Fitness gear that’s worth the hype (and what’s overrated)
Sharing my thoughts on what fitness gear is worth the hype, and worth the investment, and what I think is overrated and should be skipped.ย
Helloooooo! How are ya? I hope youโre enjoying the week. We’re back from an amazing trip to Orlando – I’ll share a recap in Friday Faves – and getting ready for the Pilot’s Air Force retirement. He retires next week and I can’t even believe it.
Since we’re officially almost through January with a solid start to the new year, I know many of us are prepping home gyms, scoping out fitness gear, wellness goodies, and nutrition options. I thought Iโd do an updated roundup of some of my top picks. There are a LOT of things to choose from and it can get overwhelming! Also, Iโve found that some hyped-up options have been disappointing in real life. Iโm sharing my picks in the list below, and also sharing your submissions from Instagram. (Ones with a * are from Instagram responses.)
Fitness gear that’s worth the hype (and what’s overrated)
Worth the hype:
Barefoot shoes
I found the barefoot shoe trend for so long, because let’s be real, a lot of them are ugly. I found Vivobarefoot and fell in love. They’re the only shoes I wear for workouts and travel now, and I feel like they help with stability and engagement during strength workouts. I have a full post about why I love them here!
Peloton
Iโve had my Peloton for about 6 years now, and love it just as much as I did when I first got it. The bike is high-quality and I always enjoy the classes. You can check out my full review here!
Oura ring
The Oura ring is the same thing; it can last for the long haul and provide incredible data. My only gripe is that I have a 2 model and it’s so bulky; the newer ones are much thinner so I might need to upgrade. My full review is here.ย
Apple watch
The Apple watch is another thing I wear every day and love it. It does encourage me to move more throughout the day, even though sometimes I think it encourages overtraining. For example, my Oura ring will tell me I need a rest and my Apple Watch tells me to crush my next workout. I do think itโs very handy and worth the hype. Here is a post I wrote comparing the Apple watch and Fitbit alta.ย
Band loops
Band loops are such an inexpensive way to add additional challenge to your workouts. Theyโre portable, they can be used for upper body, lower body (especially outer thighs and glutes), and core. Definitely an underrated fitness tool!
Sculpt Society
These classes are SO good and so fun. I feel like I always have a smile on my face, theyโre tough without being totally draining, and I love the strength series, because the movements are barre-esque and really challenge my legs and core. My link gets you a free month on the app and my full review is here!
Organifi
Organifi is 100% worth the hype. I drink at least one Organifi product every.single.day. The greens is my fave – especially because I hate cleaning the juicer but still want the benefits – but I also love the red, Gold, and Harmony. You can use this link and the code FITNESSISTA for 20% off.ย
* Theragun
The Theragun feels like a dream (ok, a semi-painful dream) on sore muscles. I use a similar tool as a part of my recovery and I feel like it definitely helps on the days I feel more sore.
HigherDOSE sauna blanket
This is another things that I talk about all the time, but friends, itโs WORTH it. I invested in this little beauty a couple of years ago and have used it countless times since then. We donโt have the space for a full sauna, and this is the next best thing (and I think even better because itโs portable). You can check out my full review here. My code FITNESSISTA15 for 15% off!
* Peloton app (even if you donโt have a bike)
I loved that so many people said they enjoyed the Peloton app even though they donโt have a bike. Itโs pretty cost-effective if you like the vibe of a group class without the studio membership. I feel like some of the strength classes are hit or miss, but they have such a huge variety of class types and instructors; after some experimentation, youโll definitely find one that you like! I have a post here on a full workout plan using the Peloton app if youโre looking for inspiration!
Owala water bottle
These definitely live up to the hype and they don’t leak!
Aviron rower
I think rowing is such a great cardio workout, especially because youโre able to use muscles in your upper body and core in a different way. We love our Aviron! Definitely check it out for a home gym option.
* Tonal
Iโve never tried Tonal but SO many people said they love it! I think itโs amazing that you can get a cable workout at home and adjust the weights, plus they have some incredible instructors. Do you have a Tonal? Do we need one???
* Normatec recovery boots
These are a bit of a splurge, but an awesome recovery tool. (We donโt own these but it was another IG suggestion!) I would definitely recommend something like this for endurance athletes as a recovery option.
* multi-compartment supplement holder
LOVE these things and another super low-cost way to make life a bit easier. You can order the one I have here!
Walking pad
A couple of friends on IG agreed that they love theirs and as I’m obsessed with mine. I use it every single day to get in extra steps, especially while I’m watching IHP modules or on conference calls and I don’t have to speak.
Fitness clothes that feel good and fit well. The same goes for sneakers.
Thereโs nothing like a comfy, functional workout outfit and pair of shoes that fit well!
Here is some of my all-time favorite fitness gear:
I have so many of these tanks!ย
The best socks in all the land
TRX
I think the TRX might be the #1 underrated piece of fitness equipment. You can work your entire body, itโs portable and lightweight, and you can easily modify or progress the moves depending in your fitness level. 10/10 a huge fan. (TRX workout sample is here!)
A pull-up bar
Our pull-up bar broke but I think we need to get a new one. Iโm *always* working on my pull-ups, and you canโt improve if you donโt practice. Ours was previously hanging on the laundry room door, so Iโd do a few pull-ups in between switching out loads of laundry.
Magnesium
This is in my top 5 supplements for a lot of reasons! I notice a huge difference in my sleep and recovery when I take magnesium consistently.
* PEMF Go Mat:
A few people agreed with me on IG that this truly is one of the best things ever. It mimics the vibrations of nature, and can be used for recovery, healing, reducing inflammation, and as a meditation tool. I use this for all of the reasons! Itโs where I sit each morning to meditate (the infrared heat feels SO good on chilly winter mornings!) and will often put it on my desk chair, too. Check it out here and use FITNESSISTA15 for a discount.
Overrated:
Factor75
You guys. I ordered this for a blog post review, because Iโd seen a couple of people post about it that I love (!), and it was disgusting and borderline inedible. Everything was brown and greasy; it just looked like mass-produced greasy food and not the healthy meal prep Iโd had in mind.
I feel like I could make chicken and veggies here at home to be way more fresh and delicious. I tried a couple of the meals – because I had to waste food – and after the sad, brown vegan mushroom masala gave me a stomachache, the rest went in the trash. After having Sakara, nothing else really compares. (And yes, Sakara is designed to be something totally different! BUT I picture healthy protein and veggie-dense meal prep, and this wasโฆ not it.)
Ab rocker
Just donโt need it. There are a thousand more functional ways to train your core!
Gliding discs
These can work to target your core, inner and outer thighs, ย but you can also use paper plates on carpet or socks on handwood floor for freeeeeee.
* A gym membership
I have mixed feelings about this one. You can absolutely get an amazing workout at home, if youโre the type of person who is motivated to work out solo. Some people truly thrive in a group environment and need the connection and community to get a great workout. Which type of person are you?? I can definitely work out at home, and do a couple of days each week, but I love the gym atmosphere, classes, and group training environment. I feel like I always work harder when Iโm not at home, but will definitely do it for convenience sake.
* – Peloton; sold it to enjoy the gym atmosphere
A few people said the Peloton was overrated and theyโd rather work out at the gym. I totally get that perspective, even as a Peloton fan. Youโve gotta do what works for you!
Armra colostrum
Don’t be mad! A lot of people LOVE this and while I admit it tastes delicious, it did nothing for me.
So, tell me, friends: what do you think is the most overrated and underrated fitness gear?
Anything I missed adding to the list?
xo
Gina
We have The Mirror now called Lulumen Studio and absolutely love it! There is huge variety of workouts and it designed for beginners to people who are much more advanced. It is based around a lot of body weight workouts, but also has several with dumbbells. I like the fact that you don’t need a lot of equipment. I travel a lot for work and can easily do the workouts through my phone on the App in my hotel room! I also love the fact that on days I don’t feel like working out, I can still do a fun dance class or just stretch. We bought it in October 2019 and we both still use it almost daily!
have you taken any classes with hollis? i used to take her classes at orangetheory in san diego and LOV her!
ok now i need to look at that, too ๐
Yes, Hollis is fantastic! I think Chris Ryan is my favorite though.
Your fitness recommendations are spot on! I got an Oura ring and now the Sculpt Society I just downloaded and did first workout and love it! The Oura ring is amazing also.Thank you so much for what you do! Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas!
Your fitness recommendations are spot on! I got an Oura ring and now the Sculpt Society I just downloaded and did first workout and love it! The Oura ring is amazing also.Thank you so much for what you do! Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas!
YES! i’m so happy you’re enjoying the recs! have a wonderful christmas ๐
For me, I’m a cyclist as opposed to going to spin classes/Peloton. I’ve only recently got into cycling in the last couple years and LOVE IT- I was previously a runner almost every day. (Side note- If anything I’m a better runner since I started cycling). So related to that! Of course my road bike is worth it, but unfortunately I live in a climate where it snows 4 months of the year. So my fitness absolute yes x 1000% is a smart trainer (I have the Wahoo KICKR) and Zwift subscription. It’s straight up addicting- you can do workouts, group rides, solo rides, races etc.
So just throwing it out there for people who may own a road bike! The cost for a smart trainer is typically less than the Peloton.
I agree with all of your recommendations, but I have to say, I do love my gym membership. For me, it’s not just about getting in a workout – as someone who works from home and spends the majority of the day by myself, I know it’s good for me to have the opportunity to get out of the house and be around other people. Plus, I thrive off the energy of being around other people who care about their health. I love my Peloton and continue to use it, but taking a live class just isn’t the same.
My brother has and loves his tonal. I tried a workout and it was awesome and hard!. Nice that you can lift heavier from home! I am curious if Vuori is your fav leggings for strength training?
I’ve heard so many great things about it!! and yes, I wear them for everything
Love my tonal but also love Hot Worx and the benefits of an infrared heat sauna work out ๐
we have a hotworx here and I’ve been meaning to try it!