Sharing my thoughts on what fitness equipment is worth the hype, what is worth the investment, and what I think is overrated and should be skipped.
Welcome! how are you? I hope you are enjoying the week. Many thanks to those of you who entered the giveaway and responded My annual survey – I appreciate your help very much.
We’re in the middle of a December race – so many fun events and parties – but I popped in to chat about fitness gear. I feel like a lot of people are getting a head start on things this year, especially in terms of New Year’s goals and settings. Group fitness classes are already thriving, and my trainer friends said they were also getting booked up quickly for January and February. (I have 3 workout spots left for January. If you’re looking for 1:1 training on nutrition or fitness programs, You can apply here.)
With so many of us gearing up for home gyms, looking for fitness equipment, goodies, and nutrition options, I thought I’d do a roundup of some of my top picks. There are so many things to choose from and it can be overwhelming! Also, I found that some of the exaggerated choices were disappointing in real life. I share my picks in the list below, as well as your submissions from Instagram. (People marked with * are from Instagram responses.)
Worth the hype:
peloton
I’ve had a Peloton for about 4 years now, and love it just as much as I did when I first got it. The bike is of great quality and I always enjoy the lessons. You can check out my full review here!
Aura ring
Oura ring is the same thing; It still brings me as much joy as it did when I bought it. My only gripe now is that the battery life seems to be running for less time and I have to charge it more frequently, but it seems to be happening with most electronics after a few years. 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 throughout the day, although sometimes I think it encourages overtraining. For example, the Oura Ring would tell me I needed a rest and the Apple Watch would tell me to crunch for my next workout. I think it is very useful and deserves all this attention. Here is a post I wrote comparing the Apple watch to the Fitbit alta.
band rings
Band rings are an inexpensive way to add more challenge to your workouts. It’s portable, and can be used for the upper body, lower body (especially the outer thighs and glutes), and core. Definitely an underrated fitness tool!
Sculpture Society
these categories Very good and very fun. I feel like I always have a smile on my face, they are challenging without being completely draining, and I love the power series, because the movements are graceful and really challenge my legs and core. My link gives you a free month on the app And my full review is here!
organisation
organisation 100% worth the hype. I drink at least one Organifi product every day. Greens are my favorite—especially because I hate cleaning succulents but still want the benefits—but I also love reds, golds, and tones. You can use this link and code FITNESSISTA to get 20% off.
* Theragon
The Theragon It feels like a dream (well, a semi-painful dream) on the sore muscle. I use a similar tool as part of my recovery and feel it definitely helps on days when I have more pain.
HigherDOSE sauna blanket
These are other things I talk about all the time, but friends, this is so worth it. I invested in this little beauty two years ago and have used it countless times since then. We don’t have space for a full sauna, which is the next best thing (and I think even better because it’s portable). You can check out my full review here. My code FITNESSISTA15 for 15% off! (They have a promotion when this post goes live, too. Grab a sauna blanket and you’ll get a travel bag + a free serotonin bath soak. Spend over $350 and get a free copper body brush.)
* Peloton app (even if you don’t have a bike)
I loved that a lot of people said they enjoyed Peloton even though they didn’t have a bike. It’s very cost effective if you like the atmosphere of a group class without the studio membership. I feel like some of the strength classes are hit or miss, but they have a great variety of class types and instructors; After some experimentation, you will definitely find one you like! I have a post here about a complete workout plan using the Peloton app if you’re looking for inspiration!
* Stanley 40 oz Fruit
Well, I don’t have a file Stanley Cup But many friends on IG said it was worth the hype. I might have to dig it up and get one now 😉
* Rower Concept2
We don’t own this one, but some friends on IG have said they love it This rower. This is the brand we have in our gym, not too expensive (for a rower) and excellent quality. I think rowing is a great cardio exercise, especially because you’re able to use the muscles in your upper body and core in a different way. Definitely check out the home gym option!
* tonal
I have never tried tonal But many people said they love it! I think it’s amazing that you can get a cable workout at home and adjust the weights, plus they have some great trainers. Do you have tonal? do we need one???
* Normatic recovery shoes
That’s a bit of a splurge, but it’s a great recovery tool. (We don’t own these but it was another IG suggestion!) I would definitely recommend something like this to endurance athletes as a recovery option.
* Multi-compartment accessory holder
Love these and another very low cost way to make life a little easier. You can order what I have here!
* Treadmill under the desk
A couple of friends on IG said they love them, and as I write this sitting at my desk, I admit it I definitely want one! What a great way to get a few extra steps and move every day.
* Garmin Vivomove
This friend says, “It does everything the Apple Watch can do and it’s cute”
Fitness apparel that feels comfortable and fit. The same goes for sports shoes.
There’s nothing like comfortable, functional workout clothes and a pair of shoes that fit you well! Here are some of my all-time favorite fitness equipment: These tanksAnd the These are leggings And the These are leggingsAnd the These pantsAnd the These sneakers.
TRX
I suspect TRX It may be the #1 underrated piece of fitness equipment. You can exercise your whole body, it is portable and lightweight, and you can easily adjust or advance the movements depending on your fitness level. 10/10 big fan. (TRX workout sample here!)
pull bar
Our tow bar broke but I think we need to get it on New one. I *always* work on pull-ups (after kids, I’ve had a hard time getting that strength back) and you can’t get better if you don’t work out. It previously hung above the laundry room, so I’ve been doing a few pulls in between switching loads of laundry.
creatine
This is in my top 5 supplements for so many reasons! I’ve noticed a huge difference in my performance and how I feel when I take a very small amount of creatine.
* PEMF Go Mat:
A few people on IG agreed with me that This is really one of the best things ever. It mimics the vibrations of nature, and can be used to recover, heal, reduce inflammation, and as a meditation tool. I use this for all reasons! It’s where I sit down every morning to meditate (the infrared heat feels so good on cold winter mornings!) and I often have it in my office chair, too. Check it out here And use FITNESSISTA15 to get a discount.
above average:
Factor 75
youths. I ordered this to review a blog post, because I saw a couple of people posting about it (!), and it was disgusting and inedible. It was all brown and greasy. It just looked like mass produced greasy food and not the healthy meal prep I had in mind.
I feel like I could make the chicken and veggies here at home to be fresh and delicious. I tried two servings – because I had to waste food – and after the sad brown veggie mushroom gave me a stomach ache, the rest went in the trash. After getting Sakara, nothing can really compare. (And yes, Skara was designed to be something completely different! But I fancy a healthy protein and veggie-heavy meal, and that was…not it.)
Ab rock
You just don’t need it. There are a thousand other functional ways to train your heart!
sliding discs.
These can target your core but you can also use paper plates for free.
* Athletic greens
I agree with this suggestion. After trying Organifi, i feel like all the other greens powders taste like biting into a tree.
* Gym membership
I have mixed feelings about this one. You can definitely get a great workout at home, if you are the type of person who is motivated to work out on your own. Some people really thrive in a group environment and need the connection and community to get a great workout. what kind of person are you?? I can certainly work out at home, doing a few days each week, but I love the gym atmosphere, the classes, and the group training environment. I feel like I always work harder when I’m not home, but I definitely will for the sake of convenience.
* – peloton; He sold it to enjoy the gym atmosphere
A few people said that the peloton was overrated and that they would rather work out in the gym. I totally get that perspective, even being a peloton fan. You do what works for you!
So tell me, friends: What do you think is the most overrated and underrated fitness gear?
Anything I missed to add to the list?
xo
Jenna
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