Thinking about trying CrossFit or Hyrox but unsure what gear you'll actually need? Here's a no-fluff guide to what matters, what doesn't, and how to train smart from day one.
🏋️♂️ CrossFit vs Hyrox: What’s the Difference?
Both are high-intensity, functional training styles — but with very different focuses:
- CrossFit: Constantly varied workouts using barbells, gymnastics, Olympic lifts, and cardio.
- Hyrox: A race-style format with standardized movements — running, sleds, wall balls, rowing, lunges — repeated each comp.
That means your gear choices need to match the demands of your training. Here's what actually makes a difference:
🖐 Chalk & Tape: Your First Line of Defense
Whether you’re repping out pull-ups, doing high-rep barbell cycling, or hanging onto a kettlebell for dear life — your grip and hands take a beating.
Use chalk and tape to:
- Reduce sweat and friction
- Prevent tears and callus damage
- Maintain grip in sweaty WODs or race environments
Shop:
- Knuckledust Liquid Chalk
- Standard Gym Chalk Block
- Chalk + Tape Combo Bundle — everything you need to protect your hands during high-rep workouts
💥 Creatine: The Overlooked Advantage
Yes, this one’s a supplement — but it should be in your gym bag. Creatine improves power output, helps with recovery, and builds strength that actually carries over into real performance.
Best pick: Club Bunker Recovery Stack
🔁 Straps: For Smart Progression
In Hyrox, you'll be pushing sleds and repping farmer’s carries. In CrossFit, you’re pulling from the floor a ton. Don’t let grip hold you back when the rest of your body can go further.
Use straps when:
- Grip fails before major muscle groups
- You’re lifting heavy under fatigue
- You want to train back harder without grip fatigue
Shop: Figure 8 Lifting Straps
🧃 Recovery: Often Skipped, Always Needed
High-intensity training demands next-level recovery. Rehydrating, repairing muscle tissue, and supporting performance between sessions are key — especially when you’re training 4–5x/week.
Grab: Club Bunker Recovery Stack
✅ Final Word: Train Hard. Gear Smart.
You don’t need to buy every shiny accessory — but a few smart choices will keep your hands healthy, performance strong, and progress consistent.
Shop the essentials online or drop into Club Bunker — we only stock what we actually use ourselves.
