Derby City CrossFit Christmas List – 2017
Written by: Coach Slater
You asked your family for five very specific things last Christmas, and what did they get you? None of those things. “Oh, I wanted to get you something fun!” How about you get what I wanted IN THE FIRST PLACE!! Your family is fantastic, but there’s 0% chance they know which weightlifting belt you want or whether the new Nike DSX 2 is better than the upcoming Metcon 4. It’s on you to pickup what you really want; and, here’s a list of what you really want for Christmas.
NoBull Canvas Backpack
In past years, I’ve recommended the King Kong Gym Bag and the GoRuck GR2 Bag. But, this year, I’m recommending the NoBull Canvas Backpack. The King Kong bag is great, but I think it’s easier to carry a bag that’s built as a backpack. Plus, you look more like a normal human being, rather than a gym rat fiending for their next workout.
Shoes
I’ve gotta give you four recommendations this year. I can no longer say that one type of fitness shoe is better than the other, because everyone’s kinda caught up now. Reebok has FINALLY gotten its shit together and designed a modern-looking shoe in the Nano 7 Weave. NoBull has some badass looking shoes, too. Nike is still crushing it, with the Metcon 4 due for release soon, and the lighter DSX 2. Any one of those is a remarkable upgrade from the Saucony’s you’ve been wearing here since you joined. Time for some new shoes.
Harbinger 5″ Foam Core Belt
I recommend this belt year after year because it’s simple, cheap, and it does the job. Anything bigger is overkill. Anything smaller isn’t effective. Get your own belt, learn to breathe INTO it, and watch your major lifts skyrocket. Let me repeat the second part of that sentence… learn to breathe INTO it. Done.
RPM Session 3.0 Jump Rope
I’ll repeat this until you’re sick of me saying it: if you’ve been at Derby City for over a year and you don’t own your own jump rope… What. Are. You. Even. Doing? Yes, we have jump ropes at Derby City, but they’re just here for those times when you forget yours at home. The steel handles of the RPM rope feel great in your hand during a sweaty workout, and their bushing mechanism means these things really whip. The plastic coated cables will last I-dont-even-know-how-long and come in various colors, including orange to match the gym. Hint hint.
MacroLife Macro Greens Superfood
Everyone tells you to eat more vegetables, but it’s hard. I get it. So, this recommendation isn’t replacing your need to eat more leafy greens, but a good greens-supplement can be helpful for those days when you don’t eat all the vegetables you should. There are a TON of options in this area, with various recommendations (here or here). You can’t go wrong with any of the options in those links, so I’m just suggesting you get one and take it daily. The MacroLife Greens I linked above are what I’m taking *currently*, but I switch these around every now and then. I plan to try Greens+ in the near future.
Jeans for Athletes
Normal jeans just don’t fit athletes very well. If there’s room for your butt, then the waist line is too big. Or, if there’s room for your quads, then it looks like you’re wearing drapes below your knees. Take a look at Fran Denim and Barbell Apparel for jeans that are designed with athletes in mind. They’re roomier where it counts, tight where you need it, but flexible so you can move. You’ve worked hard to build a better ass. Get some jeans that show it off.
Stance Socks
Tall socks are in, and Stance has some of coolest looking socks out there. I can’t begin to understand how socks became an important accessory in the CrossFit world, but they are. So, you can either get on board and get the most comfortable, highest-performing athletic sock out there, or you can stick with your old, white versions. I’m not telling you that getting better socks is going to add 50lbs to your back squat, but what have your white socks done for you lately besides get you mocked when you’re spotted in Kroger? “Oh, white socks and white shoes guy is out of bread at home? Real shocker there. Why don’t you check the shelves for your sense of dignity while you’re here?”
Fleo Shorts
I’m no expert in the female short game, but I hear great things about the Fleo brand. Supreme comfort and a bunch of fun designs to choose from. If you’re looking for crop pants, Lululemon is probably still the top dog, with Athleta offering a cheaper version, but also check out the pants from WOD Gear Athletic which are MUCH cheaper.