In crosstraining, your accessories are your best allies.

They protect you, improve your grip, absorb shocks, stabilize your joints… But like a fraying rope or a shoe that loses its cushioning, they wear out.

And when they do, it's not just a matter of comfort: your performance and safety take a hit.

Here's how to recognize signs of wear and know when to replace your gymnastics grips, hand grips, knee sleeves, and other accessories.

1. Worn-out gymnastics grips: less grip, more risk during your crosstraining session

Gymnastics grips are the first thing that takes all the abuse: the bar, sweat, chalk, repeated movements...

Over time, the material can become smooth, harden, or crack, and you lose your #1 asset: grip.

🔍 What to watch out for:

• You slip, regardless of the bar
• The coating is worn and you can see the layer underneath
• The stitching is weak or coming undone
• The Velcro no longer holds well

⚠️ Consequences:

• Less control over the bar = sloppy reps
• Risk of letting go mid-movement (pull-ups, toes-to-bar…)
• More frequent blisters or burns

👉 Replace them as soon as the grip becomes inconsistent or the stitching shows signs of weakness.

Don't risk an injury for 3 more WODs with your grips.

2. Worn-out knee sleeves = less support, more joint stress during your crosstraining session

Compressive knee sleeves protect your knees from impact and instability.

But over time (and with sweat), they can deform or lose their elasticity.

🔍 What to look for:

• Less compression (they slip, wrinkle, or "float")
• Cracked neoprene, crushed foam
• Stitching coming undone

⚠️ Consequences:

• • Less stability on squats, box jumps, lunges
  • More pronounced joint fatigue
  • Accelerated cartilage wear in the long term
    
    

👉 Replace them every 12 to 18 months, or as soon as they no longer stay in place properly.

3. Worn Velcro: small details, big problems during your crosstraining session

Velcro fasteners are everywhere: grips, knee sleeves, straps, belts...

But once worn, they no longer hold, open mid-WOD or crosstraining session, or lose their adjustment.

🔍 What to check:

• The hook-and-loop no longer adheres well
• The loops are torn
• Visible wear on the strap

⚠️ Consequences:

• Gear detaches during the WOD
• No sustained tension (ineffective belt or wrist wraps)
• Irritation or discomfort

👉 Tip: brush the Velcro to remove chalk and dust.

But when it no longer holds, it's time to change it.

4. How to prolong the life of your gear?

At WODANDGO, we think about performance AND longevity with accessories specially designed for crosstraining. Here are some best practices to make your equipment last:

• • Wash your grips and knee sleeves by hand, in lukewarm water without fabric softener
  • Let them air dry, laid flat
  • Avoid storing them in a closed, damp bag
  • Regularly clean the Velcro to prevent it from getting clogged
  • Do not twist or fold them for extended periods

And most importantly, choose equipment designed to last in crosstraining practice, with technical materials, reinforced stitching, and tested in real WODs.

Like the gear from WODANDGO 💪🇫🇷

🏁 In summary

And you?

When was the last time you checked the condition of your accessories?

Check them today, and equip yourself for lasting performance in crosstraining, with accessories designed to keep up with your WODs, day after day. Discovering WODANDGO's knee sleeves, gymnastics grips, jump ropes means discovering superior quality products and excellent longevity.