Fitness Equipment That’s Worth the Hype (And What’s Overrated) –
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.
Hioooo! 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 we’re getting ready to leave as a pilot in the Air Force. He’s retiring next week and I can’t believe it.
Now that we’re officially almost through January and a solid start to the new year, I know many of us are setting up our home gyms, picking out fitness equipment, wellness goodies, and nutrition options. I thought I’d do an updated roundup of some of my top tips. There are so many things to choose from and it can be overwhelming! I also found some of the touted options to be disappointing in real life. I’m sharing my tips in the list below and I’m also sharing your Instagram posts. (Those with * are from Answers on Instagram.)
Fitness Equipment 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 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 they help with stability and engagement during strength training. I have a whole post here on why I love them!
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 clock. You can opt out my full review here!
Hooray ring
The Ring of Oura it’s the same; it can last the long haul and deliver 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 I love it. It encourages me to move more during the day, although sometimes I think it encourages overtraining. For example, my Oura ring tells me I need to rest and my Apple Watch tells me to crush another workout. I think it is very practical and worth it. Here is a post I wrote comparing the Apple watch and the Fitbit alta.
Tape loops
Band loops are such an inexpensive way to add an extra challenge to your workout. They are portable and can be used on the upper body, lower body (especially the outer thighs and glutes) and core. Definitely an underrated fitness tool!
Sculpture Society
These classes they are SO good and so much fun. I feel like I always have a smile on my face, they’re hard without being totally exhausting, and I love strength sets because the moves are barre and really challenge my legs and core. My link will get you a free month in the app a.mfull review is here!
Organifi
Organifi 100% worth the hype. I drink at least one Organifi product every.single.day. Green is my favorite – mainly because 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 (ok, a semi-painful dream) on sore muscles. I use a similar tool as part of my recovery and I feel like it definitely helps on days when I feel more sore.
HighDOSE sauna blanket
That’s another thing I keep talking about, 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 that’s 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 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 of the strength classes are hit or miss, but they have such a huge variety of class types and instructors; after some experimentation, you’re sure to find one you like! I have a post here about a full workout plan using the Peloton app if you are looking for inspiration!
Ovala water bottle
These definitely live up to the hype and don’t leak!
Aviron rower
I think rowing is such a great cardio exercise, especially because you are able to use your upper body and core muscles in a different way. We love our Aviron! Definitely look into the option of a home gym.
* Tonal
I’ve never tried it Tonal but so many people said they love it! I think it’s amazing that you can do cable workouts at home and adjust weights, plus they have incredible instructors. Do you have tonal? Do we need one???
* Normatec Recovery Boots
These are a bit of a splurgebut an amazing recovery tool. (We don’t own them, but it was another IG suggestion!) I would definitely recommend something like this for endurance athletes as a recovery option.
* multi-chamber holder for accessories
LOVE these things and another super low cost way to make your life a little easier. You can order the one I have here!
Walking mat
A few friends on IG agreed that they love theirs and how obsessed I am with mine. I use it every day to take extra steps, especially when I’m looking 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.
There’s nothing like comfortable, functional workout clothes and a pair of shoes that fit well!
Here are some of my favorite fitness equipment:
I have so many of these tanks!
The best socks in the whole country
TRX
i think TRX may be the #1 underrated piece of fitness equipment. You can work out the whole body, it’s portable and lightweight, and you can easily modify or develop the movements depending on your fitness level. 10/10 big fan. (A demo of the TRX workout is here!)
Pull rod
Our tie rod broke, but I think we’ve got to get out new. I’m *always* working on my pull-ups and you can’t improve if you don’t practice. Ours used to hang on the laundry room door, so I pulled a few times between laundry changes.
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:
A few people agreed with me on IG 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 every reason! It’s where I sit and meditate every morning (infrared heat is SO good on cold winter mornings!) and I also often put it on my desk chair. Check it out here and use FITNESSISTA15 for a discount.
Overrated:
Factor 75
You guys. I ordered this for a blog post review because I saw a few people I love (!) write about it and it was disgusting and borderline inedible. Everything was brown and greasy; it just looked like mass produced greasy food and not the healthy food preparation I had in mind.
I feel like I could prepare the chicken and vegetables at home to make them much fresher and more delicious. I tried a few dishes – because I had to waste food – and after the sad brown vegan mushroom masala gave me a stomach ache, the rest went in the bin. After having Sakar, nothing else really compares. (And yes, Sakara is designed to be something completely different! BUT I picture healthy protein and vegetarian meal prep, and this…wasn’t it.)
Ab rocker
Just don’t need it. There are a thousand more functional ways to train your core!
Sliding discs
These can target your core, inner and outer thighs, but you can also use paper plates on the carpet or socks on the handmade wood floor for freeeeee.
* Gym membership
I have mixed feelings about this. You can absolutely do a great workout at home if you’re the type of person who’s motivated to work out solo. Some people really thrive in a group setting and need connection and community to get a great workout. What type of person are you?? I can definitely work out at home and a few days a week, but I love the gym atmosphere, class and group training environment. I feel like I always work harder when I’m not at home, but I’ll definitely do it for convenience.
* – Peloton; he sold to enjoy the atmosphere of the gym
A few people have said that Peloton is overrated and that they’d rather work out at a gym. I totally understand that point of view, even as a Peloton fan. You have to do what works for you!
Colostrum weapon
Don’t be angry! Lots of people LOVE it 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 piece of fitness equipment?
Did I miss something to add to the list?
xo
Gina
English