We put some young crossfitters in our garage gym to test out some of the best kids workout equipment. Based on those workouts, we can confidently say these 8 are the best value available online.
Crossfit fights childhood obesity, teaches discipline, improves overall health, and gives your child a head start on competitive athletics; it's a varied and intensive introduction to fitness and fun.
Exercise has even proven to improve grades in school, the links between focus and discipline proving evident. With all that said, the only real problem is sifting through all of the kids crossfit equipment on the market.
The last thing you want to do is spend $1,000 on something they can’t use (or worse, something that is unsafe).
Stick to this list and your kid will get maximum benefit without making you see Pukie the Clown when you open your wallet.
From our research and experience, these were the best kids crossfit equipment products under each category.
We looked at the bare minimum and most essential equipment needed to get your child started with crossfit. Alright, enough talk. Let's get on with the list.
8 Best Crossfit Equipment for Kids (September 2023)
1 - Rogue KS-1 (Editor's Choice)
Unlike most equipment that is just a toy version of the adult model, the KS-1 kids squat stand from Rogue is built with the same heavy-duty steel and precision technology as the senior model.
All research points to this being the most stable, durable, and flexible squat stand on the market.
Standing 28 inches tall, this equipment uniquely compatible with most kid barbells. This squat stand gives your child a “leg up” when working on the most important muscle group.
- 2x2 11-gauge steel for safety and durability
- High weight capacity
- Rogue quality assurance
- High-end quality comes with a high-end price tag
With a max childrens weight capacity of 150-lbs, it should last well into their teens.
2 - Rogue T-2.5KG Bar
When it comes to training with a technique bar or equipment, form and stability are the top priority [1]. Based on that criteria, we have to select Rogue’s T-2.5KG technique bar.
Our tests show that the needle bearings provide the kind of consistency needed to develop perfect form, and the 3 sets of knurl marks are designed to help beginners learn to do the exercises right before they learn bad habits.
The most popular feature was its 41.2 inches of hand space.
- Shaft designed for stability and form perfection
- Rogue quality assurance
- Wide grip space provides flexibility for back, arm, shoulder, and leg exercises
- Compatible with most plates but none are included
This equipment will give your child more flexibility when choosing exercises over almost any competitor.
3 - WOD Kettle Kid
The WOD Kettle Kid kettlebell is the first real toy on our list. We wanted to find real kettlebells for your young Crossfitters to deadlift, but none of the models fit our criteria.
So we decided to go with one that was best for generating your child’s interest in Crossfit and helping them imitate your exercises without risk of injury from their equipment and kids weights [2].
As per our expertise, it’s the perfect way to introduce basic swings and presses without any pulled shoulder muscles or smashed toes. At only half a pound and made entirely of plastic, this really is just a toy. It looks and functions just like the real thing though, so they won’t know the difference.
If you are older and you want to train with your kids, we recommend reading our review on these kettlebells.
- Looks and functions like the real thing
- Poses no danger to children 3+
- Cheap and safe way to introduce kettlebell exercises
- Not for real training
- Only half a pound, so no real fitness benefitsPros
If you’re a kettle-maniac, this toy is a good way to get the young one's involved.
This is also perfect to match with any climbing rope (or other gym equipment) for a more versatile workout.
4 - Elite Sportz
If your #1 concern with gymnastics rings is safety, Elite Sportz have this priority too. Whereas most companies make smooth rings, Elite takes safety to a new level by texturing their handles and using an ultra-secure buckle system [3].
As indicated by our tests, in 5 minutes or less, you can have Olympic quality rings that provide the ultimate back, arms, and chest workout with the right equipment.
Between the polycarbonate plastic and slip-proof support system, your child would have to lather their hands in olive oil for something to go wrong (and kids aren't well known for that safety first mentality, so the rings have you covered ).
- Textured and made with polycarbonate plastic for slip-proof workouts
- Unrivaled flexibility
- Great price-to-value ratio
- Straps are a bit cumbersome to use
- There were many negative reviews about the color (does this really matter?)
The helpful instruction videos are just the icing on the cake. And, since the equipment is made for both kids and adults, you both can get a great workout in.
5 - Rogue HG 2.0
All of the best kids gym equipment in the world won’t make a difference without a good set of bumper plates.
Cut super thin to allow more plates on the bar and with a dead blow that rivals much pricier competitors, the price-to-value ratio made us choose the Rogue HG 2.0 plates over others.
As a parent, you’ll love the safety of these weights. Our experience with this equipment suggests that the dead bounce is exactly as advertised.
Anyone who has unloaded weights after killer muscle ups knows that toes are plate magnets. The drop dead bounce ensures even younger toes will stay intact.
Related: Rogue Combo Rack Review
- Dead bounce for safety
- Slim cut for extra efficiency
- Elite durability
- Quiet design
- Complaints of tire smell
- 10-15 lb plates are only warrantied for 90 days
Oh yeah, and parent’s can’t stop raving about the noise...or lack thereof. The rubber is specially designed to spare your ears (and your floors).
6 - WOD Fitters
There are two reasons to get exercise bands:
- To get the best butt you’ve ever had
- To give your child the easiest, most flexible, and most versatile workout equipment imaginable
WOD Fitters resistance loop bands are easily color-coded (yellow for beginners, black for towing your Subaru SUV out of a ditch) and are made of 100% natural latex that won’t cause rashes on your skin [4].
Based on our tests, we loved that you could basically do any exercise imaginable with them. It’s another 2-in-1 deal as both you and your kid can use them.
The reason these bands in particular are the perfect piece of kids gym equipment is due to their materials, though.
- Extremely durable and versatile
- Max comfort (no smell, no pain, no rashes)
- Color coded so children can easily understand
- Tend to roll up when used intensely
- Can’t be used for adult stretches
Unlike most other bands, these have no strong latex smell and are best designed for max comfort (no painful burn marks).
7 - Reebok Nano 6.0
The Reebok Crossfit Nano 6.0 is specifically designed to handle every theater Crossfit takes place in. Cardio, weights, outdoor training—it’s the do-it-all type of shoe that will last your kid for years.
Based on our observations, this Crossfit shoe is designed with safety in mind. The kevlar mesh and sandpaper texture provide maximum breathability and stability, while the shank of the shoe is designed specifically for Crossfit activities (which maximizes efficiency and reduces the risk of injury).
If you’re going to spend money on a shoe, do it on one that best increases their speed, reduces injury risks, and looks great while doing it.
- Designed specifically for Crossfit
- Extra stability for safety
- Able to handle any exercise environment
- High-end price (but well worth it)
- Great for running in the woods but not suited for long-distance training
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8 - Rogue Infinity
For such an important exercise, pull ups of all kinds are next to impossible for kids.
Unlike most other competitors that would make you lift your child up or risk their safety on a box, this equipment from Rogue Infinity is adjustable up to 7-feet and designed specifically for kids (and short adults!) in mind.
What we liked most about it (aside from the sturdy frame) was the adjustability. This makes it ideal for growing children or if you have multiple children of different ages.
- Versatile enough for kids of all ages and adults
- Fits anywhere in the house
- 500 lbs. capacity
- Much safer than the adult alternative
- Could shake if you don’t use proper form
- Costs more than some adult pull-up bars (but worth the price)
With a weight capacity of 500 lbs., you never have to worry about injuries. You could even use it yourself if you’d like.
At 39-inches, this equipment can fit just about anywhere in any house.
What is Crossfit for Kids?
CrossFit for kids is a fun and exciting method for kids to exercise and learn healthy lifestyle habits.
Rule #1 of Crossfit: You tell literally everyone about Crossfit and plaster it on your Instagram.
Rule #2 of Crossfit: Get your children involved as early as possible so they benefit from better health, better grades, and better life skills [5].
It is the junior version of the Crossfit health lifestyle. It focuses on broad, inclusive fun in the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle for kids. As more and more children become obese and sedentary, parents need to find more creative ways to keep them active.
Seeing as how Crossfit is less of a diet or exercise routine and more of a lifestyle, the infant version is really just a slow, gradual, and fun way of teaching children physical literacy, improving their health, and helping them make friends.
FAQs
At What Age Should Kids Do Crossfit?
Kids can start doing CrossFit at the age of 8. However, these CrossFit workouts primarily focus on developing proper lifting techniques, therefore, not quite resembling CrossFit.
Is It Ok for Kids to Do Crossfit?
It is ok for kids to do CrossFit. There is nothing bad with kids participating in CrossFit workouts, as long as best practices regarding complexity and intensity are followed by a responsible trainer.
What Do Kids Do in Crossfit?
Kids primarily learn proper lifting techniques in CrossFit. However, as they grow older and have more experience, they focus on developing their strength and endurance to prepare for future tournaments and CrossFit games.
What Is the Best CrossFit Equipment for Kids?
The best CrossFit equipment for kids is the Rogue KS-1 squat stand.
Young athletes and kids should always strive to build their strength and hypertrophy holistically, and squat stand offers exactly that.
Your kids can easily perform everything from pull-ups, squats, and core exercises to develop their body in fullness without leaving a chance for muscle imbalances.
On top of that, this squat is highly durable, stable, and, most importantly, safe, so you, as a parent, can sleep easily without worrying about your kid getting injured.
In the comments below, let me know your thoughts on the best CrossFit equipment for kids.
Also, make sure to check out our guide on the most essential crossfit equipment for home gyms and also the best gloves for CrossFit.
Our #1 Recommendation
Rogue KS-1
- 2x2 11-gauge steel for safety and durability
- High weight capacity
- Rogue quality assurance
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- High-end quality comes with a high-end price tag
About The Author
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Great post. Helped me to hone in on some stuff for my boys.