CrossFit Over 40: The Masters Athlete Gear Guide
The gear that helps masters athletes warm up, lift, swing, and jump with confidence, what to skip, and how to build a smart kit for training at 35, 45, 55, and beyond.
It's 5:30 a.m. The 6:00 class is all twenty-somethings, so you show up early. You roll out, do some light rows, and work through some extra squats before the coach even writes the warm-up on the board. Then the workout goes up: heavy front squats, toes-to-bar, and double unders. You've been doing this long enough to know the first few reps will tell you how your knees, wrists, and hands feel today.
That's masters training. You still want to push, and you still want the PRs. But you also want to show up again tomorrow, next week, and next year. The right masters athlete gear won't replace good coaching, smart programming, or sleep. What it can do is make your warm-ups feel better, give you something to brace against on heavy days, protect your hands from the bar, and take the guesswork out of training.
This guide walks through the gear that tends to earn its spot in a masters athlete's bag: knee sleeves, a lifting belt, wrist wraps, grips, a speed rope, and sweatbands. For each one, we cover what it does, what it doesn't do, which RBST option fits which athlete, and how to size it. We also cover what you can safely skip. Whether you're 35 and just entering the masters divisions or 60 and still chasing a muscle-up, you'll leave with a simple, no-hype kit list.
The Quick Answer
Most masters athletes get the most out of four things: knee sleeves for warmth and comfort on squat days, a 4-inch nylon lifting belt for heavy barbell work, wrist wraps for pressing and front rack, and gymnastics grips for high-volume pulling. Add a speed rope you can adjust and a pair of sweatbands. Start with what your training uses most, size everything carefully, and think of gear as a tool for confidence and consistency, not a replacement for good technique.
What Changes for Masters Athletes (and What Doesn't)
In the CrossFit Open, the masters divisions start at 35 and run in age groups from there. HYROX also ranks results by age group. Turning 35 or 40 doesn't change the movements you do. It changes how you approach them.
Warm-ups take longer
Many masters athletes need a longer, more gradual warm-up before heavy or fast work. Gear that keeps you warm and comfortable helps you settle in.
Consistency beats intensity
The athletes who keep improving in their 40s and 50s are usually the ones who train most weeks, not the ones who go all out every day.
Gear is a tool, not a fix
Sleeves, belts, and wraps add support and confidence. They don't replace technique, smart loading, or rest. Pain is a reason to see a qualified professional, not to buy thicker gear.
What doesn't change: you still have to do the work. Gear just makes that work feel more dialed in, so you can put your energy into the training itself.
Knee Sleeves: Warmth, Comfort, and Confidence on Squat Days
If masters athletes agree on one piece of gear, it's knee sleeves. Neoprene sleeves keep your knees warm, add compression, and give you a snug, supported feel through squats, lunges, wall balls, and box step-ups. Many athletes say they simply feel more ready to train with them on.
The bigger choice is thickness. Here's how the RBST range breaks down:
| Sleeve | Price | Best for | Masters note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knitted Knee Sleeves | $29 | Running, conditioning, high-rep work, everyday wear | Lightweight and breathable. Great if you want light compression without bulk. |
| 5mm Knee Sleeves Gen 2 | $49 | Metcons, wall balls, lunges, moderate squats | The most versatile pick for mixed CrossFit and HYROX-style training. |
| 5mm Knee Sleeves Gen 1 | $39 | Same as above, at a lower price | A solid value choice if you're trying sleeves for the first time. |
| 7mm Knee Sleeves Gen 2 | $55 | Heavy squats, strength days | More support and warmth for heavy sets. Stiffer for running and jumping. |
| 7mm Knee Sleeves Gen 1 | $45–49 | Heavy squats at a lower price | Good second pair for strength days if you already own 5mm. |
Many masters athletes end up with two pairs: 5mm for daily metcons and 7mm for heavy squat days. If you only buy one, 5mm covers the most ground. Our 5mm vs 7mm vs knitted knee sleeve guide goes deeper on the differences.
Sizing tip: For the Gen 2 sleeves, measure your thigh about 4 inches above the kneecap: S 14–15 in, M 15–17 in, L 17–19 in, XL 19–21 in. Sleeves should feel snug, not painful. See How to Size Knee Sleeves for fit checks.
A Lifting Belt for Heavy Barbell Days
A lifting belt gives you a firm wall to brace your core against when the barbell gets heavy. Many masters athletes find that helpful for heavy squats, deadlifts, cleans, and overhead work, especially late in a session when fatigue makes it harder to hold a strong position.
For CrossFit-style training, a 4-inch nylon belt with a metal quick-release buckle is the easiest to live with. It's lighter than leather, flexes with you, and comes on and off in seconds between strength sets and metcons.
RELENTLESS X · $59.95
4-inch premium nylon with a heavy-duty quick-lock metal buckle. Five colors: Jungle Warfare, Blackout, Pink Riot, Arctic Blue, Purple Reign. Sizes XS 26–29, S 29–32, M 32–34, L 34–36, XL 36–39 in.
Shop Relentless XBadger Hug · $40
4-inch nylon with a quick-release metal buckle and a wider size range: S 26–31, M 31–35, L 35–39, XL 39–45 in. A great value pick, available in several colors.
Shop Badger HugMeasure around your waist at belly-button height, not your pants size. If you're between sizes, size up. Our belt sizing guide walks you through it, and Relentless X: When to Use It covers how tight to wear it and for which lifts.
One honest note: learn to breathe and brace without a belt first. The belt makes good bracing more effective; it doesn't do the bracing for you.
Warm Up Like You Mean It
The best masters gear habit costs nothing: give yourself an extra 10 minutes. Arrive early, move through your hips, knees, shoulders, and wrists, and build up to your working weight gradually. Put your sleeves on during the warm-up, not after it, and save the belt for the sets that really need it.
Wrist Wraps for Pressing, Front Rack, and Handstands
Wrist wraps add support and stiffness around the wrist joint. Masters athletes often reach for them on heavy presses, jerks, front squats, and handstand work, where the wrist is loaded in extension for a long time.
The RBST Wrist Wraps 18" ($15.95) use a thumb loop and hook-and-loop closure, so you can wrap tight for a heavy single and loosen between sets. They come in six colors: Black, Lavender, Light Blue, Pastel Pink, White, and Red.
Wrap over the joint, not below it. The wrap should cover the wrist joint itself to add support where you need it.
Tight for heavy, loose for volume. Snug them down for heavy sets, then loosen between sets so they stay comfortable.
Don't live in them. Use wraps for your heavy and high-stress sets. Light work is a chance to build strength and mobility on your own.
New to wraps? Start with How to Put On Wrist Wraps and our Velcro vs cloth wrist wrap guide.
Gymnastics Grips for High-Volume Pulling
Pull-ups, toes-to-bar, and bar muscle-ups put a lot of friction on your palms. Gymnastics grips create a layer between your hands and the bar, which many athletes find helps them get through high-rep sets with less hand wear and tear.
| Grip | Price | Front material | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRON CLAW | $54.95 | Silicone front with reinforced fiber backing | Athletes who want a tacky feel and an easy learning curve. Six colors. |
| IRON X | $59.95 | Natural rubber front with Kevlar backing | Athletes who do a lot of high-volume gymnastics and want a durable, grippy surface. |
Both come in palm sizes M to XXL. Grips only work if they fit, so check How to Size Gymnastics Grips before you order. For a side-by-side, read Iron Claw vs Iron X. Grips work best alongside good hand care, which our complete hand-care guide covers.
A Speed Rope You Can Adjust
Double unders show up in a lot of workouts, and a well-fitted speed rope makes the skill easier to practice. Many masters athletes find that short, frequent practice sessions with the right rope beat long, frustrating sets.
The STINGER Speed Rope ($54.95, Black, Blue, or Red handles) and the STINGER-X ($59.95) are both adjustable, so you can fit the cable to your height and skill level. Not sure which to pick? See Stinger vs Stinger-X. If your double unders keep breaking down, Why You Trip on Double Unders: 7 Fixes walks through the most common problems.
Sweatbands and a Bag That Holds It All
Sweat on your palms and forearms makes barbells, kettlebells, and pull-up bars harder to hold. RBST Wrist Sweatbands ($12 for one pair, $23 for two) soak up sweat before it reaches your hands, and they come in a wide range of colors. For the differences between bands, wraps, and grips, see Wrist Wraps vs Sweatbands vs Grips.
Once you own sleeves, a belt, wraps, grips, and a rope, you need a way to carry them. The 25L Tactical Backpack ($85) fits a full training kit plus a change of clothes. The gym backpack size guide can help you pick the right size.
Masters Athlete Gear Checklist by Training Style
You don't need everything at once. Start with the gear that matches what you do most.
| If you mostly do... | Start with | Add next |
|---|---|---|
| Classic CrossFit classes | 5mm knee sleeves, wrist wraps | Grips, lifting belt, speed rope |
| Strength-focused training | Lifting belt, 7mm knee sleeves | Wrist wraps for heavy pressing |
| HYROX and running-heavy work | Knitted or 5mm knee sleeves, sweatbands | Lifting belt for heavy training days |
| Gymnastics-heavy programming | Grips, wrist wraps | Sweatbands, speed rope |
| Competing in the Open or a local event | Sleeves, belt, wraps, grips you've already tested | Backpack to keep it all together |
Rule of thumb: never try new gear for the first time on competition day. Break it in during regular training first.
What Masters Athletes Can Skip
Gear for every rep
If you wear a belt and wraps for light warm-up sets, you lose the chance to build strength and control on your own. Save them for when they matter.
The thickest everything
Thicker isn't automatically better. A 7mm sleeve that's too stiff for running or box jumps isn't the right tool for a metcon.
Gear as a pain fix
If something hurts, gear isn't the answer. Talk to a qualified professional, then come back to the gear that supports your training.
Fit, Care, and Warranty
Good gear lasts longer when you look after it. Air out knee sleeves after every session and wash them regularly (see How to Wash Knee Sleeves). Store your belt flat or loosely rolled, and keep grips out of a hot car. All RBST size charts live on our size guide, and coverage details are on the RBST product warranty page.
We pack and ship every order ourselves from Dallas, Texas, and orders over $100 ship free.
Train Smart. Train Long. Keep Showing Up.
Build the masters kit that fits the way you train.
Shop 5mm Knee Sleeves · $49 Shop the Relentless X · $59.95 Shop Wrist ProtectionForged in Grit. Built by Community.
Masters Athlete Gear FAQs
What age is a masters athlete in CrossFit?
In the CrossFit Open, masters divisions start at age 35 and continue in age groups from there. HYROX also ranks results by age group. Outside of competition, "masters athlete" usually just means someone 35 or older who trains seriously and wants to keep doing it for many years.
What gear do masters athletes need most?
Most masters athletes get the most use out of knee sleeves, a 4-inch nylon lifting belt, wrist wraps, and gymnastics grips. A speed rope and sweatbands round out the kit. Start with the gear that matches what you train most, then add pieces as your programming calls for them.
Are knee sleeves good for athletes over 40?
Many athletes over 40 like knee sleeves because they keep the knees warm, add compression, and give a snug, supported feel during squats, lunges, and wall balls. Sleeves are a comfort and confidence tool, not a medical device. If you have knee pain, check in with a qualified professional first.
Should masters athletes wear 5mm or 7mm knee sleeves?
For mixed CrossFit and HYROX-style training, 5mm is the most versatile choice because it moves well for running, jumping, and squatting. 7mm adds more support and warmth for heavy squat days but feels stiffer. Many masters athletes own both: 5mm for metcons and 7mm for strength sessions.
Can knee sleeves prevent knee injuries?
We don't make that claim, and no knee sleeve can promise it. Sleeves add warmth, compression, and a supported feel that many athletes like. Good technique, smart programming, recovery, and a proper warm-up matter far more. If something hurts, talk to a qualified professional before relying on gear.
Should masters athletes wear a lifting belt?
A belt can be a helpful tool for heavy squats, deadlifts, cleans, and overhead lifts, because it gives you something firm to brace against. It works best once you can already breathe and brace well without one. Save it for heavy working sets rather than wearing it all session.
Which RBST lifting belt is best for masters athletes?
Both are 4-inch nylon belts built for CrossFit-style training. The Relentless X ($59.95) has a heavy-duty quick-lock buckle and sizes XS to XL for waists from 26 to 39 inches. The Badger Hug ($40) uses a quick-release buckle and sizes S to XL for waists from 26 to 45 inches.
How do I size a lifting belt?
Measure around your waist at belly-button height, not your pants size. Relentless X sizes are XS 26–29, S 29–32, M 32–34, L 34–36, and XL 36–39 inches. Badger Hug sizes are S 26–31, M 31–35, L 35–39, and XL 39–45 inches. If you're between sizes, size up.
Do wrist wraps help older lifters?
Many lifters of all ages like wrist wraps for heavy pressing, jerks, front rack work, and handstands, because wraps add support and stiffness around the wrist. Wrap over the wrist joint, snug them for heavy sets, and loosen between sets. Use them for demanding sets rather than every rep.
Do I need gymnastics grips if I'm over 40?
Grips aren't about age. They're about volume. If your workouts include lots of pull-ups, toes-to-bar, or bar muscle-ups, grips put a layer between your palms and the bar, which many athletes find reduces hand wear. Pair them with good hand care and correct sizing for the best results.
IRON CLAW or IRON X grips for masters athletes?
IRON CLAW ($54.95) has a silicone front with reinforced fiber backing and a tacky, easy-to-learn feel. IRON X ($59.95) uses a natural rubber front with Kevlar backing and suits athletes who do a lot of high-volume gymnastics. Both come in palm sizes M to XXL, so size carefully before ordering.
What jump rope is best for masters athletes?
An adjustable speed rope lets you fit the cable to your height and skill level, which makes double under practice much easier. The RBST STINGER ($54.95) and STINGER-X ($59.95) are both adjustable. Short, frequent practice sessions with a well-fitted rope tend to work better than long, frustrating sets.
Should masters athletes wear gear in every workout?
No. Gear works best when you use it on purpose. Wear sleeves when they help you feel warm and ready, and save the belt and wraps for heavy or demanding sets. Training without gear on lighter days helps you build strength, control, and bracing skills on your own.
How do I make my training gear last longer?
Air out knee sleeves after every session and wash them regularly. Store your belt flat or loosely rolled, keep grips out of hot cars, and let wraps and sweatbands dry fully before packing them. Check the RBST product warranty page for coverage details and how to file a claim.
