Resistance bands that’ll give your legs and butt one heck of a workout and wake up major muscles. They come in five resistance levels (X-Light, Light, Medium, Heavy, and X-Heavy) if you’re looking for challenge and want to *feel the burn* while you’re squatting and lunging away.
Promising review: “These are a nice add-on to my exercise routine. I primarily use the black and red bands which are the most resistance. The two lightest bands offer almost no resistance at all. I use these bands during my squats and lunges, but I love using them to exercise while doing other things like housecleaning. Basically anything I’m doing now can become an exercise once I add a couple bands.” —Heph N.
Get a set of five from Amazon for $9.98 (also available in a pink set).
Promising review: “These are a nice add-on to my exercise routine. I primarily use the black and red bands which are the most resistance. The two lightest bands offer almost no resistance at all. I use these bands during my squats and lunges, but I love using them to exercise while doing other things like housecleaning. Basically anything I’m doing now can become an exercise once I add a couple bands.” —Heph N.
Get a set of five from Amazon for $9.98 (also available in a pink set).
2.
A speed jump rope to improve your double unders and get a killer cardio workout in your bedroom. Plus it has a very sturdy rope swing that’ll be a big help if you accidentally move out of bounds.
Promising review: “I purchased this rope being new to CrossFit style workouts and looking to improve on my single under skills with the hopes of working up to double unders. I‘m no expert (have not picked up a jump rope since elementary school), but I love having a rope at home to practice with that I can size to my needs. This feels like a quality product and I prefer it to the ones available at my gym.” —Tiffany
Get it from Amazon for $18.18 (available in nine colors).
Promising review: “I purchased this rope being new to CrossFit style workouts and looking to improve on my single under skills with the hopes of working up to double unders. I‘m no expert (have not picked up a jump rope since elementary school), but I love having a rope at home to practice with that I can size to my needs. This feels like a quality product and I prefer it to the ones available at my gym.” —Tiffany
Get it from Amazon for $18.18 (available in nine colors).
3.
A pair of fitness gloves because your hands need a little protection from blisters and calluses. Slip these babies on for weight training and pull-ups and crush your workout with ease.
Powerhandz
Powerhandz is a Dallas-based company focused on athletic training and rehabilitation products. Co-founded by entrepreneurs Danyel Surrency Jones and Darnell Jones, Powerhandz aims to help fitness enthusiasts improve their workouts.
Promising review: “I’ve had my gloves for four months now. They offer a superior fit, help protect my hands while working out whether I’m doing pull-ups, or intense dumbbells or kettle bells training sessions. If you’re working out, it is time to invest in some Powerfit Training Gloves.” —Powerhandz Customer
Preorder them from Powerhandz for $42.99 (available in sizes S—XXXL).
4.
And a Kettle Gryp that’ll give your sweaty hands a *lift* during strength training workouts. Place it around a dumbbell, close it up, and bam, you’re good to start working out. Dropping weights will be the least of your worries now.
Promising review: “Love this for my home gym. Dumbbells are expensive and kettlebells are even more expensive, so I was intrigued when I saw this attachment. It’s hard plastic and feels good in the hands, it’s what I expected. I use this grip to do kettlebell swings, squats, Romanian and straight-leg deadlifts, and other basic exercises. Happy with my purchase and glad I can use the dumbbells I already have.” —Lauren J.
Promising review: “Love this for my home gym. Dumbbells are expensive and kettlebells are even more expensive, so I was intrigued when I saw this attachment. It’s hard plastic and feels good in the hands, it’s what I expected. I use this grip to do kettlebell swings, squats, Romanian and straight-leg deadlifts, and other basic exercises. Happy with my purchase and glad I can use the dumbbells I already have.” —Lauren J.
A ball balance trainer because your core (and arms) will get quite the workout. You can plank, do push-ups, squats, and lunges on this piece of equipment, which basically fits anywhere at home.
Promising review: “I recently went to a couple of classes at my local gym and the instructor let us use these exercise balls. I couldn’t believe how sore I was the next day! It was a good sore! I was hooked and immediately started searching for one on Amazon to have in my own home. This one seemed like a good price point and I liked that it also came with the resistance bands. I’ve used this exercise ball for the past several days in a row now and I have to say, I love it!” —Kayla
Get it from Amazon for $65.98+ (available in five colors).
6.
Nike Renew Run sneakers that’ll elevate your ride with sturdy support, durable traction, and lightweight cushioning. Every step you take will feel incredibly comfortable, thanks to this sneaker designed for everyday running.
Nike
Promising review: “I love the design, the colors, the shape, and the size fits perfectly. With other brands I felt pain in my left knee at the end of my training, but with Nike that pain disappeared.” —A L.
Get them from Nike for $58.97+ (originally $90; available in women’s sizes 5–12 and five colors).
Nike
Promising review: “I love the design, the colors, the shape, and the size fits perfectly. With other brands I felt pain in my left knee at the end of my training, but with Nike that pain disappeared.” —A L.
Get them from Nike for $58.97+ (originally $90; available in women’s sizes 5–12 and five colors).
7.
A sturdy foam roller to help soothe tight muscles after kickboxing, running, and cycling. It has triple grid massage zones that’ll get to work on all sore areas, so you can enjoy your post-workout recovery time.
Promising review: “Nothing has been helping. From running, to walking uphill both ways to work (yes, this is possible), to wearing heels all day, my calves were tight. Nothing has been working. This roller was a godsend. I actually have more mobility after using it than traditional stretching, and I think there was a knot in each calf that it worked out. This is a must-have.” —Raven
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in six colors).
Promising review: “Nothing has been helping. From running, to walking uphill both ways to work (yes, this is possible), to wearing heels all day, my calves were tight. Nothing has been working. This roller was a godsend. I actually have more mobility after using it than traditional stretching, and I think there was a knot in each calf that it worked out. This is a must-have.” —Raven
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in six colors).
8.
A strength training device for on-the-go workouts. This small gadget, which syncs with the free Activ5 Trainer App, targets upper and lower body muscles with low-impact isometric movements, including chest presses and woodchops. Just place it in your hand or under your foot, launch the app, and get movin’. It’s that simple.
Promising review: “I received my Activ5 a few weeks ago and I have been using it regularly at work, home, and when traveling. I try to make it in to the gym at least two to three times per week, but this is a great supplemental way to get a quick workout in when I can’t get to the gym.The games are entertaining and the workouts are approachable but challenging. It’s working out muscle groups I have neglected before!” —Dan B.
Push-up bars because you can still put your deltoids and triceps to work without straining your wrists. Use them whenever you want to exercise on your carpet, patio, or hardwood floor.
N1Fit/ Amazon
Promising review: “These push-up bars are a good addition to my home gym and are great for basic strength and body weight training. Each bar came as two individual pieces; however, they clip together easily and form a very sturdy base. The rubber end caps keep the firmly in place on most surfaces and the handles are cushioned and wide enough to alleviate my mild wrist pain.” —DH
A reversible yoga mat for your at-home Vinyasa flow that won’t slide or slip when you move from pose to pose. It also easily folds up and fits under your bed or on a closet shelf.
Promising review: “Oh my god! It is as described, I love it a lot, and it feels comfortable while doing my Asana practice and workouts at home. The pattern I love a lot, most of all, the wave, it reminds me of my dad when he used to surf with me.” —Enya
Get it from Amazon for $27.98+ (available in 22 colors).
Promising review: “Oh my god! It is as described, I love it a lot, and it feels comfortable while doing my Asana practice and workouts at home. The pattern I love a lot, most of all, the wave, it reminds me of my dad when he used to surf with me.” —Enya
Get it from Amazon for $27.98+ (available in 22 colors).
11.
And a nonslip yoga mat towel with a gorgeous tie-dye pattern and microfiber material that’ll absorb sweat during indoor or outdoor hot yoga. For such a small workout essential, it doesn’t take up too much room and it’s machine-washable (win).
Promising review: “I practice hot yoga approximately two times per week. I bought this towel because beach towels just weren’t working. They didn’t fit correctly and they would always bunch up. Then I tried this towel and I’m in love! It absorbs all of the sweat, it fits my mat perfectly, I love the color, and it’s actually affordable. Get this towel, you won’t be disappointed.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.88+ (available in seven colors).
12.
A stationary bike because it has comfy seating, adjustable resistance, a multi-functional display, and a space-saving design. You may not be in the studio, but you can have a solo cycling session indoors.
Promising review: “This bike is easy to assemble, which works out good for a person like me who is not very patient. I like the color too, it sort of adds an accent in my house with this black and red color, but it is not too big to take too much space in the house (that was my worry before we assembled it). It is comfortable to ride on, enough padding on the seat, and definitely an excellent tool to work out and burn some extra calories! ” —Elaine
Promising review: “This bike is easy to assemble, which works out good for a person like me who is not very patient. I like the color too, it sort of adds an accent in my house with this black and red color, but it is not too big to take too much space in the house (that was my worry before we assembled it). It is comfortable to ride on, enough padding on the seat, and definitely an excellent tool to work out and burn some extra calories! ” —Elaine
Glow-in-the-dark LED bands if you’re running or walking when it’s dark outside. Each band can be worn on an arm or ankle for optimal visibility early in the morning and late at night.
Amazon
Promising review: “This product was a gift for my daughter who may walk her dog in the evening and to my grandson who sometimes runs at dusk. They both report their pleasure with the product. ‘It works well’ was the comment. It’s bright, comfortable and did I say it’s bright! I’m thinking of getting another color and letting them add on to their safety color palette.” —Jed
Get a set of two from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in nine colors).
14.
A pair of high-rise bike shorts that won’t slip down or ride up *and* can be worn for so many types of exercise (think CrossFit, dance, and yoga). These babies hit your waist at the right spot and go with all your fave activewear outfits.
Girlfriend Collective
Promising review: “These are the only biker shorts I’ll ever buy. Other biker shorts look terrible on my frame but these, oh man. Not only that, they are amazing to work out in. I do CrossFit and yoga in these, they don’t slide down and hold sweat well. I absolutely adore these.” —Girlfriend Collective Customer
Get them from Girlfriend Collective for $48 (available in women’s sizes XXS—6XL and in 10 colors).
15.
A punching bag set because you need a healthy stress outlet *and* workout that’ll get your arms in amazing shape. It even comes with gloves, so you can easily create your own boxing setup at home.
Promising review: “This is great for stress relief and I get a good cardio workout. I don’t think heavy hitters would get a good workout from this, however my husband did punch it will all his might and the bag did not fly off, so that’s good. I’m going to try using it as a target during my cardio boxing classes instead of just punching the air.” —KB
Get it from Amazon for $43.50+ (available in junior, standard, and heavy duty styles).
Promising review: “This is great for stress relief and I get a good cardio workout. I don’t think heavy hitters would get a good workout from this, however my husband did punch it will all his might and the bag did not fly off, so that’s good. I’m going to try using it as a target during my cardio boxing classes instead of just punching the air.” —KB
Get it from Amazon for $43.50+ (available in junior, standard, and heavy duty styles).
16.
A hydration running belt for times when you’re always ~on the run~ in your neighborhood. It comes not only with one, but two fillable water bottles and a roomy pocket for your essentials.
Promising review: “Bought this as a gift for my mom, who walks her dog for hours in the woods. She’s absolutely in love with this! She no longer has to carry a little backpack for her water, keys, and cellphone. She can walk freely without the weight on her back!” —Tess
Get it from Amazon for $16.97 (available in five colors).
17.
A pair of Powerbeats Headphones that’ll actually stay in your ears and tune out annoying noise at home. Yes to crushing your workout and *not* hearing the TV or barking fur babies.
Emma McAnaw/BuzzFeed
My colleague Emma McAnaw loves wearing these for workouts and said “These Beats headphones have been a real game-changer for me. The sound quality is so much better than my cheap headphones, which has actually really improved my experience at the gym. I find it easier to stay motivated now that my music is *crystal clear* (and I can’t hear myself wheezing on the treadmill).”Read more of her Powerbeats Headphones review.
Get them from Amazon for $169.95+ (available in six colors).
Emma McAnaw/BuzzFeed
My colleague Emma McAnaw loves wearing these for workouts and said “These Beats headphones have been a real game-changer for me. The sound quality is so much better than my cheap headphones, which has actually really improved my experience at the gym. I find it easier to stay motivated now that my music is *crystal clear* (and I can’t hear myself wheezing on the treadmill).”Read more of her Powerbeats Headphones review.
Get them from Amazon for $169.95+ (available in six colors).
18.
Athletic tape because sore muscles can be a *pain* after strenuous exercise. This tape won’t feel uncomfortable on your skin and help aid the recovery process.
Promising review: “My husband has played sports his entire life and as a result, has a lot of muscle damage which can affect his day to day life as an adult. The wraps from physical therapy just don’t cut it! They are sticky and fall apart after a few hours so we gave this tape a try. He loved it. He said he felt so supported, it wasn’t sticky, and he could wrap the tape many different ways to find his perfect comfort level.” —alexandra paranzino
Promising review: “My husband has played sports his entire life and as a result, has a lot of muscle damage which can affect his day to day life as an adult. The wraps from physical therapy just don’t cut it! They are sticky and fall apart after a few hours so we gave this tape a try. He loved it. He said he felt so supported, it wasn’t sticky, and he could wrap the tape many different ways to find his perfect comfort level.” —alexandra paranzino
A pack of exercise cards so you can mix up your fitness routine with planks, push-ups, and burpees galore. You’ll never know what’s coming up next in the deck and your arms, legs, and core will also get a workout.
Amazon
Promising review: “I bought this for my husband as a birthday gift. He is not a gym goer, never has been, and prefers to work out at home. I thought this would be a good gift for him. (We have a weight bench, kettle bells and free weights.) He loves it. He said the pictures and workout ideas are great.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.97 (available in three volumes).
20.
A dumbbell rack to safely store weights in a corner or closet. With 10 slots and a tiered design, you won’t have to worry about tripping over one of your dumbbells again in between sets.
Promising review: “This is a great holder for my weights. I have five sets of barbells. They were all over in the floor in the way. Now they are neatly in the corner. This stand is heavy duty and sturdy! I put it together myself!” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $68.88+ (available in two colors).
Promising review: “This is a great holder for my weights. I have five sets of barbells. They were all over in the floor in the way. Now they are neatly in the corner. This stand is heavy duty and sturdy! I put it together myself!” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $68.88+ (available in two colors).
21.
A medium-support sports bra that’s (gasp) not padded and will stay secure, even if you’re completing a lot of reps or jogging at a fast pace. A lightweight fabric helps keep sweat at bay and a racerback design comfortably keeps your boobs in place (buh-bye bouncing).
Nike
Promising review: “I started working out recently and realized how little support I was receiving with other bras. I am a 40DD and they just flew out with every bra I had purchased. I ordered this bra in a 2XL and it fit perfectly. I can cycle for an hour and still be comfortable with no back pain.” —Nike Customer
Get it from Nike for $30 (available in women’s sizes XS—3X and in 19 colors).
22.
A mini Pilates ball so you can can ~get to the core~ of your flexibility and balance challenges. This little tool will keep your abs engaged during leg lifts, spider triceps, and toe touches.
Promising review: “I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially when I saw that I’d have to inflate this ball with a straw. It was remarkably easy to inflate (although it took a few tries to seal it without too much air escaping). It has the same look and feel of the Pilates ball that’s used in the studio. It comes with a ‘cheat sheet’ and I do about 75% of the exercises. A nice addition to my home exercise routine.” —EVGreen
Promising review: “I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially when I saw that I’d have to inflate this ball with a straw. It was remarkably easy to inflate (although it took a few tries to seal it without too much air escaping). It has the same look and feel of the Pilates ball that’s used in the studio. It comes with a ‘cheat sheet’ and I do about 75% of the exercises. A nice addition to my home exercise routine.” —EVGreen
Blogilates grip socks because you’re ~always on your feet~ during virtual Pilates classes and don’t want to slip. They have an open-toe design, provide your feet with great traction, and are super comfortable to wear for mat workouts.
Target
Promising review: “I love! I have a low-quality yoga mat and as soon as I break a sweat I am slipping and sliding. These socks make my workout so much more effective and they’re adorable and comfortable!” —Target Customer
A wall mount that’ll give you easy access to foam rollers, yoga mats, resistance bands, and other equipment. You can finally keep your gym essentials in one place and *not* have a messy floor.
Promising review: “I love this! It was the perfect addition to my home gym and saves me precious floor space.I have loaded this thing up to the brim. I have my 4-foot foam roller, my *two* yoga mats, knee support mat, my stretching ropes, and my resistance bands on this thing and it could probably handle more weight if I hadn’t run out of room.” —Holly Holcomb
Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in two colors).
Promising review: “I love this! It was the perfect addition to my home gym and saves me precious floor space.I have loaded this thing up to the brim. I have my 4-foot foam roller, my *two* yoga mats, knee support mat, my stretching ropes, and my resistance bands on this thing and it could probably handle more weight if I hadn’t run out of room.” —Holly Holcomb
Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in two colors).
25.
A TRX Suspension Training System for doing push-ups, pull-ups, planks, and more bodyweight moves. All you need to do is anchor it to a beam and give yourself a couple of feet to move around. No bulky equipment required.
Amazon
It comes with a suspension training strap, indoor/outdoor anchors, two workout guides, a training poster, and a mesh bag.
Promising review: “I don’t always have the time/inclination to go to the gym, and having this at home allows me to get in a proper workout without leaving the house. It’s just a fun way to try new things and use muscles that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. I can’t do pistol squats in real life, but I can with this thing! It’s incredibly easy to use and to adjust.” —Cersar
Get it from Amazon for $129.95 (available in two colors).
26.
Athletic socks because it’s about time you gave your heels and toes better cushioning for running. They each have a heel tab design (buh-bye blisters) and are made with breathable material. You can ~go the distance~ and not deal with stinky, sweaty, and irritated feet.
Amazon
Promising review: “So you know that problem when your running socks slouch below your shoe, and WHAM! Blister. This does not happen with these socks. That little tabby-thing in the back is amazing for preventing sock slippage, and these are awesome. They’re not too heavy (which is great—dude, I hate bulky socks!), but they’re hefty enough that you don’t feel like you’re going to put a hole in the sock after the first few runs. I’m crazy prone to blisters, and these are perfect.” —Amy
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three sizes and in 16 different color packs).
27.
A budget-friendly fitness tracker to monitor your heart rate, count steps, and observe calories burned while you exercise. You can even access your health data by week or month, which can help you stick to your fitness goals *and* see your progress in a noncomplicated format.
Promising review: “If you want to start tracking your workouts, walks, steps, heartbeat, and sleep cycles, this is a great low cost option. It offers some control of music, you can view recent texts, set alarms and timers, and other stuff as well. The magnetic charger (charge it maybe once a week?) charges very fast. It’s a solid fitness tracker that looks and feels great with some little bonuses.” —Drew Alexander
Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in seven colors).
28.
An agility ladder that you can set up in your garage, backyard, or basement, in case you want to work on your body movements without knocking anything over.
Promising review: “Yes4All has never let me down and this agility ladder is no exception! A great addition to my fitness routine, this ladder is sturdy, a great size and I love that it comes with a carrying bag.” —currenakat
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three colors).
29.
A pair of running insoles for long walks, jogs, and sprints: These are designed to minimize shock by 40% and help keep your feet smelling fresh. Buh-bye shin splints and stinky feet.
Promising review: “I noticed a difference on the first use. I didn’t get shin splints while jogging so now I can just focus on going farther. I am thankful I tried these first before buying new shoes. Thank you so much for providing an affordable relief option for runners!” —Amazon Customer
Get a pair from Amazon for $8.75+ (available in three sizes).
30.
A portable rowing machine because your arms and back will *feel the burn* while you enjoy an upper body workout anywhere at home. Use the digital monitor to keep track of stats (count total, time, and calories) and fold it up when you’re done.
Promising review: “This is very lightweight and portable. It fits nicely on a runner rug next to my bed and doesn’t move around when I use it. The settings are easy to adjust, and it is quiet. I use it in the morning while I catch up on the news. I was reluctant to get a piece of exercise equipment but am very glad that I did!” —Caren S.
Promising review: “This is very lightweight and portable. It fits nicely on a runner rug next to my bed and doesn’t move around when I use it. The settings are easy to adjust, and it is quiet. I use it in the morning while I catch up on the news. I was reluctant to get a piece of exercise equipment but am very glad that I did!” —Caren S.
An ab roller wheel so you can strengthen your core without slamming into a couch or dresser. Grip onto the handle bars, roll forwards and backwards, and feel your obliques get to work while you binge-watch TV or listen to a podcast.
It also comes with a resistance band, just in case you want to challenge your obliques!
Promising review: “Up to this point I had been using an Olympic bar and weights to do this exercise. What a space saver and easy to transport with you if you need to workout while on the road. It’s sturdy, easy to use, and fun. A must for any home gym.” —Randy
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in black).
32.
A cooling towel you’ll want to keep on hand whenever you’re sweaty and really, really hot after a cardio session. Rinse under cold water, wring it out, and drape around your bod to prevent overheating.
Amazon
Promising review: “This towel has actually kept me working out and feeling good during hot days. I normally would force myself sluggishly to finish when the temperatures climb, but the towel kept my core down well enough that I did not overheat. A great solution and makes a great gift for the fitness enthusiast!” —Amazon Customer
A sweat-absorbing sports bra that won’t leave your chest soaked after doing push-ups, sprints, and bodyweight moves. Breathable material and a supportive shape will keep your boobs dry and comfy when you exercise.
Kemetic Knowledge is a Black-owned brand known for their chic and comfortable activewear. You’ll find sports bras, leggings, compression shorts, and more amazing essentials for your workout routine.
Get it from Kemetic Knowledge for $35.95 (available in women’s sizes S—XL).
34.
A BlenderBottle for post-workout beverages. It’ll easily blend protein powder into oat milk, coffee, or water so you can get the nutrients you need after a cardio or strength-training session.
Walmart
Promising review: “Love this! Perfect for making breakfast shakes and anything that needs the powder to get mixed in really well. The ball does a great job of getting all the ingredients incorporated and not stuck to the sides of the bottle.” —Thriftyshopper
Get it from Walmart for $6.99+ (originally $19.99, available in 11 colors) or Amazon for $6.99+ (available in two styles and in 14 colors).
Walmart
Promising review: “Love this! Perfect for making breakfast shakes and anything that needs the powder to get mixed in really well. The ball does a great job of getting all the ingredients incorporated and not stuck to the sides of the bottle.” —Thriftyshopper
Get it from Walmart for $6.99+ (originally $19.99, available in 11 colors) or Amazon for $6.99+ (available in two styles and in 14 colors).
35.
And a Core Max 2.0 because you’ll basically have a home gym without having to buy so much equipment. You can do crunches, push-ups, and multiple bodyweight movements with this compact device that’ll help you ~work up a sweat~ in your apartment or studio.
Amazon
Promising review: “I didn’t expect to love this thing so much! It has a spring like resistance on the foam back, so it makes working out especially curl-ups fun and if you put it on the tallest setting, the sit ups get so easy that you don’t even realize how much you are working out! Did this for half and hour while watching TV and didn’t have to take any breaks. I love this thing.” —Amazon Customer
