I share my thoughts on which fitness equipment is worth the hype and worth the investment, and what I think is overrated and should be overlooked.
Hi soooo! how are you I hope you are enjoying your week. We’re back from an amazing trip to Orlando – I’ll share a recap on Friday Faves – and we’re getting ready for our Pilot’s Air Force retirement. He’s retiring next week and I can’t even believe it.
Since we’re officially almost into January with a solid start to the new year, I know many of us are preparing home gyms, looking for fitness equipment, wellness goodies, and nutrition options. I thought I’d do an updated compilation of some of my top picks. There are A LOT of things to choose from and it can get overwhelming! I also found some funny choices to be disappointing in real life. I’m sharing my picks in the list below, as well as your submissions from Instagram. (The ones with * are from Answers on Instagram.)
Fitness Gear That’s Worth the Hype (And What’s Overrated)
Worth the hype:
Barefoot shoes
It took me so long to find the barefoot shoe trend, because let’s be real, a lot of it is ugly. I found Vivobarefoot and fell in love. They are the only shoes I wear for training and travel now and I feel they help with stability and engagement during strength training. I have a full post on why I love them here!
Peloton
I’ve had my Peloton for about 6 years now and love it just as much as when I first got it. The bike is of high quality and I always enjoy the classes. You can see my full review here!
Oura ring
The Oura ring is it the same thing? it can last for a long time and provide incredible data. My only complaint is that I have a model 2 and it is so bulky. the newer ones are much thinner so I may have to upgrade. My full review is here.
Apple watch
The Apple Watch is another thing that I wear every day and love. It encourages me to move more during the day, even though sometimes I think it encourages overtraining. For example, the Oura ring tells me I need rest, and the Apple Watch tells me to crush my next workout. I think it’s very convenient and worth the hype. Here is a post I wrote comparing the Apple watch and the Fitbit alta.
Belt loops
Band loops are such an inexpensive way to add extra challenge to your workouts. They are portable, can be used for upper body, lower body (especially outer thighs and buttocks) and core. Definitely an underrated fitness tool!
Sculpt Society
These classes they are SO good and so much fun. I feel like I always have a smile on my face, they’re tough without completely tiring me out, and I love the strength range because the moves are amazing and really challenge my legs and core. My link gives you a free month on the app and my full review is here!
Organifi
Organifi 100% worth the hype. I drink at least one Organifi product every.single.day. Greens are my favorite – especially since I hate cleaning the juicer but still want the benefits – but I also love red, gold and Harmony. You can use this link and code FITNESSISTA for 20% off.
* Theragun
THE Theragun it feels like a dream (okay, a semi-painful dream) in sore muscles. I use a similar tool as part of my recovery and feel it definitely helps on the days when I feel more pain.
HigherDOSE sauna blanket
This is another topic I talk about all the time, but my friends, it is WORTH IT. I invested in this little beauty a few years ago and have used it countless times since then. We don’t have room for a full sauna, and this is the next best thing (and I think even better because it’s portable). You can see my full review here. My code FITNESSISTA15 for 15% off!
* Peloton app (even if you don’t have a bike)
I loved that so many people said they liked the Peloton app even though they don’t have a bike. It’s quite affordable if you like the atmosphere of a group class without the studio membership. I feel like some of the power classes are hit or miss, but they have a huge variety of class types and trainers. after some experimentation, you’ll definitely find what you like! I have a post here for a full workout plan using the Peloton app if you’re looking for some inspiration!
Owala water bottle
These definitely live up to the hype and don’t leak!
Aviron rower
I think rowing is a great cardio workout, especially because you can use your upper body and core muscles in a different way. We love our Aviron! Definitely check it out for a home gym option.
* Tonic
I have never tried Tonic but SO many people have said they love it! I think it’s amazing that you can do cable training at home and adjust the weights as they have some incredible trainers. Do you have Tonal? Do we need one???
* Normatec recovery boots
These are a bit debauchedbut an awesome recovery tool. (We don’t 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 case
LOVE this stuff and another super low cost way to make life a little easier. You can order what I have here!
Cushion for walking
A few friends on IG agreed that they love theirs and as I am obsessed with mine. I use it every day to get extra steps, especially when tracking IHP units or on conference calls and I don’t have to speak.
Gym clothes that feel good and fit well. The same goes for sneakers.
There’s nothing like a comfortable, functional workout outfit and a pair of shoes that fit well!
Here are some of my all-time favorite gym equipment:
I have so many of these tanks!
The best socks in all the land
TRX
think the TRX it may be the #1 underrated piece of fitness equipment. You can work your entire body, it’s portable and lightweight, and you can easily modify or advance the movements depending on your fitness level. 10/10 a huge fan. (Sample TRX workout is here!)
A pull up bar
Our drawbar broke, but I think we should make it a new one. I’m *always* working on my pull-ups and you can’t improve if you don’t practice. Ours was previously hung on the laundry door, so I would do a few pulls in between changing lots of clothes.
Magnesium
This is in my top 5 supplements for many reasons! I notice a huge difference in my sleep and recovery when I take magnesium consistently.
* PEMF Go Mat:
Some people agreed with me on IG about this this is truly 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 it for all reasons! It’s where I sit every morning to meditate (infrared heat is SO nice on cold winter mornings!) and I often put it on my office chair too. Check it out here and use FITNESSISTA15 for a discount.
Overpriced:
Factor75
You guys. I ordered it for a blog post review because I’d seen a few people post about what I like (!), and it was disgusting and borderline inedible. Everything was brown and greasy. It just looked like greasy mass-produced food and not the healthy meal prep I had in mind.
I feel like I could make chicken and veggies here at home to be much fresher and tastier. I tried a few of the meals – because I had to waste food – and after the sad, brown vegan mushroom masala gave me a stomach ache, the rest went to waste. After Sakara, nothing else really compares. (And yes, Sakara is designed to be something completely different! BUT I imagine healthy protein and veggie-rich meal prep, and this was not….)
Ab rocker
You just don’t need it. There are a thousand more functional ways to train your core!
Sliding discs
These can work to target your core, inner and outer thighs, but you can also use paper plates on a carpet or socks on a wooden floor for free, ugh.
* Gym membership
I have mixed feelings about this. You can do an amazing workout at home if you are the type of person who is motivated to exercise on their own. Some people really thrive in a group environment and need the connection and community to get a great workout. What type of person are you?? I can definitely work out at home and do a few days each week, but I love the gym atmosphere, the classes, and the group training environment. I feel like I work harder when I’m not at home, but I’ll definitely do it for convenience.
* – Peloton? sold it to enjoy the gym atmosphere
Some people said that Peloton was overrated and that they preferred to work out at the gym. I totally understand that perspective, even as a Peloton fan. You have to do what suits you!
Armra colostrum
Don’t be crazy! A lot of people LOVE this and while I admit it tastes delicious, it just didn’t do anything for me.
So tell me, friends: what do you think is the most overrated and underrated fitness equipment?
Did I miss something to add to the list?
xo
Gina
