We have a minimalist program. Elite fitness is better served far away from the commercial gyms you are accustomed to. You don’t need thousands of dollars worth of equipment to achieve true fitness. Crossfit Retribution started in a garage gym with less than 600 dollars of equipment. Currently, we have everything you need to complete every crossfit workout. If you cannot train with us, the equipment list below will get you started without spending a small fortune. Essential equipment:

• Olympic bar with weights. I would recommend a good bar from here and a set of rubber bumpers. You will pay more than for a cheap set from Play it Again Sports, but this is quality equipment and it will last a lifetime.

• Pull-up bar. The best option is to make your own. The plumbing section at your local hardware will have everything you need to build a bombproof pull-up bar for less than 30 dollars. Threaded galvanized pipe, floor flanges and a few lag bolts are all you need.

• Medicine ball. These are expensive but you can make a quality medicine ball for less than 20 dollars by following these plans (4), courtesy of Mike’s Gym and Pierre Auge.

• Dumbells. Start with a pair in the 20-40 pound range. With a little searching you can find someone willing to sell you a pair for almost nothing. Garage sales are also a good option. You can add to your dumbbell collection as you find them.

• Jump Rope. There are many options out there but you will want a fast jump rope. Target or Walmart has good jump ropes for less than 10 dollars.

• Plyoboxes. These will also cost you a fortune, but a better option is to make your own. Invest a little time and a sheet of plywood, and you will be more than happy.

• Stop watch. Something to keep time for your WOD. A good option is this; it will do everything you need and more for a good price.

• Squat stands. These are more expensive and you can do without them for a while. There are plans on the internet for making your own, but look to add a set of squat stands as money permits.

 

Pictured:  Hand made plyoboxes, chalk stand, rubber bumpers, York Olympic bar, and a stop watch.  This simple setup, add a pull-up bar and you have a better equipped strength and conditioning facility than most million dollar gyms.