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Jay Crouch Joins Team TWL

Jay Crouch joins TWL - CrossFit and Hyrox Athlete

We’re beyond excited to officially welcome Jay Crouch to Team TWL.

Jay isn’t just one of Australia’s most accomplished CrossFit athletes, he’s a new era athlete. Someone who embodies the relentless drive, humility, and versatility that defines the future of fitness.

Jay’s story began like many in the CrossFit world. Walking into a local gym as a teenager back in 2013, just looking for a challenge. What followed was a meteoric rise. His natural grit and competitive spirit quickly set him apart, and by 2019, he had already earned a spot at the CrossFit Games. Since then, Jay has become a fixture at the top level of the sport, representing Australia on the biggest stage and going head-to-head with the best in the world.

With multiple CrossFit Games appearances, a career stacked with top finishes in Oceania, and a reputation for consistency, intensity and sportsmanship, Jay has carved out a name as one of the region’s most respected athletes. But what sets him apart isn’t just his athletic resume, it’s his mindset. He shows up every day with purpose, puts in the work, and leads by example, both inside the gym and out.

Now, Jay is pushing the boundaries even further, making his mark in the professional fitness racing scene with HYROX. As the sport of functional fitness evolves, Jay is right there with it. Adapting, competing, and thriving across new formats. He represents what it means to be a true hybrid athlete, unafraid to explore new arenas, challenge expectations, and continue growing.

That’s why Jay is such a natural fit for TWL.

At TWL, we stand for performance, authenticity, and community. We back the athletes who put in the work, chase excellence, and live the lifestyle day in and day out. Jay lives and breathes that ethos. Whether he’s training in the gym, competing on the global stage, or inspiring the next generation, he brings a level of professionalism and passion that aligns perfectly with our values.

This partnership isn’t just about a logo on a shirt, it’s about building something together. Over the coming months, we’ll be working closely with Jay to create content, launch exclusive athlete-led projects, and bring our community behind the scenes of his journey. The training, competing, recovering, and everything in between.

From the CrossFit Games to the frontlines of fitness innovation, Jay is leading the charge. And with TWL in his corner, the next chapter is going to be something special.

We’re proud to have him on the team.

Stay tuned, some exciting collaborations are coming soon.

      

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Hyrox Brisbane: A Record-Breaking Fitness Spectacle

The Hyrox fitness phenomenon made its triumphant return to Brisbane in 2025, and this year’s event shattered records, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for hybrid fitness competitions in Australia. Held on March 1-2, 2025, at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, the event attracted a staggering 9,495 finishers—more than double the participation from August 2024, making it the biggest Hyrox event in Australia to date.

What is Hyrox?

Hyrox is a global fitness competition that bridges the gap between endurance racing and functional fitness. Athletes of all levels, from weekend warriors to elite competitors, complete a standardized race format that includes running intervals combined with functional workout stations such as sled pushes, rowing, and burpees. With multiple categories including Individual Pro, Doubles, and Relay events, Hyrox offers an inclusive yet highly competitive arena for testing strength, stamina, and mental toughness.

Read More here.

TWL at Hyrox Brisbane

TWL was once again at the heart of the Hyrox Brisbane experience, with numerous members of our community stepping up to push their boundaries. From first-timers tackling their fitness limits to seasoned veterans aiming for podium finishes, TWL was proud to support, inspire, and gear up athletes for this ultimate test of endurance and resilience. Our team was on-site, cheering on competitors, providing the best performance gear, and fueling the Hyrox spirit with our unwavering commitment to functional fitness.

Hyrox Brisbane 2025 - TWL

Record-Setting Performances

Brisbane witnessed some incredible performances across all categories. The competition was fierce, with elite athletes clocking phenomenal times. Here are the top results from the event:

Pro Men

  1. Stephen Carter – 59:14
  2. Jess Price-Owen – 59:49
  3. Luke McKenzie – 1:00:05
  4. Adam Fitzakerley – 1:00:23
  5. Hamish Granger – 1:00:35

Pro Women

  1. Connie Stevenson – 1:07:02
  2. Aisling Ryle – 1:07:17
  3. Calypso Sheridan – 1:07:17
  4. Katie Brock – 1:07:30
  5. Carlie Reid – 1:07:31

Pro Men Doubles

  1. William Martin & Nikola Sovljanski – 52:39
  2. Daniel Payne & Tanguy Cruz – 53:35
  3. Kieran O’Leary & Liam O’Leary – 56:39

Pro Women Doubles

  1. Nicola-Georgia Macbeth & Gabrielle Nikora-Baker – 59:27
  2. Madeleine Clarke & Jacqueline Clarke – 1:00:40
  3. Libby Carr & Emily Amris – 1:01:25

Mixed Doubles

  1. Joanna Wietrzyk & Hunter McIntyre – 51:20
  2. James Newbury & Tia Toomey – 54:11
  3. Mollie Emond & Aaron Price – 55:09

Men’s Relay

  1. Richard Munchow, Jay Moran, Sean Turner, Peter Philips – 55:45
  2. Joseph Webb, Max Hoonhout, Sebastian Serrano Valladares, Sam Cameron – 55:59
  3. Gino Allen, Chris Di Sipio, Marcel Gaensler, Luke Skinner – 57:56

Women’s Relay

  1. Dani Taylor, Olivia Keogh, Daina Maher, Stephanie Wilton – 1:01:28
  2. Kathrine Gailey, Tanya Harris, Sissel Way, Naomi Grayson – 1:09:26
  3. Susan Roberts, Jacqui Stacey, Amanda Menheere, Jenni Jones – 1:10:01

Mixed Relay

  1. Lou Kelly, Steve Duke, Sophie McConnell – 57:08
  2. Lucy Kirwan-Hamilton, Travis Emtsis, Liam Wilson, Kate Maher – 58:03
  3. Heath Davy, Kerry Ashford, Max Crisp, Bec Myers – 59:43

The Future of Hyrox in Australia

With a record-breaking turnout and some of the most competitive races in the event’s history, Hyrox Brisbane 2025 has set the stage for even greater participation in future editions. The sport continues to gain traction across Australia, drawing fitness enthusiasts eager to test their mettle. TWL remains committed to supporting this incredible community and fuelling the passion for performance.

Were you part of Hyrox Brisbane 2025? Share your experience with us and tag @TWL to celebrate your achievement!

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From The WOD Life to TWL: An Evolution

From our origins inside the CrossFit Gym, we founded The WOD Life in 2013.

Our goal was to provide a destination for athletes. Athletes who had a lifestyle around training and working out.

To create the best training products in the world and compliment them with the best brands and partners in the world.

To allow athletes like you, to train your hardest.

From our roots in CrossFit, our community love to vary the way they train, to push their boundaries and to discover what they are capable of.

CrossFit, Hybrid Training, Running to Weightlifting and Hyrox.

Our pursuit of perfection in everything we create has not changed.

We are excited to bring the evolution to reflect how our community and the way you train.

The WOD Life into TWL.

Training Without Limits.

TWL.

Push the Boundaries.

Join our athletes to support a community of athletes in 2025 and beyond.

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Stronger Together: TWL’s Campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness

At The WOD Life (TWL), community is at the heart of everything we do. This October, through TWL Causes we’re proud to unite our community through the Stronger Together campaign, raising awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Kicking off the campaign with a high-energy TWL Training Club session, the event saw people from all walks of life come together, sweat together, and support a cause that impacts so many lives.

Sweating for a Cause: TWL Training Club at REVL Prospect

The month started with an incredible event at REVL Prospect in Adelaide, Australia. Our community showed up in full force, ready to get moving for a purpose bigger than just fitness. With the walls echoing with energy and enthusiasm, athletes and fitness lovers alike came together for an intense workout, knowing that every drop of sweat contributed to raising funds and awareness for breast cancer.

This wasn’t just another workout – it was a moment of solidarity, a way for our TWL family to give back. The event highlighted the strength of the fitness community and the powerful impact we can make when we unite behind a cause. Everyone involved was not only pushing themselves physically but also pushing for progress in the fight against breast cancer.

Shop for a Cause: TWL’s Stronger Together Collection

But the campaign doesn’t stop with one event. As part of our effort to make a lasting impact, TWL has launched a special Stronger Together collection. This exclusive range of apparel and accessories has been designed with purpose, featuring vibrant pink accents in honor of breast cancer awareness. Whether you’re looking for performance wear or casual gear, this collection allows our community to wear their support proudly.

What makes this initiative even more meaningful is that part of the proceeds from every purchase go directly to Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). BCNA is a leading charity that provides much-needed resources, support, and advocacy for individuals affected by breast cancer across Australia. With each purchase, you’re not only getting premium gear but also contributing to vital services that help thousands of people navigate their breast cancer journey.

Stronger Together, Stronger Forever

At TWL, we believe in the power of community. The Stronger Together campaign is a testament to what can be achieved when we rally behind a cause that affects so many lives. We’re proud to play our part, and we’re inviting you to join us. Whether it’s by participating in a local TWL Training Club event, purchasing from the Stronger Together collection, or simply spreading the word, every action helps make a difference.

Together, we are stronger – in fitness, in life, and in the fight against breast cancer. Let’s continue to raise awareness, support each other, and keep moving forward, because we are truly stronger together.

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The Founding Story of TWL

The Founding Story of The WOD Life

In the world of fitness, few brands capture the essence of hard work, community, and performance like The WOD Life. Born from a passion for functional fitness and a desire to serve a growing community of athletes, The WOD Life’s journey is as inspiring as the athletes it supports. It all started with two friends, Andy Lee and Ben Dineen, who had a shared love for CrossFit, fitness, and the lifestyle that accompanied it.

The Spark Behind the Brand

In 2013, Andy and Ben were like many other fitness enthusiasts: constantly on the hunt for the best gear, apparel, and accessories to complement their CrossFit training. The problem they encountered was that the local market in Australia lacked a central hub where athletes could find the right equipment, apparel, and nutrition for their needs. Functional fitness was still relatively new, and many athletes had to source products from various global suppliers, often paying hefty shipping costs and dealing with long wait times.

Andy and Ben recognized this gap in the market and saw an opportunity to build something that could serve the needs of the growing CrossFit and functional fitness community. What started as an idea quickly turned into action. They envisioned a brand that would not only curate the best products for athletes but also create a community of like-minded individuals passionate about fitness.

Building The WOD Life

With a clear goal in mind, Andy and Ben launched The WOD Life in 2013 from humble beginnings. The company’s first iteration was a simple online store. The pair would work tirelessly during the day, fulfilling orders from Ben’s bedroom in their spare time, handling every aspect of the business themselves. They curated gear that they knew athletes would love and invested in building a brand that was accessible, reliable, and authentic.

The WOD Life quickly gained traction, as word spread throughout the CrossFit community about the quality of products and the brand’s commitment to the sport. Andy and Ben understood that being athletes themselves gave them unique insight into the market’s needs. They were not just business owners but also end users of the products they were curating and developing.

A Commitment to Community

From the beginning, The WOD Life was built with the community at its core. Andy and Ben focused on creating more than just a transactional relationship with their customers. They built a platform that connected athletes, offered advice, and supported them in achieving their fitness goals. This approach resonated with customers, and The WOD Life rapidly became a trusted name in the functional fitness space.

Their relentless drive to innovate and evolve has been crucial to the brand’s growth. Over the years, The WOD Life expanded its product line, collaborating with top athletes and continuing to source and develop high-quality gear, clothing, and accessories. The brand is now a global player, trusted by thousands of athletes across the world.

Continuing the Journey

Today, The WOD Life is more than just a fitness brand. It is a community of athletes driven by the same passion that Andy and Ben had when they first started. The story of The WOD Life is a testament to the power of identifying a need, following a passion, and building something with a community-first approach. As the brand continues to grow, Andy and Ben remain dedicated to supporting the athletes who inspire them every day, staying true to the core values that have made The WOD Life what it is today.

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How to Stay Fueled During the Open

You’ve trained harder than ever before — pushed yourself to your limits and beyond. You’re crushing the Open workouts and having a blast with your community. Giving your body the right fuel to maintain this pace through the Open is vital. Without it, your months of hard work could come crashing down. Let’s take a look at how you can stay fueled and perform this year.

fuel properly

Pre-WOD Nutrition

Fueling up prior to tackling the workout means your body will have time to start digesting the food you eat and, crucially, turning it into pure power. So, what types of food should you focus on ahead of the WOD? The key here is consuming healthy, slow carbohydrates, which will release long-lasting energy over time, such as:

  • Whole grains
  • Brown rice
  • Vegetables
  • Fruit

Consume these around an hour before you hit the Open Workout. These foods will keep you from crashing mid-workout. Conversely, there are certain food groups you should avoid — like high-fat and processed foods. These types of foods not only take longer to digest, but they also take a whole lot of energy to break down. That means you could end up depriving yourself of vital resources when you eat them.

And don’t forget your pre-workout! The Progenex Force pre-workout sachets are ridiculously convenient and will help you compete harder with a sharper mind. Gold Standard also has an excellent pre-workout.

pre workout

Right before the competition, there’s still time to ensure you have the fuel you so desperately need. Around 30 to 60 minutes before your Open workout starts, take an amino acid supplement. Research suggests that ingesting branched-chain amino acids prior to exercise can reduce muscle fatigue and support post-exercise recovery. We like Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard BCAA. This stuff helps us get through long workouts, and makes recovery so much easier.

Mid-Open Hydration

If you’re able to hydrate mid-WOD (or even immediately after), you may want to try an electrolyte-infused drink or a supplement, such as InfraRed (which can actually be taken before, during, or after your WOD). Avoiding Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps (EAMC) is crucial to your success throughout the Open, and finishing as strong as you started. According to a study from the University of Alabama, consuming electrolyte supplements could help prevent the onset of EAMC, meaning you can last longer and compete harder. Simple.

How to Refuel Afterward

Proper nutrition post-WOD might just be the most vital. This helps ensure your body can heal from the stress it was just put under — so you can crush the next Open workout like the beast you are. Post-WOD nutrition should include plenty of protein and carbs to repair your muscles. We’re huge fans of Origen protein. It’s clean, lean and uncomplicated, and it contains only three ingredients, so you know it’s natural. (BTW, it also makes a killer snack post-workout, if you want to try this recipe.)

high protein snack

For carbs, you want something fast-acting, so your muscles can begin the recovery process ASAP. Think bananas or honey.

If you want to make life easier, buy everything you need all at once. Our Open Supplements Kit contains Origen protein, Extreme Endurance and Gold Standard Pre-Workout. Having your best Open yet is easier when you do it with The WOD Life. Shop with us today! (Psst! We have express and international shipping.) Good luck in the Open, everyone!

the grave

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2018’s Standards for Hand Protection While Competing

Do you like to keep your hands protected while you’re working on the pull-up bar? So do we. CrossFit recently released the standards for 2018 regarding hand protection and what is and isn’t off-limits. According to their post on Instagram, you can only wear gear that encourages safety or comfort but does not provide an advantage. To be more specific, you can wrap tape around the bar or wear extra hand protection, but you may not do both. Acceptable types of hand protection include gloves, tape and gymnastics grips.

thumb tape
Even though this rule prevents you from “doubling up” on hand protection, with the variety of options available today, there’s something for everyone — whether you prefer tape, grips or gloves. There’s still time to stock up before the Open arrives, and you won’t want to wait — because it’s sounding like at least one of the workouts will involve pull-ups, toes-to-bar or muscle-ups of some kind.

Shop hand protection at The WOD Life today!

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See How the Elite Athletes Train

Preparing for the Open is a year-round responsibility; and it’s about so much more than staying fit. Precise nutrition, careful programming, intense training and purposeful rest and recovery are the necessary components of a stellar athlete. We wanted a closer look at exactly what goes into making an athlete Open-ready, so we caught up with Luke McMahon and Matt McLeod down in New South Wales. McMahon has four Regionals under his belt, and McLeod has qualified for Regionals twice.

So, how does one prepare for the world’s biggest fitness competition? McMahon and McLeod stressed the value of training with a partner. There’s a sense of accountability you can’t get when training alone. Plus, it provides an added layer of motivation unmatched by any solo sweat session. When you think you can’t do even one more rep, a friend can give you the little nudge you need.

TWL tagged along while McLeod and McMahon demolished their workouts.

WOD 1

3 rounds

  • 10 snatches @ 70kg
  • 12 synchro pull-ups

3 rounds

  • 8 snatches @ 80kg
  • 9 synchro C2B

3 rounds

  • 6 snatches @ 90kg
  • 6 synchro bar muscle-ups

WOD 2

3 rounds

  • 1000m farm run
  • 10 med ball/sandbag over-the-shoulders @ 70

WOD 3

5 supersets

  • Max chest-to-ring hold
  • 8 ring push-ups with a 5sec negative
  • Max wall-facing handstand hold

EMOM for 9 min

  • On the odd minutes: 9 hang power cleans @ 90kg + max double-unders
  • On the even minutes: rest

WOD 4

2 rounds

  • 100m swim
  • 20 overhead KB lunges

2 rounds

  • 100m swim
  • 20 KB OHS

2 rounds

  • 100m swim
  • 20 overhead KB lunges

Embracing the ever-popular philosophy of “constantly varied,” McLeod and McMahon keep an open mind when it comes to their programming and often see where the wind takes them. Sometimes it’s the gym. Other times, it’s the beach. Maybe it’s a park. They steadily challenge themselves with new activities so when it comes time to compete, they’re ready for anything.

Watch them in action and learn more about their training and nutrition in our first episode of The Journey.

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Say Hello to Puori

puori pancakes

At The WOD Life, you can find all sorts of products to help you become the best version of yourself, in and out of the gym. That includes nutrition and supplements. You may have noticed that recently, one line of products we carry underwent a makeover. Say goodbye to PurePharma, and hello to Puori.

PurePharma began in 2009, with the desire to use scientific research to create only the cleanest and purest supplements. They quickly grew a powerful fanbase, including newbies and professional athletes alike. Over the years, they came to realize that “PurePharma” didn’t fully embody what they were all about: pure origins. Thus, Puori was born, and it beautifully reflects their philosophy.


As usual, Puori uses natural ingredients of the world, always steering clear of artificial colors, preservatives, and fillers. They want you to reach your highest potential and offer a holistic approach to wellness you won’t find elsewhere.

Shop for Puori with TWL today.

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The Gym Apparel Brands You Can’t Live Without

When you go to gym, it’s important to be wearing the appropriate attire — because when you feel confident about yourself, you’ll perform better. This means finding the right apparel that’s comfortable, functional and, let’s be honest, pretty to look at. There are some brands who go above and beyond, with a dedication to creating stylish sports apparel and performance-enhancing gear. They also create a sense of community that motivates athletes to become their best selves. Here are some of the best gym apparel brands.

The Brave

The Brave is a sports apparel brand that is more than a brand. It’s a lifestyle. The Brave’s goal is to represent those who are chasing their goals “in pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.” Founded in 2011, the brand came from “the fundamental belief that we humans are capable of much more than we often realise.”

The Brave Camo Jacket

Athletes love The Brave for exactly this reason. Testimonies, often those coming from #THEBRAVEPROJECT, tell stories about athletes pursuing their personal fitness goals or desires to compete, despite others telling them they cannot or limiting them.

The Brave sponsors a number of impressive athletes, including Jordan Bender, who knew from the young age of 16 that he wanted to coach and compete in CrossFit, and he did not let anyone stop him.

athletic apparel brand

The brand carries an assortment of products that cater to both male and female athletes. Shop with The WOD Life online to see their line of products. Selling apparel for athletes who want to live brave, the apparel is designed for both performance and style. They also sell accessories like wrist wraps, hats and beanies.

The WOD Life

This goes without saying — and we don’t mean to toot our own horn — but The WOD Life definitely belongs in your closet if you’re a CrossFit or weightlifting athlete. While we have an assortment of top-quality equipment, we’re not going to let you down when it comes to style and comfort.

The WOD Life is the hub for everyone who lives the functional fitness lifestyle. TWL hopes to build the community one workout at a time through high-quality products at an affordable price.

TWL High Socks & Bra

Why do athletes love The WOD Life, you ask? We provide sports apparel that helps streamline your performance while making you look good. There is a massive sense of community with the support that The WOD Life gives to aspiring athletes in events from the grassroots level, up to the Games themselves.

With apparel and other products that help push athletes to improve themselves while making their lives easier, there’s no wonder why athletes love The WOD Life.

Virus

Among the brands in this list, Virus is more known for their compression wear. While they provide stylish t-shirts and shorts for regular use, they also offer a competitive and impressive line of compression wear for athletes who would like to reap its benefits. Their compression wear line is diverse within itself. Whether you need to stay warm or cool, Virus has performance-enhancing wear for you.

virus womens long sleeve compression shirt

Virus is all about athletes who are fueled by their passion. It’s a top choice for athletes who strive for perfection, showing devotion and excitement at the thought of becoming a better version of oneself. The brand makes sure it’s up to date with the latest nanotechnology, technical fabrics and biomechanical patterning to create performance wear that pushes athletes to their limits and beyond.

All three of these brands are available on The WOD Life’s website.

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The Benefits of Wrist Wraps, and How They Alleviate Pain

One of the most common injuries in CrossFit happens with the wrists. If you look around at any box, you’ll find people of different fitness levels performing exercises that require strength and stability in this area. The amount of stress that the wrist can tolerate is rather unbelievable; but like any body part, they’re not immune to injury. Any CrossFitter would be wise to understand how to alleviate wrist pain and furthermore, how to prevent it from worsening — namely through the use of wrist wraps.

As athletes, it is important for us to be able to do exercises properly with minimum risk of injury. We need to have healthy, strong wrists for two huge reasons:

  1. Many lifts require the backward extension of the wrist, which puts a lot of strain on it.
  2. Bodyweight exercises like ring dips, pull-ups and push-ups put extra pressure on the wrists since they have to support the weight of your body.

It’s important to keep working to be physically fit and be our best possible selves. To stay in the game longer, you need to protect yourself from injury and pain. One good way to do this is to employ the use of wrist wraps. While they might not completely prevent injury, wrist wraps provide extra support to the wrists. This, along with foundational training and basic conditioning, can help avoid further risk of injury.

Types of Wrist Wraps

There are two main types of wrist wraps: cloth and elastic. Tape wraps also exist, but they are not meant to be replacements for cloth or elastic. These are not reusable, offer minimal support and are not adjustable, but they’re better than no protection at all.

Cloth Wraps

Cloth wraps are the most common type of wrist wraps, and they provide a number of advantages.

  • They offer sufficient support for high rep workouts and are adjustable on the fly. You just need to twist to tighten it and twist the opposite direction to loosen. The tighter it is wrapped, the more support it provides — although tighter wraps could impede your mobility by reducing your range of motion.
  • Cloth wraps will not loosen as easily during a workout. Especially when wrapped right.
  • Cloth wraps are washable, compared to other types.

The WOD Life has a wide selection of wrist wraps available. For those looking for a lightweight but reliable option, you can check out the TWL Wraps that come in a variety of colors.

wrist wraps

Elastic Wraps

While cloth wraps are great for bodyweight exercises and the like, those who like to do some heavy lifting might want to consider elastic wraps. Here are some advantages.

  • These wraps are stretchy and are secured with hook-and-loop tapes.
  • Elastic wraps are sturdier and more reliable for low rep, heavier lifts. Most elastic wrist wraps also come with thumb loops.
  • You can adjust these wraps to your desired tightness. The elasticity provides a bit more room for movement and is extra reliable.

The WOD Life offers the WOD Wrist Wrap 2.0, a strong wrap with a soft material that can help longer sessions feel more comfortable. The thumb loop also gives you more support and peace of mind.

wraps

If you want to take an extra step as a strongman or powerlifter, the heavy duty WOD Wrist Wrap offers the highest quality support for the toughest workouts when you need it to be wrapped extra firm around your wrists.

Whatever your needs are, anyone can benefit from wrist wraps to stay in the game for longer.

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The Journey: Joel Munro in the Spotlight

Joel Munro is no stranger to competition. The CrossFit athlete has repeatedly ranked as one of the fittest in Australia, and has in fact recently completed three competitions in three weekends, having podium finishes on each. Most recently, he competed at Battle on the Beaches with partner Sean Brickwood,


While Munro makes even the toughest of tasks look easy, he’s dedicated a great deal of time and energy to perfecting his craft. The WOD Life caught up with him during the 2017 competitive CrossFit season to see what his average day is like — training, nutrition and all.

Main image: Joel Munro/Instagram (taken by Kim Pedersen)