I’ll share my thoughts on what fitness gear is worth the hype and investment, and what I think is overrated and should be skipped.
Hello! How is it going? I hope you enjoy this week as well. We’re back from a great trip to Orlando – sharing a recap on Friday’s Favorites – and preparing for our pilot’s Air Force retirement. He’s retiring next week and I can’t believe it.
Now that January is officially over and the new year is off to a good start, many of us are probably setting up our home gyms and researching fitness equipment, health products, and nutritional options. I thought I would update and compile some of my top picks. There are so many things to choose from that you might get confused. We also found that some of the hyped options were disappointing in reality. I’ll be sharing my picks in the list below, as well as posts from Instagram. (Things with * are Instagram reaction.)
Hype-worthy (and overrated) fitness gear
Worth the hype:
barefoot shoes
I’ve been spotting the barefoot shoe trend for a long time. Because the truth is, a lot of it is ugly. I found Vivobarefoot and fell in love. These are now the only shoes I wear when working out or traveling, and I feel they give me more stability and engagement during strength training. Here’s the full post about why I love them!
peloton
I’ve owned my Peloton for about 6 years now and love it just as much as when I first bought it. The bikes are of high quality and I always enjoy my classes. You can check out my full review here!
Oura Ring
Oura ring It’s the same thing. It can last for a long time and provide incredible data. My only complaint is that I have two models and they are very bulky. The new one is much thinner so you may need to upgrade. My full review is here.
apple watch
Apple watch is also something I love and wear every day. Sometimes I think it encourages overtraining, but it does encourage you to move more throughout the day. For example, your Oura ring will remind you that you need to rest, and your Apple Watch will remind you to stop your next workout. I think it’s very useful and worth promoting. Here is an article I wrote comparing Apple watch and Fitbit alta.
band loop
Band loops are a super inexpensive way to add an extra challenge to your workout. It is portable and can be used on the upper body, lower body (especially the outer thighs and glutes), and core. It’s definitely an underrated fitness tool.
sculpture association
these classes It’s very good and very fun. I feel like I can always smile. It’s tough without being completely exhausting, but I love the strength series. This is because the movements are similar to ballet and really tax your legs and core. Use my link to get a free month of the app My full review is here!
Organifi
Organifi 100% worth the hype. I drink at least one Organifi product every day. Green is my favorite. I especially hate cleaning my juicer, but I still want it to work. But I also love red, gold, and harmony. Get 20% off using this link and code FITNESSISTA.
* Theragun
of Seragun It feels like a muscle pain dream (well, a semi-painful dream). I use similar tools as part of my recovery, and I definitely find them helpful on days when I’m feeling more sore.
high dose sauna blanket
This is also something I always talk about, but it’s worth it, folks. I invested in this little beauty a few years ago and have used it countless times since then. I don’t have the space for a full sauna, so this is the next best option (even better since it’s portable). You can check out my full review here. My code FITNESSISTA15 is 15% off!
* Peloton app (even if you don’t have a bike)
It was great to hear so many people say they were enjoying the Peloton app even though they didn’t have a bike. It’s pretty cost-effective if you like the atmosphere of a group class without a studio membership. I feel like some strength classes are hit or miss, but there is a huge variety of class types and instructors. Try a few and you’re sure to find something you like. If you’re looking for some inspiration, I’ve posted a complete workout plan using the Peloton app here.
owara water bottle
These definitely live up to the hype and don’t leak.
avilon rower
I think rowing is a great cardio exercise, especially because it uses your upper body and core muscles in a different way. We love Avilon! Check it out as an option for your home gym.
* Tonality
I’ve never tried it tonality But so many people said they liked it! I think it’s great to be able to do cable training at home and adjust the weight, plus have a great instructor. Do you have tonal? Is it necessary?
* Normatec Recovery Boots
These are little luxuriesbut is a great recovery tool. (We don’t own these, but this was another IG suggestion!) I would definitely recommend something like this as a recovery option for endurance athletes.
* Multi-compartment supplement holder
I love these things and another super low cost way to make your life a little easier. You can order what I have here!
walking pad
Several friends on IG agreed that they love their work And since I’m obsessed with my stuff. I use it daily especially to take extra steps while watching. IHP module Or you don’t need to talk on a conference call.
Fitness wear with excellent comfort and fit. The same goes for sneakers.
There’s nothing better than comfortable, functional training clothes and well-fitting shoes.
Here are some of my favorite pieces of fitness gear.
There are so many aquariums like this!
TRX
I think TRX It may be the most underrated piece of fitness equipment. It provides a full-body workout, is portable, lightweight, and allows you to easily modify or advance the movements depending on your fitness level. 10/10 I’m a big fan. (Click here for TRX workout samples!)
pull up bar
My pull-up bar broke and I think it needs to be repaired something new. I *always* work on my pull-ups, but you can’t get better without practicing. We used to hang our laundry on the laundry room door, so I would do a few pull-ups in between changing the laundry.
magnesium
This is in my top 5 supplements for many reasons. I’ve noticed that taking magnesium consistently makes a big difference in my sleep and recovery.
* PEMF Go Mat:
Several people on IG agreed with me. This is truly one of the best ever. It mimics natural vibrations and can be used for recovery, healing, reducing inflammation, and as a meditation tool. I use it for all sorts of reasons! It’s where I sit to meditate every morning (the infrared warmth is so nice on cold winter mornings!) and I often put it on my desk chair as well. check it here Get a discount when you use FITNESSISTA15.
Overrated:
factor 75
You guys. I ordered this for a blog post review because I had seen some people posting about it, which I love (!), but it was disgusting and borderline inedible. It was a line. Everything was brown and oily. It looked like mass produced greasy food and was not the healthy meal preparation I had in mind.
I feel like I can make fresher and more delicious chicken and vegetables at home. I had to waste food so I tried a few meals and after getting a stomach ache from the sad brown vegan mushroom masala the rest went in the trash. After you have Sakara, nothing else can compare. (Of course, Sakara is designed to be something completely different! But I imagine preparing healthy protein and veggie-filled meals, and this wasn’t it.)
Abrocker
It’s just not necessary. There are thousands more functional ways to strengthen your core.
gliding disc
These are effective for targeting the core, inner and outer thighs, but you can also use paper plates on carpet or socks on wooden floors.
*Gym membership
I have mixed feelings about this. If you’re the type of person who is motivated to work out alone, you can definitely get a great workout at home. 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? Of course I can train at home and a few days a week, but I love the atmosphere of the gym, the classes and the group training environment. I always feel like I’m working more when I’m not at home, and I definitely do it for the convenience.
* – Peloton. I sold it to enjoy the gym atmosphere.
Some people thought Peloton was overrated and would rather work out at a gym. Even as a Peloton fan, I completely understand that perspective. You have to do what works for you!
amla colostrum
Please don’t get angry! Many people love this and I’ll admit it’s delicious, but for me it didn’t do anything.
So, friends, please tell me. What do you think is the most overrated and most underrated fitness gear?
Did we forget to add anything to the list?
Shit
Gina