3 Best Crossfit Interval Timers: Level Up Your Workouts!

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Do you need a good interval timer for some grueling Crossfit workouts? Here are the best timers your money can buy especially for Crossfit purposes. Whether you need a timer for your home gym, a portable one or a large timer for a large gym with group classes, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive into what the best CrossFit timers are and how you can select on that fits your needs.

Best Crossfit Interval Timers

Timer Model	Best For	Pros	Cons	Price
GymNext Flex	CrossFit Enthusiasts (Home Edition) Large gyms/Group Classes (Gym Edition)	– User-friendly interface – Versatile pre-programmed workouts – Customizable intervals – Class-leading Mobile app control – Durable and waterproof design	– Higher price point	Check Price: –Home Edition 2.3″ digits) –Gym Edition (4″ Digits
SeeSii Interval Timer	Personal Use, Home Gyms, Mobile	– Clear LED display – Different sizes available – Battery or cord powered – Customizable intervals – Waterproof design	– Remote control range may be limited – No App	Check SeeSii Timer Price (Amazon)
Rogue Home Timer	Home Gyms, Mobile	– Sturdy and compact design – Bluetooth enabled – Battery-powered – Customizable intervals – Sound alerts	– App is not as good as GymNext’s app – Limited pre-set workout modes compared to other timers	Check Rogue Timer Price

Missing Timers

You might feel some workout timers are missing from this list. There are some other dedicated CrossFit timers out there, however, I feel like they’re not providing a very good package for how much they cost.

Some are more expensive than the GymNext timers but don’t offer the ease of an app and you still have to use a remote to program them. They also don’t have any other redeeming features so they didn’t make it to this list.

Which Features Does a Crossfit Gym Timer Need?

Maybe you’re not completely sure what makes a good CrossFit timer. Here are 11 important criteria you should select your timer for:

1. Programmable Interval Settings

• Customizable interval times allow users to tailor workouts to their specific training goals.
• Versatility for various CrossFit training styles, including AMRAP, EMOM, and HIIT.
• The flexibility to set intervals based on individual fitness levels and progress.

A CrossFit timer needs programmable interval settings because CrossFit training often involves a wide variety of workout styles and exercises. Each workout may have different time intervals for work and rest periods, depending on the specific training objectives.

Learn more about pre-programmed workout timer modes here.

Having programmable interval settings allows users to customize their workouts based on their fitness level, goals, and progress. They can set the duration of work intervals to challenge themselves appropriately, ensuring the workout is neither too easy nor too overwhelming. Additionally, they can adjust rest periods to allow for sufficient recovery and optimize performance.

CrossFit is known for its intensity and constantly varied workouts, and programmable interval settings cater to this diversity. Whether it’s AMRAP, EMOM, Tabata, or any other CrossFit training style, the ability to program specific interval times ensures that users can follow their preferred training regimen accurately.

Moreover, programmable interval settings provide flexibility for trainers and athletes to create tailored workouts suitable for group training sessions or individual training.

Also read this: Key factors for selecting the perfect gym timer.

2. Pre-Programmed Workouts

A CrossFit interval timer needs pre-programmed workouts to provide users with convenient access to popular and effective CrossFit training styles. These pre-programmed workouts are designed by fitness experts and coaches, incorporating well-balanced exercises and intervals that target different muscle groups and fitness aspects.

There are several reasons why pre-programmed workouts are beneficial for a fitness interval timer:

1. Convenience: Pre-programmed workouts save users time and effort in planning their training routines. They eliminate the need to manually set up interval times and rest periods for each exercise, streamlining the workout preparation process.
2. Structured Training: CrossFit training is known for its constantly varied workouts. Pre-programmed workouts offer structured training sessions with specific intervals and exercises, ensuring users get a well-rounded workout experience.
3. Suitable for Beginners: Pre-programmed workouts are especially helpful for newcomers to CrossFit. They provide guidance and direction, helping beginners ease into the world of interval training without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Variety and Versatility: The timer’s pre-programmed workouts often include a diverse range of training styles, such as AMRAP, EMOM, Tabata, and more. This variety keeps workouts fresh and exciting, preventing workout plateaus and monotony.
5. Efficient Workouts: Since the workouts are pre-planned, users can maximize their training time without spending extra minutes on programming the timer. This efficiency allows them to focus on their exercises and get the most out of each session.
6. Ideal for Group Training: Pre-programmed workouts are particularly useful for group training sessions. Coaches can lead a class and sync their timers, ensuring all participants follow the same intervals and exercises simultaneously.
7. Progression Tracking: Users can track their progress over time by repeating the same pre-programmed workouts and comparing their performance. This tracking helps measure fitness improvements and motivates users to push their limits further.

Crossfit Interval Types

Mode	Description	Benefits
AMRAP	Challenges users to complete as many rounds of a set workout within a specified time, pushing their limits and boosting intensity.	– Improves endurance and builds mental toughness.
EMOM	Requires users to perform a specific exercise or set of exercises at the start of every minute, promoting consistent effort and time management.	– Enhances workout efficiency and time discipline.
HIIT	Alternates between short bursts of intense exercise and brief rest periods, maximizing calorie burn and improving cardiovascular fitness.	– Maximizes calorie burn and improves cardiovascular fitness.
WOD	Provides a complete workout routine for each day, offering structure and variety to CrossFit training sessions. This isn’t necessarily a type of interval workout but almost always involves intervals.	– Offers structured and diverse training sessions.

8. Size and Portability

Size and portability are essential for a CrossFit timer due to the dynamic nature of CrossFit training and the varying workout environments in which it takes place. Here’s why size and portability matter:

• Flexibility in Workout Locations: CrossFit workouts can happen in various locations, including home gyms, outdoor spaces, commercial gyms, or even during travel. A compact and portable timer allows users to carry it easily and set up workouts wherever they go, ensuring consistent training regardless of the location.
• Outdoor Workouts: Many CrossFit enthusiasts enjoy taking their training outdoors for fresh air and variety. A portable timer enables them to maintain interval training during outdoor sessions without compromising on functionality.
• Group Training Sessions: CrossFit is known for its community-driven workouts, often involving group training sessions. Portable timers are convenient for coaches or trainers to carry and use during classes, ensuring everyone follows the same intervals and stays synchronized.
• Travel and Competitions: CrossFit competitions and travel frequently go hand in hand. Athletes need a timer they can easily pack in their bags and take to competitions, allowing them to stay on top of their training routines while on the go.
• Quick Set-Up: Portability often comes with user-friendly designs, making it easy to set up the timer quickly. This feature is particularly important for time-sensitive workouts and smooth transitions between exercises.
• Gym Equipment Compatibility: A portable timer can be easily attached to various gym equipment, such as pull-up rigs or power racks, providing flexibility in its placement during workouts.
• Storage Convenience: A compact timer can be conveniently stored when not in use, reducing clutter and ensuring it’s always ready for the next training session.

However, if your timer will just stay inside on the wall, this is much less of a concern. Just get a timer with the right size digits and you’ll be all set.

If you’re looking for a portable, battery-powered CrossFit timer, check out this article.

9. Digit Size and Visibility

Digit size and visibility are crucial factors for a time interval clock because they directly impact the user’s ability to read and track intervals accurately during fast-paced and intense workouts. Here’s why digit size and visibility matter:

• Quick Glance Monitoring: During CrossFit workouts, athletes need to keep track of time and interval changes at a quick glance. Large and clear digits ensure that users can easily read the timer, allowing them to focus on their exercises without interrupting their flow.
• Safety and Efficiency: Accurate timekeeping is essential for safe and efficient workouts. If athletes struggle to read the timer due to small digits or poor visibility, they might risk overexertion or miss critical rest periods, compromising their workout quality.
• Motivation and Focus: A timer with easily visible digits boosts motivation by providing real-time feedback. Athletes can monitor their progress, set personal records, and stay focused on meeting their workout goals.

For Home Gyms

• Home gyms typically have limited space, and athletes might be closer to the timer during their workouts. A digit size of around 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters) is generally sufficient for home gyms. This size allows users to read the timer clearly from a short distance.

For Larger Gyms

• In larger gyms with more space between athletes and the timer, larger digits become necessary for optimal visibility. A digit size of around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) or even larger is recommended for larger gyms. This ensures that athletes from various parts of the gym can easily read the timer without straining their eyes.

10. Alarm Volume and Volume Controls

Alarm volume and volume controls are important to look at when buying a CrossFit timer. for Here’s why these features are important:

• Audible Cues for Interval Changes: In CrossFit training, athletes need to transition between work and rest intervals promptly. An audible alarm serves as a cue, indicating when it’s time to switch exercises or intensity levels. The alarm volume ensures users can hear the cue even in a noisy gym environment.
• Mental Focus and Motivation: During intense workouts, mental focus and motivation play a significant role in performance. A loud and distinct alarm keeps athletes engaged and motivated, encouraging them to push their limits and complete each interval with determination.
• Individual Preferences: Athletes have different hearing abilities and preferences for the volume of audible cues. Volume controls provide users with the flexibility to adjust the timer’s sound according to their personal preferences.
• Environmental Considerations: In outdoor settings or gyms with ambient noise, a timer with a sufficiently loud alarm ensures that athletes can still hear the cues clearly, irrespective of background sounds.
• Adaptive Workouts: Some CrossFit workouts involve intervals with different intensity levels or exercises. Adjustable volume controls allow athletes or coaches to adapt the timer’s sound to suit the specific demands of each workout.

So you want a timer that can be plenty loud enough but can also be turned down when a super loud alarm isn’t necessary.

11. Easy Controls

Easy controls are crucial for a CrossFit timer to enhance user experience and efficiency during workouts. Here’s why easy controls matter:

For starters, easy controls are just less frustrating. Some timers can be a giant pain to set up while others are a breeze, which one do you want? You’re not in the gym to program timers, you’re there to focus on training.

Good timers also allow you to change the intervals during the workout. So if you wanted to change something on the fly, you need to be able to do it quickly during a rest period.

Timers that are Bluetooth connected to a smartphone app are by far the easiest to program. Sure, some apps are better than others but they’re all better than an old school remote.

Timer with phone apps for programming:

GymNext Flex Timer: The GymNext Flex Timer comes with a mobile app that allows users to control and program the timer wirelessly. The app provides an intuitive interface, making it easy to customize workouts and intervals according to individual preferences.

The app is regularly maintained and updated and sometimes you even get new features! No other interval timer gets new features after you’ve bought it.