I share my thoughts on what fitness equipment is worth the hype and worth the investment, and what I think is overrated and should be skipped.
HELLOOOOO! 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 Faves Friday – and getting ready for the pilot’s Air Force retirement. He’s retiring next week and I can’t believe it.
Since we’re officially almost to January with a solid start to the new year, I know many of us are preparing our home gyms, stocking up on fitness equipment, wellness goodies and food options. I thought I’d do an updated roundup of some of my top picks. There are so many things to choose from and it can get overwhelming! Also, I found some of the hyped-up features to be disappointing in real life. I’m sharing my picks in the list below, and I’m also sharing your submissions from Instagram. (Those with * are from Instagram answers.)
Fitness equipment that’s worth the hype (and that’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 them are ugly. I found Vivobarefoot and fell in love. They are the only shoes I wear for exercise and travel now, and I feel like they help with stability and engagement during strength training. I have a whole post about why I love them here!
The 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 good quality and I always enjoy the lessons. You can check My full review here!
Oura ring
Oura ring is the same thing; It can last for long stretches and provide incredible data. My only gripe is that I have 2 models and it’s so bulky; The newer ones are much thinner so I may need to upgrade. My full review is here.
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is another thing that I wear every day and I love it. It encourages me to move more during the day, although sometimes I think it encourages it too much. For example, my OURA ring will tell me I need a rest, and my Apple Watch tells me to crash my next workout. I think it’s very useful and worth the hype. Here’s a post I wrote comparing the Apple Watch and the Fitbit Alta.
Loops
Band loops are such an inexpensive way to add an extra challenge to your workouts. They are portable, can be used for upper body, lower body (especially outer thighs and glutes) and core. Definitely an underrated fitness tool!
Sculpture Society
This class are so good and so much fun. I feel like I always have a smile on my face, they’re heavy without being completely draining, and I love the strength series, because the moves are Barre-esque and really challenge my legs and core. My link gets you a free month on the app themY full review is here!
Organization
Organization it is 100% worth the hype. I drink at least one Organifi product every single day. Greens are my favorite – especially because I hate juicer cleaning but still want the benefits – but I also love red, gold and harmony. You can also use this link at FitnessIsta for a 20% discount.
* Theragun
AND Teragun It feels like a dream (okay, semi-conscious dream) on sore muscles. I use a similar tool as part of my recovery and feel like it definitely helps on the days I feel more sore.
Sauna blanket with a higher dose
This is another thing I keep saying, but friends, it’s 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 it’s even better because it’s portable). You can view MY LOT REVIEW here. My code fitnessista15 for 15% discount!
* Peloton app (even if you don’t have a bike)
I loved that so many people said they enjoyed the Peloton app even though they don’t have a bike. It’s pretty cost effective if you like the vibe of a group class without a studio membership. I feel like some power classes are hit or miss, but they have such a huge variety of classes and instructors; After some experimentation, you’re sure to find one you like! I have a post here on a full workout plan using the Peloton app If you are looking for inspiration!
Oval water bottle
They definitely live up to the hype and don’t leak!
Rower rower
I think rowing is such a great cardio exercise, especially because in your upper body and core you are able to use the muscles in a different way. We love our Aviron! Definitely check out the home gym option.
* Tonal
I’ve never tried it Tonal But so many people said they loved it! I think it’s amazing that you can get a cable workout at home and adjust the weights, plus they have some amazing instructors. Do you have a tone? Do we need one???
* Normatec recovery boots
These are a bit of showersbut a great recovery tool. (We don’t have them, but that was another IG suggestion!) I would definitely recommend this for endurance athletes as a recovery option.
* Multi-compartment accessory holder
Love this stuff and another super cheap way to make life easier. You can order the one I have here!
Pedestrian cushions
Several friends on IG agreed that they love theirs And as I am obsessed with mine. I use it every day for extra steps, especially while 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 tennis shoes.
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 gear:
I have so many of these tanks!
The best socks in the whole country
Trx
I mean TRX Could be no. 1 underrated piece of fitness equipment. You can work the whole body, it’s portable and lightweight, and you can easily modify or progress moves depending on your fitness level. 10/10 Huge fan. (TRX sample workout is here!)
Pull-out tape
Our pull-up bar broke, but I think we should get it new. I’m always *working on my moves, and you can’t improve if you don’t practice. Ours used to get hung up on the laundry room door, so I would do a few pulls between turning off the laundry load.
Magnesium
This is in my top 5 plugins for many 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 about IG – yes 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 sorts of reasons! I sit there every morning to meditate (infrared heat feels so good on cold winter mornings!) and I’ll often put it on my desk chair as well. Check here and use fitnessIsta15 for a discount.
Overrated:
Factor75
You guys. I ordered this for a blog review, because I’ve seen several people rave about it which I love (!), and it was disgusting and borderline inedible. Everything was brown and greasy; It just looked like bulk fatty food, not the healthy meal prep I had in mind.
I feel like I could make the chicken and veggies here at home to make them fresher and tastier. I tried a few meals – because I had to waste food – and after the sad, brown vegan mushroom masala gave me a stomach, the rest went in the trash. After the sakara, nothing else really compares. (And yes, Sakara is designed to be something completely different! But I picture healthy protein and veggie meal prep, and this was … not.)
AB Rocker
You just don’t need to. There are a thousand more functional ways to train your core!
Sliding discs
They can work on targeting your core, inner and outer thighs, but you can also use paper plates on the carpet or socks on the Handwood floor for Freeeeeee.
* Gym membership
I have mixed feelings about this one. You can absolutely get an amazing workout at home if you are the type of person who is motivated to exercise solo. Some people really thrive in a group setting and need connection and community to get a great workout. What kind of person are you?? I can definitely work at home and work a few days each week, but I love the gym atmosphere, classes and group training environment. I feel like I’m always doing more when I’m not at home, but I’ll definitely do it for convenience.
* – Peloton; Sold it to enjoy the gym atmosphere
A few people said the peloton was overpriced and would rather work at the gym. I totally get that perspective, even as a peloton fan. You have to do what works for you!
Colostrum armra
Not crazy! A lot of people love it and while I admit it’s delicious, it didn’t do anything for me.
So tell me, friends: What do you think is the most overrated and underrated fitness equipment?
Anything I missed to add to the list?
xo
Gina
