes

 from Innov8, a brand that specializes in designing sports shoes.

 

A TANK TOP OR BREATHABLE T-SHIRT

CrossFit is a tough sport and you are bound to sweat a lot. Your workout clothes should keep you cool and dry and allow you to move freely without discomfort. For your CrossFit outfit, look for workout t-shirts and tank tops with the following features:

1. a) Lightweight, breathable fabric that wicks perspiration away from the skin
2. b) Mesh inserts at key heat points such as under the arms for optimal ventilation and cooling
3. c) A tailored or regular fit. Loose shirts can get caught on dumbbells and other equipment. Look for a flexible fabric that will move with you to allow you a wide range of motion.
4. d) Flat seams. There’s nothing worse than the urge to scratch while you’re making an effort. Look for T-shirts with no seams or with flat seams to avoid chafing.

 

SHORTS OR LEGGINGS TO ALLOW YOU TO MOVE FREELY

In CrossFit, you’ll need athletic socks that make it easy to move and comfortable to wear. Look for the following items:

1. a) A breathable and flexible fabric with high elastane content for maximum elasticity.
2. b) A slim and clean cut, allowing you the best possible hip opening.
3. c) If you wear leggings, mesh inserts behind the knee will improve cooling.
4. d) Pockets for your essentials (keys, smartphones, handkerchief…).

 

FOR WOMEN, A GOOD SPORTS BRA

You’ll be running, jumping and lifting, which means you’ll need a sports bra designed specifically for high-intensity workouts with optimal support. Your sports bra should have :

(a) High maintenance with moderate to intense impact. Look for fitted cuts that follow the natural shape of your body so you feel perfectly supported.

1. b) A breathable fabric, offering you comfort and wicking away perspiration.

(c) Wide, adjustable shoulder straps.

 

SOCKS ADAPTED TO CROSSFIT

Socks are the final element of your CrossFit outfit. You will need breathable socks to keep your feet cool, dry and comfortable during your workout. They shall:

1. a) Be designed in a technical and breathable fabric
2. b) Have an ergonomic cut that follows the shape of the foot to avoid blisters.

 

People Also Ask

What should you not wear to CrossFit?

White or light-colored clothing

Plus activities like running with sandbags over your shoulders and flipping tires (yes, real tires!) will leave your clothing marked-up and dirty. Avoid staining your clothing by not wearing white or light-colored clothing for these types of workouts.

What should I wear for first time CrossFit?

Wear Comfortable Workout Clothes. The best thing you can wear for a CrossFit workout is something comfortable and no cotton. You will sweat, and if you're wearing cotton, then your clothes will turn into a sponge and get really heavy.

What do girls wear to CrossFit?

Shorts or Tights That Allow you to Move Freely

Look for the following: - Breathable, flexible fabric with a high elastane content for maximum stretch that will also ping back into shape. - A slim, streamlined fit that won't catch on equipment. - If you're wearing tights, mesh inserts behind the knee will boost cooling.

What do you wear to a CrossFit competition?

A good rule here is if it has a chance to get sweaty or rip (I've seen a girl split her pants during a competition!), bring more than one: shirts, shorts, capris, pants, underwear, sports bras, socks. Pack layers of tank tops or t-shirts, plus a sweatshirt and sweatpants for in between events.

What do you wear under CrossFit shorts?

Go for light-weight underwear that allows plenty of freedom of movement. One caveat is that some prefer compression shorts or boxer briefs with a longer inseam for these activities to prevent chafing.