Reebok CrossFit: Everything you Need to Know

Nowadays, nobody wants to simply run on the treadmill, lift weights, or do some push-ups on the mats. Gym goers started looking for a program with other participants. This prompted a huge variety of workouts like HIIT (High- Intensity Interval Training), CrossFit, and Piloxing, even the cardio classes evolved from simple dancing to Pound and spin classes.

These classes are facilitated by qualified experts for everyone i.e., whatever fitness level you are in. People jump to these classes because nobody judges you even if you don’t know what you’re getting into. And because it’s facilitated, you are less prone to injury. Later on, you and the other participants get to bond and are friends talking about attending classes. This makes everyone even more motivated along the way.

What is CrossFit?

Former gymnast Greg Glassman founded CrossFit, which is among the popular workout trends that emerged in the past decade. It is a workout with mixed modal training i.e., there are varied activities in one workout. CrossFit combines activities like cardio, conditioning exercises, gymnastics, battle ropes, and Olympic weightlifting in one program. 

Glassman’s early gymnast years trained with bodyweight exercises alone. However, Glassman wanted to improve his strength even more. His passion drove him to do more exercises that include dumbbells and barbells. But he didn’t stop there. He turned cycling with his friends from a hobby to another conditioning exercise. The combination of bodyweight exercises, weightlifting, and cycling served as the foundations of CrossFit.

CrossFit may sound intense, but creator Glassman would always say that the workout is scalable which means the workout could be reprogramed accordingly – for old people, for people who had past injuries, for beginners, for gymnasts, and for everyone who just wants to give it a try. Nonetheless, the sport is scalable depending on the highest intensity for the CrossFitter and the end goal is to improve overall health, stamina, coordination, balance, and flexibility while also improving power and strength.

Who is Reebok?

Adidas acquired Reebok for $3.8B in 2006 saying that they were complementary companies. The strategy was for Adidas to focus on professional sports while Reebok on workout fashion. Reebok then deviated from conventional sports and reconsidered itself as being a fitness brand. It carries fitness apparel and shoes that are highly functional and fad at the same time. Therefore, Reebok rebuilt itself to be your companion on different workout programs.

The first Reebok tie-up initiative was with CrossFit which lasted for 10 years. To date, Reebok sponsors UFC, Spartan Race, and Les Mills. Reebok’s the official provider of fight apparel for UFC fighters. Reebok sponsors the Spartan Race which is one of the leading obstacle course race series. Lastly, Reebok’s the official apparel provider for Les Mills which offers over 20 workout programs for different fitness levels.

With these partnerships, Reebok’s mark in being a fitness brand is remarkable especially sponsoring workout programs like CrossFit and Spartan Race which has turned into a games event series. Reebok situated itself in an event that comparably appears to be a yearly sports event. This makes the brand sustainable having its own monopolistic quality. Now, Reebok leads in designing and distributing fitness footwear, apparel, and equipment.

Reebok and CrossFit

Reebok partnered-up with CrossFit in 2009 – its first fitness tie-up initiative. The 10-year partnership gave Reebok rights as the exclusive outfitter of CrossFit and the title sponsor of CrossFit Games. 

CrossFit was gaining traction prior to the partnership but according to Dave Castro, Director of CrossFit Games 2011, Reebok gave them more exposure and visibility along with financial gains:

“We have seen large gains in commercial success with bringing on Reebok as a partner to the CrossFit Games. Reebok is helping us take the event to the next level in terms of exposure and what they can do for the athletes.”

The partnership mutually benefited both ends. CrossFit gained more followers and participants (not just in the games but in its classes) and Reebok repositioned itself as the leading outfitter for workout programs.

Reebok CrossFit Games

CrossFitters would always refer to “the Games” which is a yearly event CrossFit sponsored by Reebok to identify “The Fittest on Earth”. Each year CrossFitter athletes all over the world compete in the CrossFit Open and CrossFit Regionals before the Reebok CrossFit Games where only 40 men, 40 women, 40 teams, 80 teenagers, and 240 masters are left standing.

It’s a big sporting event when it comes to participants. Yearly, CrossFit records the number of participants and has recorded the 2018 Reebok Crossfit Games as the largest participatory sporting event with more than 415,000 participants across 172 countries in 2018. In the individual Division, the first placer received $300,000 as his/her prize money, while the team division’s prize per team was $100,000. This made the Reebok Crossfit Games even more popular.

In 2017 alone, CrossFit athletes worldwide broke 44 fitness records. Among the 44 records set were pistol squats in a minute, most knuckle push-ups, and most burpee pull-ups in one minute. This shows how intense The Games were. All athletes who attempted to set new records were wearing Reebok’s Nano 7 which was released in early 2017.

CrossFit 2021

This year, the Games kick off on March 11 in the three-week Open workouts. Global registration began last January 7, you may still sign up here. The pandemic contributed to some notable changes this year such as the Open conducted at local gyms or homes via online streaming. 

Another notable change is that the Affiliate Cup is back as well where athletes who train together in a CrossFit affiliate gym can compete as one community – a team consists of two men and two women. CrossFit ensures the inclusion of as many athletes as possible, there’s also an adaptive division added to the teen’s and master’s division, and continent-based semi-finals so all continents are represented.

Excited yet? Share the Open to friends and family as a gift by purchasing a gift code.

Reebok CrossFit Shoes

The brand – Reebok takes pride in the cross-training shoe department. Reebok CrossFit requires all athletes to gear up in full Reebok from the Games collection and we’ve never heard many complaints. Instead, we heard good reviews from Reebok’s cross-training shoes, especially on their durability and comfortability.

The Reebok Nano (Men and Women)

Every CrossFitter and the Games’ athlete would agree that the Reebok Nano is the best cross-training shoes overall. Experts designed Reebok Nano’s to withstand and support the most intense cross-training workouts. Every detail of the Reebok Nano supports all activities including jumps and climbs by making the athlete even more agile. 

It gained popularity with its sleek design and comfort. Apart from the eye-catching colours and design, the breathability of the Nano is outstanding. The Flexweave™ Technology weaves fibers into a figure-8 to create a strong, flexible upper providing breathability and durability with its lightweight construction. The Flexweave also provides stability as it hugs the upper part of the foot. The lightweight cushioning contributed to the overall comfort as well and will keep you as agile as possible.

Another sought-after feature of cross-training shoes is the cushioning which provided support especially with all the jumping, running, lifting, and climbing CrossFit entails. The Reebok Nano offers a high-density foam midsole in the forefoot. 

Lastly, we want security – especially for lifting, and the minimal drop outsole provides this. The plastic heel counter and TPU heel reinforces the heel cup and ensures increased support as the shoe is held in place.

Reebok Nano X

Image Source: Reebok

The Reebok Nano X is the latest iteration of Reebok’s Nano line. The major complaint from the previous iterations includes the narrow toe boxes. Reebok changed this slightly with the Reebok Nano X. They provided a wide toe box that aids in quick lateral movements. However, some would say that it became too wide for narrow-footed athletes.

Reebok upgraded the Nano X to be an all-around shoe. Go the distance when running and feel the support it gives in a high-intensity workout with the new Nano.

Reebok Nano X provides optimum comfort with its new collar construction that cradles the ankle with high-density foam. There’s also cushioning at the tongue which for some gives a more luxurious feel to their cross-training shoes.

You may get your Reebok Nano X Men and Reebok Nano X Women for $130 on Reebok. They have a 4.7-star and 4.6star rating on Reebok respectively. Order via Reebok and enjoy free shipping on orders over $49 and a 30-day return policy. Also, they’re having a New Year markdown with an extra 50% discount by using the code GETDOWN at checkout.

Reebok CrossFit Shorts

CrossFit shorts are among the many lines of Reebok. CrossFitters’ go-to shorts are definitely from Reebok. We rounded it up to the top CrossFit shorts for both men and women to aid you in your CrossFit apparel shopping.

Reebok CrossFit Chase Solid Booty Shorts for Women

Image Source: Reebok

These Reebok CrossFit shorts boast a PlayDry technology which is a speedwick fabric to make you cool, dry, and comfortable while working out. Made for CrossFitters, it is designed for the athletic physique that will show off those hamstrings.

The flatlock seam ensures a non-irritating material for those long and sweaty workouts and prevents rubbing in your skin. Lastly, it’s also fashionable with its 3-inch waistband and functional giving you the perfect length for your CrossFit workout.

The Chase Solid Booty Shorts has a 4.9-star rating and is available on Reebok for $45. Catch it on promo now.

Reebok CrossFit Epic Base Shorts

Image Source: Reebok

Athletes swear by Reebok’s CrossFit shorts from Speedwick Speed to Super Nasty Speed but the Epic Base topped our list. It’s the ideal CrossFit shorts for any kind of intense workout – a definite go-to shorts. It features a woven fabric that stretches well. It keeps you dry with its durable water repellent coating. These CrossFit shorts also have the signature Speedwick fabric of Reebok that wicks sweat. Lastly, it has a cordlock closure to be adjusted to your perfect fit without any bulk.

It has a 4.4-star rating on Reebok for $60 but is currently on promotion.

Reebok Dominated the CrossFit Trend

Reebok dominated CrossFit after being tied-up with it for 10 years. Every CrossFitters dream was to get their hands on the latest Reebok Nano or hoard all the different CrossFit shorts and apparel. 

Reebok certainly placed itself as a fitness brand specialising in CrossFit. In every article that lists the best CrossFit shoes or apparel, no doubt Reebok would top the list. The sponsorship of Reebok for the Games definitely paid off in making the brand well-known among CrossFitters.

However, Reebok decided to end the partnership following Glassman’s insensitive tweet on George Floyd saying “It’s FLOYD-19” referring to the pandemic COVID-19. Glassman apologised for the insensitive comment but Reebok already made their decision. He then stepped down as CEO of the company. Eric Roza, owner of the affiliate gym CrossFit Sanitas in Boulder, Colorado, bought 100% of the company. He decided to partner up with Berkshire Partners, an investment firm that jointly agreed to acquire CrossFit.

Now, the question is would Reebok still dominate among CrossFitters? Let us know in the comments.