Fitness gear that’s worth the hype (and what’s overrated) –

I share my thoughts on what fitness equipment is worth the investment and what I think is overrated and should be skipped.

Hellooooo! How are you? I hope you are enjoying the week. We’re back from an incredible trip to Orlando (I’ll share a recap on Friday Faves) and are preparing for Air Force pilot retirement. He’s retiring next week and I can’t even believe it.

Since we’re officially almost over January with a solid start to the new year, I know many of us are gearing up for home gyms, looking for exercise equipment, wellness products, and nutrition 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 be overwhelming! Additionally, I’ve found that some promoted options have been disappointing in real life. I’m sharing my picks in the list below and also sharing your Instagram submissions. (Those who have * are from Instagram Answers.)

Fitness Equipment That’s Worth It (And What’s Overrated)

It is worth exaggerating:

barefoot shoes

I found the barefoot shoe trend for a long time, because let’s face it, a lot of them are ugly. I found Vivobarefoot and fell in love. They are the only shoes I use for working out and traveling now, and I feel like they help me with stability and engagement during strength training. I have a whole post on why I love them here!

Platoon

I’ve had my Peloton for about 6 years and love it as much as when I first bought it. The bike is high quality and I always enjoy the classes. You can see my full review here!

our ring

The Oura Ring It’s the same; It can last a long time and provide incredible data. My only complaint is that I have a model 2 and it is very bulky; The newer ones are much thinner, so you may need to upgrade. My full review is here.

apple watch

The Apple Watch is another thing I use every day and love. It encourages me to move more throughout the day, although sometimes I think it encourages overtraining. For example, my Oura ring will tell me I need to rest and my Apple Watch tells me to do my next workout. I think it is very useful and worth it. Here is a post I wrote comparing the Apple Watch and the Fitbit Alta.

band loops

Band loops are a very inexpensive way to add an extra challenge to your workouts. They are portable, can be used for the upper body, lower body (especially the outer thighs and buttocks) and trunk. 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 difficult without being totally exhausting and I love strength sets because the movements are barbell type and really challenge my legs and core. My link gives you a free month on the app. And my full review is here!

organize

organize It’s 100% worth it. I drink at least one Organifi product every day. The green one is my favorite, especially because I hate cleaning the juicer but still want the benefits, but I also love the red, the Gold, and the Harmony. You can use this link and the code FITNESSISTA to get a 20% discount.

*Theragun

He teragun It feels like a dream (well, a semi-painful dream) with sore muscles. I use a similar tool as part of my recovery and feel like it definitely helps me on the days I feel the most pain.

HigherDOSE Sauna Blanket

This is another thing I talk about all the time, but friends, it’s worth it. I invested in this little beauty a couple of years ago and have used it countless times since. We don’t have room for a full sauna, and this is the best option (and I think even better because it’s portable). You can check out 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 enjoyed the Peloton app even though they didn’t own a bike. It’s quite 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 wide variety of class types and instructors; After a little experimenting, you’ll definitely find one you like! I have a post here about a complete training plan using the Peloton app if you’re looking for inspiration!

owala water bottle

These definitely live up to the hype and don’t leak!

airplane rower

I think rowing is a great cardiovascular exercise, 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.

* Ringtones

I have never tried it Tonal but MANY people said they love it! I think it’s amazing that you can do cable workouts at home and adjust the weights, plus they have amazing instructors. Do you have tonal? Do we need one???

*Normatec recovery boots

These are a wastebut an incredible 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-compartment supplement holder

I LOVE these things and another super inexpensive way to make life a little easier. You can order the one I have here!

walking pad

A couple of friends on IG agreed that they love theirs and how I’m obsessed with mine. I use it every day to take extra steps, especially while watching PHI modules or on conference calls and I don’t have to talk.

Sportswear that feels good and fits well. The same goes for sneakers.

There’s nothing like a comfortable, functional workout outfit and a pair of well-fitting shoes!

Here are some of my all-time favorite fitness equipment:

vuori leggings

I have so many of these tanks!

Align tanks

The best socks in the entire country.

This perfect sweater

These tanks

TRX

Believe the TRX It might be the number one underrated fitness equipment. You can work your entire body, it’s portable and lightweight, and you can easily modify or progress the movements depending on your fitness level. 10/10 a big fan. (TRX training sample is here!)

A pull-up bar

Our pull-up bar broke but I think we need to get it back. a new one. I’m *always* working on my pull-ups and you can’t improve if you don’t practice. Ours was previously hanging on the laundry room door, so I did a few pull-ups between changing loads of laundry.

Magnesium

This is in my top 5 supplements for many reasons! I notice a big difference in my sleep and recovery when I take magnesium consistently.

*PEMF Go Mat:

Some people agreed with me on IG that 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 this for all the reasons! It’s where I sit every morning to meditate (the infrared heat feels SO good on cold winter mornings!) and I often put it on my desk chair too. Check it here and use FITNESSISTA15 for a discount.

Overrated:

Factor75

You guys. I ordered this for a blog post review, because I had seen a couple of people post about it that I love (!), and it was disgusting and almost inedible. Everything was brown and greasy; It just seemed like mass-produced greasy food and not the healthy meal preparation I had had in mind.

I feel like I could make chicken and vegetables here at home to make them much fresher and more delicious. I tried a couple of meals, because I had to waste food, and after the sad, brown vegan mushroom masala gave me a stomach ache, the rest went in the trash. After having Sakara, nothing else compares. (And yes, Sakara is designed to be something totally different! BUT I imagine a meal prep rich in healthy proteins and vegetables, and this was… not like that.)

abdominal rocker

I just don’t need it. There are a thousand more functional ways to train your core!

Sliding discs

These can work to target the core, inner and outer thighs, but you can also use paper plates on a rug or socks on a hardwood floor for free.

*A gym membership

I have mixed feelings about this one. You can absolutely get an amazing workout at home, if you’re the type of person who’s motivated to workout alone. Some people really thrive in a group environment and need the connection and community to get a good workout. What kind of person are you? I can definitely work out at home and do it a couple days a 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’ll definitely do it for convenience.

* – Platoon; I sold it to enjoy the gym atmosphere.

Some people said the Peloton was overrated and they would rather work out at the gym. I totally understand that perspective, even as a Peloton fan. You have to do what works for you!

armra colostrum

Don’t get angry! A lot of people LOVE this and while I admit it tastes delicious, it didn’t do any good for me.

So, tell me friends: what do you think is the most overrated and underrated fitness equipment?

Anything I missed adding to the list?

xo

gina