Intro:
Here are my favorite affordable and effective Amazon fitness gear finds that I use almost every time I train. These are perfect for any gym-going girly who wants quality, comfort, and consistency!
Let’s clear something up first though—you do not need to buy a bunch of fancy equipment to reach your fitness goals. You also don’t need to pay for a gym membership to see results. You can absolutely get strong and fit doing at-home workouts with minimal equipment (which I’ll cover in another blog soon!).
For me personally, a gym membership is more feasible with my current budget and living situation. We live on the 4th floor of an apartment, and working out at home isn’t exactly ideal. Plus, my current goal is to build muscle—and that’s just not going to happen if I’m lifting the same weights for the same reps every week.
Going to a commercial gym gives me the variety and progressive overload I need to keep challenging my muscles and moving toward my goals.
That said, I’ve found that having a few personal items in your gym bag makes a huge difference—especially when the fitness gear provided are uncomfortable, old, or just not your size (IYKYK 😅).
1. Barbell Pad for Hip Thrusts & Squats
The pads at the gym? Thin, ripped, or MIA (or just ick…). This one is thick, stays put, and makes heavy hip thrusts actually bearable. One of my biggest goals is to grow my glutes (I know I’m not alone here!), so this is an absolute must have for fitness gear!
2. Mini Resistance Bands
These are perfect for glute activation before leg day or adding burn to bodyweight workouts. I love that they don’t roll or snap (the fabric ones are superior for this reason!). I use these often with clients as well as for my own workouts. They are great for beginners, as well as fitness pros.
3. Ankle Strap Cuff for Cable Kickbacks
Most gyms don’t have these—or if they do, they’re shared and sketchy. This one is soft, secure, and easy to throw in your bag. I use these for cable kickbacks which is not an exercise everyone needs to do by any means. However, I like to throw these into my program every once in awhile and when I do, I need an ankle cuff to do so. I went cheap and just got 1, but you will not be disappointed if you get a pair. It’s such a hassle to switch it to my other ankle for every set!
4. Lifting Straps
Great for pulling exercises. I’ll be honest, I do not have these yet, but this is next on my fitness gear shopping list! Almost every time I perform dumbbell RDLs my arms give up before my legs do. These will help you grib the weight without having to use as much forearm strength.
5. Cute but Functional Gym Bag For Your Fitness Gear
I needed something big enough to hold all the above plus shoes, but still cute! I have 2 options to share here. The first is a traditional gym duffel.
I have to admit, I am a backpack girl. I hate carrying a bag on my shoulder and a backpack makes things much easier. This is the backpack I originally got for traveling, but it fits my barebell pad and all the above so well! I still use this for travel, but it doubles as my go-to gym bag!
6. Insulated Water Bottle
You NEED a water bottle for workouts! This one keeps drinks cold for hours. I can even fill up my bottle the night before an early morning workout so I don’t wake up my husband, and it’s still cold! I love a large stainless steel water bottle for workouts! This way I don’t have to waste time filling my water bottle at the gym. You will also not be upset about having a strap to carry your water bottle around the gym. This one does not filter your water, but if you’re looking for one you can also travel, with I recommend checking out my blog on filtered water.
7. Headphones
Music = motivation. I have Apple Airpods, but I wanted to share some that were a bit more affordable. Now, keep in mind these are not low-tox friendly due to the bluetooth. If you’re looking for more low-tox friendly headphones, check out these!
Final Thoughts:
You don’t need a huge home gym setup or a full cart of gear to make progress. A few key items can upgrade your experience, protect your body, and make your workouts more enjoyable. These are my daily go-tos, and I always keep them packed and ready making getting up for a morning workout much easier!
P.S. I may earn a small commission if you shop through these Amazon links—at no extra cost to you! Thanks for supporting my blog so I can keep sharing honest, helpful wellness content.
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