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

I share my thoughts on which fitness equipment is worth the hype and investment, and which I think are 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 Friday Faves – and we’re getting ready for the pilot’s retirement from the Air Force. He’s retiring next week and I can’t even believe it.

As we’re officially almost into January with a solid start to the new year, I know many of us are setting up home gyms, considering fitness gear, wellness goodies and dining options. I thought I’d do an updated review of some of my top picks. There are a LOT of things to choose from and it can get overwhelming! I also found some bloated options to be frustrating in real life. I’m sharing my picks in the list below and I’m also sharing your suggestions from Instagram. (Those with * are from Answers on Instagram.)

Fitness Equipment That’s Worth the Hype (And What’s Overrated)

It’s worth the hype:

Barefoot shoes

I discovered the barefoot trend for so long 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 training and travel now, and I feel they help with stability and engagement during strength training. I have a full post on why I love them here!

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 quality and I always enjoy the lessons. You can check out my full review here!

Oura ring

The Ring of Oura is the same thing; it can last for a long time and provide amazing 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 love. It encourages me to move more during the day, although sometimes I think it encourages overtraining. For example, my Oura ring will tell me I need a break, and my Apple Watch tells me to stop my next workout. I think it’s very comfortable and worth the hype. 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 workouts. They are portable, can be used for the upper body, lower body (especially the outer thighs and glutes) and abdomen. Definitely an underrated fitness tool!

Sculpture Society

These classes are SO good and so much fun. I feel like I always have a smile on my face, they’re healthy without being totally exhausting, and I love strength sets because the moves are barre and really challenge my legs and abs. My link gets you a free month in the app and my full review is here!

Organifi

Organifi 100% worth the hype. I drink at least one Organifi product every day. Green is my favorite – especially 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 the code FITNESSISTA for 20% off.

* Terragun

The Teragun it feels like sleep (well, semi-painful sleep) on sore muscles. I use a similar tool as part of my recovery and feel it definitely helps on the days when I feel sicker.

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 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 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 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 wide variety of class types and instructors; after some experimentation you’ll definitely find one you like! I have a post here for a complete workout plan using the Peloton app if you’re looking for some inspiration!

Owala water bottle

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

Rower rower

I think rowing is a great cardio workout, especially because you can use your upper body and core muscles differently. We love our Aviron! Definitely check it out for a home gym option.

* Tonal

I’ve never tried Tonal but SO many people said they loved 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 shoes

These are minor quibblesbut a great recovery tool. (We don’t own them, but that was another IG suggestion!) I would definitely recommend something like this for endurance athletes as a recovery option.

* multi-compartment accessory holder

LOVE this stuff and another super cheap way to make life a little easier. You can order the one I have here!

Walking mat

Several friends on IG agreed that they love theirs and since I’m obsessed with mine. I use it every day to get extra steps, especially while watching IHP modules or on conference calls and I don’t have to talk.

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 all-time favorite fitness gear:

Wedge with lining

I have so many of these tanks!

Align the tanks

The best socks in the whole country

This perfect sweater

These tanks

TRX

i think TRX may be the #1 underrated piece of fitness equipment. You can train your whole body, it’s portable and lightweight, and you can easily modify or progress the movements depending on your fitness level. 10/10 huge fan. (Here’s a sample TRX workout!)

Pull lever

Our pull-up bar broke, but I think we should get it 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 would do a few pulls in between throwing loads of laundry.

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:

Several people agreed with me on this it really is one of the best things. It mimics the vibrations of nature and can be used to restore, heal, reduce inflammation and as a meditation tool. I use this for all the reasons! This is where I sit every morning to meditate (infrared heat feels SO good on cold winter mornings!) and I often place it on my desk chair as well. See it here and use FITNESSISTA15 for a discount.

Overrated:

Factor 75

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

I feel like I can make chicken and veggies here at home to be much fresher and tastier. I tried a few of the dishes – because I had to waste food – and after the sad, brown vegan mushroom masala made my stomach hurt, the rest went in the bin. Once I have Sakara, nothing else compares. (And yes, Sakara is designed to be something completely different! BUT I envision a healthy meal with protein and veggies and this was…not that.)

Belly dress

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

Sliding discs

They can work to target the core, inner and outer thighs, but you can also use paper plates on a carpet or socks on a wooden floor for freeeeeeee.

* 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 work out solo. Some people really thrive in a group environment and need connection and community to get a great workout. What type of person are you?? I can definitely work out at home and do a few days each week, but I love the gym atmosphere, the classes, and the group training environment. I feel like I always work more when I’m not at home, but I’ll definitely do it for convenience.

* – Peloton; sell it to enjoy the gym atmosphere

Several people said Peloton is overrated and prefer to train at the gym. I totally understand that perspective, even as a Peloton fan. You have to do what works for you!

Colostrum weapon

Don’t be angry! Lots of people LOVE this and while I admit it tastes great, it did nothing for me.

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

Anything I missed to add to the list?

xo

Gina