For your first CrossFit® class you only need four things: comfortable sportswear, training shoes with a stable sole, a water bottle and a small towel. No special kit or accessories. The coach lends you the equipment in the room and adapts the exercises to your level. With that, you’ll arrive ready to train.
Here’s the full checklist, the essentials and the optional extras, plus what you don’t need to bring.
The essentials
- Breathable sportswear. A t-shirt and shorts or leggings that let you move without restriction. You’re going to sweat, so avoid fabrics that don’t breathe.
- Training shoes. Look for a stable, flat sole, not a heavily cushioned running shoe. In CrossFit® you do squats and lifts where you need a firm base.
- A water bottle. The intensity is high and it’s worth staying hydrated during class.
- A small towel. For sweat and for shared equipment.
With this you can train your first day without any problem.
Optional extras (as you progress)
As you find your rhythm, you can add your own kit:
- Wrist wraps to support overhead movements.
- Elbow or knee sleeves if you want extra stability.
- Hand grips to protect your hands on pull-ups and bar work.
- Your own skipping rope if you like having yours set to size.
- A belt for heavy lifts, further down the line.
None of this is necessary on day one. Start simple and add kit when you know what you really need.
What you DON’T need to bring
- Classic gym gloves: in CrossFit® you use hand grips, not padded gloves.
- Your own weights or kit: the box has barbells, plates, kettlebells and everything you need.
- Supplements or pre-workout for your first day: focus on learning the technique.
Before you go: prepare properly
Beyond the kit, a couple of details make the difference:
- Eat light an hour or two beforehand. Neither on a full stomach nor fasted if you’re not used to it.
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early to introduce yourself to the coach and see the space.
- Mention any injury or limitation. The coach needs to know in order to scale the exercises and look after you.
- Be ready to scale. Scaling a movement isn’t failing: it’s training at your real level.
If it’s your first time with the single-class format, go over how it works in what a CrossFit drop-in is and how to book.
Book your first class
Once your bag is ready, all that’s left is to choose a box. Search the CrossFit category or filter by your city, check availability and book your drop-in from €10. You arrive with your place confirmed and no paperwork at the door.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go in running shoes?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Soft cushioning takes away stability in squats and lifts. If you have a flat pair, that’s better.
Do I need to bring gloves?
No. In CrossFit® you protect your hands with grips, not padded gloves, and to start with you don’t even need them.
What if I’ve never done functional training?
That’s fine. Tell the coach when you arrive, scale the movements and go at your own pace. Everyone started with a first class.
How much does it cost to try?
With a drop-in, from €10. You’ve got the full ranges in the pricing guide.