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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Equipment and services that'll help you crush your 2021 fitness goals, no matter your level.
And with more than 29,000 5-star reviews, this no-fuss, no-frills set is perfect for beginners who don't want to drop a huge chunk of change on weights.
Promising review: "I've recently started working out at home since I can't do much walking outdoors here in Wisconsin during the winter. Rather than getting a gym membership, I decided to invest in some workout equipment. I've owned these weights for only a couple of weeks, and I'm very happy with them! I've used them a number of times, and they work great. I feel the price is good for the quality, and I will look at ordering others in the future as I get stronger! If you are looking for some hand weights, I recommend buying these!" —Kristin B.
Get the set from Amazon for $34.99 (available in six weight variations).5
Promising review: "This is a great holder for my weights. I have five sets of barbells. They were all over in the floor in the way. Now they are neatly in the corner. This stand is heavy duty and sturdy! I put it together myself!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in nine colors and sizes).
Promising review: "I really love these, which was surprising to me. I generally use rings, paralletes, and kettlebells for my workout, and I wasn't sure how effective these would be. I was happy to learn that these really hit your abs, chest, and arms. Doing push-ups with these I gave my biceps more of a workout than I anticipated. They also provide a nice chest workout (while I think dips on the rings is one of the best things, these worked well). These have managed to make their way into my regular rotation of exercises; that's really one of the highest compliments I can give this product. I highly recommend this product." —DDC
Get them from Amazon for $29.99.
Toned by BaggedEm is a Black woman-owned business started by two sisters to create yoga mats with illustrations of women working out on them. The illustrations are done by their mother. The yoga mat is made from 100% natural rubber with an absorbent layer on top (for any sweat) and is made with extra length. It's ideal for yoga, hot yoga, Pilates, or any other floor exercises.
Get it from Toned By Baggedem for $79.99 (available in 3mm and 5mm thickness).
Oh Obé, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Seriously, I could go on all day about how much I love this fitness program, but I'll try and keep it as concise as possible. I've been using Obé for more than a year and a half now, and I am still completely obsessed with it and think it is one of the greatest workout programs out there. Since I’ve never belonged to a gym while living in New York, I am a self-proclaimed master of working out at home. I started using Obé and then went back to my old at-home workout and switched back to Obé again because I realized I liked it so much. The classes are a great workout, yet the 28 minutes go by super fast, and I’m not counting down the minutes till it’s over. You don't technically need any equipment for the workout, but you can "level up" with simple equipment, such as a resistance loop, weights, and sliders.
The live classes are fun and give me a reason to get out of bed in the morning. And the instructors even give shoutouts to people in the class, and it's actually a pretty cool feeling when you hear your name. When I can’t make the live classes, there are SO many on-demand. Obé offers a ton of varieties of classes, including strength, HIIT, sculpt, yoga, barre, and dance. Plus, you can filter classes in the on-demand section, so you can select a low-impact class if you have neighbors to worry about.
Obé has me challenging myself and trying out new classes. I never would have thought I would enjoy a Dance HIIT or even a regular HIIT class, but now I do them regularly. And I even started taking strength classes in the past year and had to purchase heavier 8- and 10-pound weights, which past-me would be been so shocked about. It pushes me to be stronger and more confident and really has been such a good thing for me in the past year. I feel so strong because of Obé and really encourage anyone to give it a try.
Get a monthly subscription from Obé for $27/month, $65/quarter, or $199/year.
Don't forget to download the app before you get started so you can play the four free games!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Mallory Mower says: "Getting a Stealth board was the very best thing that has happened to me during quarantine. Mixing the fun of games on your phone with the natural endorphins you get from exercising is, to put it lightly, genius. I have two in my home, and my husband and I compete daily to see who can last the longest. My favorite game is the paragliding challenge, he's into the planet-blasting space adventure. Nerd."
Get it from Amazon for $149.
BuzzFeed Editor Emma McAnaw says: "These Beats headphones have been a real game-changer for me. The sound quality is so much better than my cheap headphones, which has actually really improved my experience at the gym. I find it easier to stay motivated now that my music is *crystal clear* (and I can't hear myself wheezing on the treadmill)."
Get them from Amazon for $199.95 (available in eight colors).
Read Emma's full review of the Powerbeats headphones here (#4).
Promising review: "I've recently gotten into kettlebell training, and I've been trying to find 15-lb kettlebells to purchase, but can't find them anywhere. I do have a complete set of dumbbells from 5 lbs up, and with the help of the Kettle Gryp, I can quickly turn the plain vanilla hex dumbbell into a kettlebell within seconds. I really love the versatility of this product and am delighted that I won't ever have to buy kettlebells ever again. These really maximize the utility of my already existing dumbbells and save me tons of money. They are also durable and easy to use. Thumbs up!" —Jonathan G. Smith
Get it from Amazon for $34.95.
Promising review: "Bala Bangles has truly reinvented wrist/ankle weights. I am actually not embarrassed to wear these in public. In fact, I people ask me all the time where I purchased these from. Bala is comfortable throughout the workout and actually intensifies it as well — I thought, 1 lb, no way will I truly be able to tell the difference... WRONG. I often have to take these off halfway into my class because it's that much more challenging. I also travel a ton for work and these are easily packable and great to utilize in my hotel room/gym if I can't make it to a workout class. This is now the second color I have purchased and could not be happier with the product. How someone did not think of this sooner I will never know... But I am glad because Bala Bangles did it right. They are worth every penny. I highly recommend this product to any and everyone." —Jules Lee
Get a set of two from Amazon for $49 (available in seven colors).
Plus, it comes with a resistance band to help get your obliques in the exercises and can hold up to 600 pounds.
Promising review: "This wheel has had a huge impact on me in just under a week of use. I have been rolling out on this wheel for fifteen reps in three sets every day since it has arrived and already I feel much stronger. I hesitate to say that I am starting to see results in such a short period of time, but I am confident that if I keep up the hard work the results will be obvious." —Ahmad
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
Equipt is a small woman-founded brand combining design and functionality into workout gear. The shape of the Ubarre is designed for comfort and utility.
Promising review: "Ubarre is wild! It targets every area of your body. I have been using it daily and have had the best workout in seven years. I cannot believe how quickly it tones your body." —Brooklyn K
Get it from Equipt for $129+ (available in four weights) or from Bandier for $129 (only available in black in 4 lbs).
Psssst...If you've been wanting to try a Peloton but just can muster up that price, this is a good way to start. After you get the bike, you can download the Peloton app on an iPad or tablet (or even phone) and attach it to the front of the bike with a tablet holder. You'll feel like a real pro.
Promising review: "I really enjoy my bike. I am new to spin (never did a class) but loved the idea of it. I knew I didn’t want to invest in an expensive bike without having the experience to know if I like this sport or not. I bought the bike and am hooked. It’s everything I need it to be. The size is fantastic, and I pull up a cycling class on YouTube, and it’s a great workout! I highly recommend it!" —Roshtomom
Get it from Amazon for $309.99.
Promising review: "I bought these for my husband because he likes to go running before work and before the sun is out! He was carrying a small flashlight, but I know he hates carrying things when he runs. So I bought these, and they work great! The LED light is very bright so it's perfect for running in the dark and people will notice you! There are two settings — one with just the light on and one blinking. These are a must-have if you like to exercise in the dark. They also come with spare batteries which is awesome!" —Sharkbait790
Get a set of two from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in nine colors).
Promising review: "I LOVE this yoga towel. It's thicker than some of my others, which I prefer. I think this is the reason it doesn't bunch up during my class. It stays perfectly smooth. I spray it with water before the start of class and, presto! It's perfect! I don't slip and I don't have to bother with the towel bunching up under my hands or feet. Also, great quality and beautiful colors. Held up great in the wash!" —Monkey's Mama
Get it from Amazon for $31.99 (available in six colors).
And to read more about this yoga towel, check out "Just 11 Things You Might Want To Try In October" (#6).
The kit includes a p.ball, p.band, 1.5 lb. ankle weights, heavy ankle band, gliders, and the three-month membership. The digital membership gives you unlimited access to the live virtual studio and also a starter program with cardio, sculpting, and recovery videos.
Promising review: "I LOVE this kit! It's a good mix of equipment that allows for such a variety of classes on the streaming site — both cardio burn and the strength and sculpt. The p.ball is my favorite because it's so unique. I'm so happy with this purchase! I can't wait to add more equipment to my gym!!" —Kelly
Get it from P.Volve for $111.99 (originally $159.99).
Promising review: "I love this belt! It is super comfortable and sturdy. I bought the belt to hold my iPhone 8 Plus and keys while I run. The iPhone 8 Plus is a tight squeeze but fits even in its OtterBox case. I love the hook to snap my keys on so they stay in place and I don’t have to worry about them falling out. I did not even find the need to flip the belt as my phone and keys felt secure and I wanted easier access to my phone. It fits snugly on my hip and the belt did not bounce around on my run even with my heavy phone inside. All in all super happy with this purchase. Worth every penny!" —Elise V. Ryding
Get it from Amazon for $20.10+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in 11 colors).
Promising review: "I've been using these sliders for almost a month now, and they are great. I have used them both barefoot and with shoes on with no issues. They work well on carpet, rugs, and tile. For the tile, I flip them over so the soft side is facing down, that way nothing gets scratched. So far they provide great results with my workouts, I use them almost every day. They seem so simple and easy, but they provide intense workouts when used properly." —Eric
Get them from Amazon for $8.95+ (available in five colors).
The set includes a set of slim handles, 1/4-lb jump rope (for endurance and HIIT workouts, 1/2-lb jump rope (for beginners and advanced cardio), a carrying pouch, and access to the free version of the app.
Promising review: "The Crossrope set has transformed the way I jump. My previous $10 rope just can't cut it like the 1/4-pound, and my upper body loves the burn of that 1/2-pound. These ropes are sturdy, and the set is worth every penny so far. I freestyle jump three or four days per week for 20-35 minutes, and so far these hold up beautifully to the use." —Kristi K.
Get it from Crossrope for $99 (available in sizes S-XL).
Promising review: "Very good-quality materials are used, starting from the steel rope, which is encased in some sort of heavy-duty, slightly clear plastic to the smooth bearings. The finish of the rope is very slick and seems like it'll hold up a long time. If you grab the handle and spin it, the bearing will go 10 revolutions easily, speaking to the quality of the bearings. I've only had it a couple of weeks and it is holding up great. For $10, probably one of the best ropes you can get. And from what I read about the owners of the company and their warranty, seems like these folks will be more than happy to get a new rope over to you ASAP if your current one breaks for whatever reason." —Roman
Get it from Amazon for $16.
Promising review: "I really love this Pilates ball. It's super easy to inflate and use straight out of the box. It comes with directions on the different ways you can use the ball, and I found this really helpful as this is a new way of exercising for me. My Pilates instructor suggested I purchase one, and I am glad I did." —kahuna Girl
Get it from Amazon for $9.97.
Promising review: "These bands have been great for me to do my at-home workouts. I use resistance bands at the chiropractor to strengthen my back, and I have been able to complete my workouts at home. The absolute best thing about these bands is that they DO NOT cut or hurt my skin as other bands do! I like the fact that they have different resistance strengths. The green is the easiest then the pink one is a medium resistant band and the purple one is the most difficult Also, they come with a bag for you to carry with you." —Melti You
Get a set of three from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three color combinations).
The set includes five bands of different weights: the black is 30 lbs, blue is 20 lbs, red is 40 lbs, green is 50 lbs, and yellow is 10 lbs. Plus, you get two handles.
Promising review: "At first, I was nervous to use these because I've never used resistance bands in my exercises. But after almost a month of having them, I get the most intense workout, especially since I'm at home all the time now. There are a lot of different strengths in the bands, but I mostly just use the heaviest one (Green). The best thing I use the most is the door stopper attachment. This lets me do a lot of overhead variations of exercises, which keep my heart rate up. Overall, I've been pretty happy with this purchase." —Eric Le
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
Feetup was founded by a yoga teacher in Germany in 2008 who wanted to create a tool to help people with inversions. It ensures that you have proper alignment while also being supported and comfortable while you work on poses such as headstands and more.
Promising review: "I bought this as gift for myself only a few days before Christmas and really didn’t expect to see it until the new year. It arrived in 3 days! It was easy to put together and only took a few minutes. I’m a seasoned yogi and RYT200 and wanted it to expand my inversions and home practice. What I didn’t expect was what a great tool/prop it is! There are classes on the app for all levels with a ton of different practices from balance, challenging and twists to yin and chair poses. I already found my muscles were sore in places I didn’t expect. Can’t wait to try out more classes! Oh, and the inversion is SO easy and takes the strain and pressure off your head and neck. I will be enjoying this tool as a new home practice and less in-studio classes." —Jynne
Get it from Amazon for $169.99 (available in four colors) or Feetup for $134.10 (originally $149; available in three colors).
The system includes a suspension training strap, indoor/outdoor anchors, two workout guides, a training poster, and a mesh bag.
Promising review: "I don't always have the time/inclination to go to the gym, and having this at home allows me to get in a proper workout without leaving the house. It's just a fun way to try new things and use muscles that you wouldn't be able to otherwise. I can't do pistol squats in real life, but I can with this thing! It's incredibly easy to use and to adjust." —Cersar
Get it from Amazon for $129.95.
Promising review: "Wow. Just wow. I came here to write a review because I’m so so happy. I’ve been looking for a yoga mat that was long enough for me (I’m 6 ft barefoot ), a mat that wouldn’t slip if I got sweaty, and a mat that is durable and won’t shred easily like the previous mats that I have owned. The markings for alignment are a huge bonus, as I’ve been really delving into my daily practice and working on forming an alignment. This is a feature that I did not know I needed, and I am so grateful it exists. This mat is also a lot more beautiful texture-wise than it even looks in the picture. It’s also very comfortable. It's not too thin and not too thick! I am just so pleased, and I highly recommend this yoga mat. For the first time today, I did not spill off of my yoga mat during Savasana :) thanks for the quality and the happiness this mat has already brought me!!" —Reya
Get it from Amazon for $28.95+ (available in five colors).
The mirror brings a fitness studio right into your home. It comes with a wall-mount and stand as well as a companion app. Plus, you can sync the heart-rate monitor or Apple Watch to help you track your workout in real-time. There are more than 20 different types of workouts on the device, including boxing, Pilates, weights, and more. It also tracks your progress so you can try and beat yourself to improve.
Promising review: "The thing that makes The Mirror a game-changer a combination of the convenience of working out at home and the awesome personal trainers who guide you through your workouts. I can workout whenever I want. and I don’t have to leave the house, and I can take any class I want whether it be focused on cardio, arms, abs, core, legs, etc. There are also tons of classes to give you a lot of variety so you don’t get bored, which is a factor for me so I like that you can change it up. I also prefer instructional workouts and the trainers on The Mirror always come with awesome workouts. I like working out with dumbbells but there is a variety of equipment such as resistance bands, kettlebells, or body weight. The instructors are like personal trainers and are very motivating. They know exactly how to make you move your body with said equipment to get a great workout. Overall, the mirror has been a game-changer for me because I use it way more than any gym I used to go to. I see actual results. It helps keep me motivated, and I feel great." —Shawn
Get it from The Mirror for $1,495.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.