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No matter how you slice it, working out is hard. Sure, you'll probably feel great after, but gaining the motivation to get started is usually the most difficult part. If working out at home has replaced your studio and gym visits, one easy way to get you more excited about moving is a home gym equipment upgrade. We're not suggesting that you pour your savings into a fancy exercise bike (although that can be a worthy investment). Instead, think more along the lines of a workout starter pack.
Consider your fitness goals when picking out your home gym equipment. Start by assessing your space. Where will you be working out most often? How much room do you have to jump around or even spread out a yoga mat? These are all variables to keep in mind. And then there's the question of your gear. A properly fitting sports bra and the right running sneakers can completely change the game for your goals.
Having a solid lineup of weights, bands, or even the right deodorant and hair ties can make a world of difference in how effective your workouts are. The additions can be minimal, but trust us when we tell you that the payoff will be big.
We've rounded up a full kit of essentials that includes exercise clothes, strength-training necessities, and even a pair of earbuds that promise to not slip out no matter how much you sweat. Get ready to turn your space into a personalized workout studio right in your home.
Small Equipment
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells can be adjusted from five pounds to 52 pounds, which means these dumbbells replace 15 sets of weights. Not to mention, they are super easy to stow because storage trays are included.
The Bala Beam is just over a dozen aesthetically pleasing pounds and can be used to perfect chest presses, brush up on bicep curls, stay steady while squatting, and lean into a lunge without toppling over. The ergonomic shape is easy to grip so that you can focus on increasing your strength and balance.
Strap these vegan leather Equipt Unwraps to your ankles or wrists to add extra resistance during your workout. Or, if you don't have time to fit in a full exercise routine, wear these around the house as you go about your day. Either way, each three-pound weight will give your toning efforts a boost.
Sync Tangram SmartRope Rookie Jump Rope with the accompanying app to track your training, compete against other users, and keep notes on your calorie burn. The jump rope automatically activates when you start jumping, and the built-in sensor shuts off the monitoring once you stop moving.
Another easy equipment addition you can make to your home gym is a set of resistance bands. There are plenty of resistance-band workouts on YouTube that you can follow along with, or you can push your existing moves to the next level by adding one of these elastic loops. These Love Sweat Fitness Resistance Bands come in a set of three, each with a different level of resistance.
A more practical weight — that's also glitzy enough to double as decor — is this gold dumbbell created by YouTuber Cassey Ho of Blogilates. Choose from three-, five-, and eight-pound weights — all of which have color-coded handgrips for easy weight recognition. Each dumbbell is sold individually.
Large Equipment
Strengthen your legs with the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike. This fully customizable experience allows you to adjust your set and handlebars for proper form and fit. The ride is also unbelievably smooth and suitable for all fitness levels.
The Greater Goods Professional Exercise Ball features an anti-burst safety mechanism. This means that if it's punctured, it won't pop like a balloon but rather deflate slowly and quietly. Plus, this ball comes in six colors but we quickly fell in love with this blush pink.
Throw the Ally Peaks Pull-Up Bar over your doorway and you not only have a pull-up station but a home gym with reach. You'll also receive a few resistance bands and a push-up station, as the bar can transform into one when placed on the ground.
For the work-from-home folks who stay glued to their desks and can't seem to get their steps in, it might be time to invest in Goplus's 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill. Compact enough to slide under the bed or desk when it's not in use, this walking machine can operate at a speed of up to 2.5 miles per hour for an (almost) effortless workout. Bonus: it even has Bluetooth functionality, so you can jam out to your favorite tunes.
If your pre-pandemic SLT (strengthen, lengthen, tone) classes are still on pause, consider investing in this souped-up Pilates reformer machine for your home. Lagree Fitness's The Micro gives you the flexibility to work your core, legs, arms, and just about any other muscle you're looking to tone. The bed-like machine is also long enough to hold someone up to six feet and eight inches tall. Your abs and quads will be on fire in the best way. If you're a newbie to the Lagree workout, try an in-person class first (there are several studios around the country), or follow along with one of the brand's free online video workouts.
Workout Clothes
There's so much to love about this Girlfriend Collective Alpine Cleo Bra. It's functional enough for yoga yet chic enough to wear under a jacket after class, it comes in 10 colors (Alpine shown here), and is available in sizes XXS (30-inch bust) to 6XL (60-inch bust). The lightweight fabric is made from a combination of recycled water bottles and spandex, and it includes UPF 50+ sun protection, which comes in handy if you're working out near a window.
Elastic-free bottoms like these 90 Degree By Reflex High-Waist Power Flex Biker Shorts will bring another level of comfort to home workouts. Choose between a five-, seven-, or nine-inch leg length and three different colors (red, green, or black) — all of which come with a side pocket that you can slip your phone into. Each length is available in sizes XS (23 to 24 inches waist) to XL (31 to 32 inches waist).
APL's Techloom Wave Sneakers are ideal for medium- to high-impact workouts in your living room. The upside to exercising indoors is that you won't have to worry about getting the all-white material dirty. But don't let that stop you from wearing these babies during a brisk walk around your neighborhood. There’s also a cool loop on top that allows you to tuck in the laces for a clean look.
These Nike React Metcon Turbo Sneakers are made with a lightweight material that doesn't compromise on support. A padded footbed helps absorbs shock as you run. Plus, the shoe comes in five different color combinations, like this neutral Particle Grey Black and White story, or a vibrant neon yellow to add some jolt to your jogs.
Fitness Programs
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Alo Moves is a monthly subscription service that brings the gym to your home. Whether you're into HIIT, yoga, or just mindful medication, this service has you covered. You'll get a free 14 day trial and then it's only $20 a month or $199 for the year.
If you're a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch, the Ring Fit Adventure is for you. With this, your main goal is to defeat a bodybuilding dragon using real-life workout exercises. If you don't complete the course, you don't level up so get ready to get your sweat on.
Workout Accessories
Larq's Bottle PurVis uses UV light to purify the water inside in a minute flat. There's no heavy filter weighing the bottle down, and the insulated walls will keep your beverage cold for 24 hours (or hot for 12, though you probably won't want that during a workout). And for anyone who likes to match their gear to their decor, the self-cleaning bottle comes in six colors, including this Monaco Blue hue.
Fitness instructor Amanda Kloots looks to these Gimme hair ties to keep her hair secure and damage-free. "They're very soft and don't pull your hair," she says. The brand offers ties in different widths, but these Thick Hair Bands are ideal for denser textures like curly hair, as it holds more hair in a tighter grip without popping. Each pack of six comes in a range of colors, or you can get this basic black set.
If your deodorant isn't already refillable, consider Myro's Deodorant Starter Kit. The aluminum-free and paraben-free formulas come in scented and fragrance-free varieties — both of which boast all-natural, 24-hour odor protection. And with nine different scent choices, you'll smell sweet throughout your workout. What's even better is that the cases — which come in six shades, like this Punch color — will look sleek on your bathroom countertop.
Sweaty headphones that won't stop sliding around during an exercise routine can really throw off your vibe. These candy-colored Ultimate Ears UE Fits Earbuds connect via Bluetooth and mold to the shape of your ears during their first minute of wear for a truly perfect fit and an uninterrupted listening experience.
Workouts are much more fun with a solid soundtrack blaring in the background. If you prefer to not fuss with headphones, try JBL's Go 3 Portable Speaker. The deck-of-cards-sized speaker is ideal for broadcasting your workout playlist at a respectful personal volume. You can listen to your tunes for up to five hours on a single charge. And if coordinating your fitness gear brings you joy, it comes in six colors, including the teal shade shown above.
The good thing about working out at home is that you can make as many trips to the kitchen to refill your water bottle as needed. But instead of disrupting your routine, get yourself this Half Gallon Water Bottle from Hydrojug that'll definitely last through an entire virtual class. It comes in 10 different colors like this Mint shade, and the wide opening is ideal for adding ice or protein powder to your drink without making a mess.
Read more stories about fitness:
- Smartwatches Can Be Toxic, Too
- The Best Leggings for Working Out or Lounging Around (That Also Don't Sacrifice Style)
- Why Is Everyone Playing Pickleball?
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