The Open is almost here, and specific preparations are in order. With so much action packed into mere weeks, your body is going to go through more wear and tear than ever. Having the right gear on hand is essential to making this a successful Open. Here are seven things we recommend.

7 Pieces of Gear You Should Have for the Open

1. Finger Tape

Never underestimate the strain that functional fitness puts on your hands, wrists, and fingers. During the grueling five-week competition, you will put this area of your body under a great amount of pressure. Investing in some top-quality finger tape could be the answer.

Adding grip to your lifting session as well as protecting your skin from taking too much of a pounding during pull-ups, this piece of gear is an absolute must for athletes.

2. Hand Grips

Looking for that extra edge during the Open? Using some hand grips during the entire competition is one way to push yourself forward. These pieces of gear are designed specifically for the pull-up bar and are certain to help you up your game. If you’re at all concerned about friction burns, blisters, or even cuts, wearing these grips will give you peace of mind and means that you can protect yourself quickly and easily.

3. Knee Sleeves

Boosting your circulation while also giving you a high level of comfort and support, knee sleeves are an essential piece of fitness gear for this year’s competition. Search for a pair that gives you a level of flexibility and movement. There is a broad selection of knee sleeves available in varying thicknesses.

4. Shin Guards

Similarly, giving you calf and shin support, these next pieces of gear should be at the top of your “must-buy list.” Shin guards are a small yet vital piece of gear that every competitor needs for the Open. You can invest in a pair that adds some more compression to the area, which should help make your legs sturdier and your lifts stronger. Plus, it’ll stop you from chewing up your shins during the Olympic lifts and box jumps.

5. Wrist Wraps

Should your wrists need some extra support to survive the competition, you may want to get a pair of wrist wraps. As you can expect to be lifting significant weights under fatigue (not to mention those pesky handstand push-ups), you need to ensure that your wrists are at once agile and supported. That’s where these pieces of gear come into the equation.

6. Hand Care

Let’s face it. This year’s competition is sure to be hardcore. If you’re competing to the max, you can expect your hands to take a beating. That’s where Ript comes in. It’ll help protect and heal your hands, and it even comes with a grind stone.

7. Foam Roller

Recovery during the Open is limited, meaning you need to give it extra special attention. The foam roller is your go-to tool when it comes to revitalizing your muscles and tackling some of those irritating aches and pains. Getting your  own a foam roller is a savvy idea, as it’s small enough to be taken from place to place but still hits all the right spots. You can easily use a foam roller to work out the kinks and knots in your arms, legs, and back. Give it a go.

Get #OpenReady and shop all the gear you’ll need with TWL!