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Queue up your go-to workout playlist and let's *do* this thing.
I admittedly am someone who thrives while working out at the gym, but there are many exercises I've been dying to try and don't because I don't want to embarrass myself. Boxing is one of them. Luckily, I can start practicing my skills (and break a decent sweat!) at home while playing this super-fun game on the Nintendo Switch. I use this game as a way to mix up my exercises / when I don't feel like venturing out to the gym. I have to say, it's a SERIOUS workout. I'm usually sore for days after and have burnt up to 300 calories in 30 minutes! If you get tired of the provided songs, mute your TV and turn on your favorite workout playlist — a great hack, if you ask me! The newest version of this game will combine your stats with the original, so no worries if you've already been playing Fitness Boxing for years!
Get it from Amazon for $49.99.
Promising review: "With a new baby I found myself doing a lot of upper body exercises while holding my little one. While this is a great upper-body and potentially full-body workout, I found the baby to be a little too squirmy to be effective so I decided to pick up this medicine ball. It was a great choice. It's grippy, compact, and effective. It also doesn't have a tendency to spit up on me while doing chest presses, which is a big plus. Best part — this ball doesn't complain if I accidentally drop it. Honestly — this is a great basic medicine ball. The rubber skin provides great grip. No 'heavy spots,' with the weight evenly distributed across the ball. There are plenty of quick exercises you can do at home to do a full-body workout with the benefit of building both slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle. Ball seems plenty durable and should last a good long time. Great purchase. Thinking of buying another in a different weight." —Todd W.
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in five weights).
Uh, hello, there's a skull and crossbones on the handles of this jump rope! So freakin' cool! It is ideal for those interested in cardio training and is very lightweight — great for storing in your junk drawer and busting out when you're ready to sweat.
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.
P.volve's membership includes over 200 workout videos (new ones added weekly), the ability to curate a plan based on your goals, a built-in progress profile, and a library of recipe videos. I've been told by multiple doctors and therapists that exercising is a great way to combat anxiety — and you just might find yourself getting a bit more fit in the process. If you're not 100% sure you can test out the subscription for 14 days for free!
Get a P.Volve subscription for $19.99/month.
Despite its size, this lil' elliptical gets the job done! You can use it standing or place it under your desk to assure you get your workout in even if you're hanging out at home.
Promising review: "I love this elliptical! It isn't exactly 'portable,' but I was able to carry it to work on public transportation without killing myself. Setup took about 15 minutes and didn't require tools or more skill than Ikea furniture. It's completely silent and I have had people standing at my desk talking to me who had no idea I was even using it. I always tell them about it though and now several other people in my office have bought one. At first I was only doing 10-15 miles a day before getting tired, or I would find it distracting as my heart rate got up, but now I have the resistance at 75% and I can use it for four to five hours a day, logging up to 50 miles on average. I have found a sweet-spot where I can peddle nonstop and I always feel riiiiight on the verge of breaking a serious sweat, so I take a 30-second break every 10-15 minutes just to keep from ruining my makeup." —blac12
Get it from Amazon for $114.99 (available in two colors).
You can work out SO many different parts of your body using these stretchy little guys — and you don't even have to leave your bedroom.
Promising review: "I have had these for a few weeks now and I must say I'm thoroughly impressed with the packaging and quality of these bands. You get everything you see in the product pictures and it is exactly as advertised. There is an instructional pamphlet that details several different exercises possible with these bands with images of the different setups. The foam bars are sturdy and I had no trouble getting a good workout from using the bands with the bars. There isn't really anything I can fault this product on. It is truly a terrific exercise product that will get you results if you put in the effort of using it. A plus is that it is so mobile and compact in the storage bag that I leave it by the television set so that I can get in a little exercise while I am watching." —W. Kwok
Get it from Amazon for $26.99.
Step on the court with Mario, Luigi, and the rest of the classic squad and get ready to break a sweat and have a great time! You can even purchase handheld tennis rackets to get the full experience.
Promising review: "I'm not a fan of sports games, but Mario Tennis Aces surprised me. It plays just like standard tennis, but incorporates many different types of moves, an energy bar, trick shots, and special moves that all make it feel more like a fighting game. It's incredibly fun to play with friends and has a substantial story mode as well. Check this game out, it might surprise you with how fun it is." —chickfred
Get a digital code from Amazon for $38.99.
Promising review: "I didn’t expect to love this thing so much! It has a spring-like resistance on the foam back, so it makes working out — especially curl-ups — fun and if you put it on the tallest setting, the sit-ups get so easy that you don’t even realize how much you are working out! Did this for half and hour while watching TV and didn’t have to take any breaks. I love this thing." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $69.99.
I may or may not have popped a rib out of place two years ago while experimenting with weight machines at the gym. So, please, take my advice and start slow with a basic dumbbell set at home.
Promising review: "I had been looking at these weights for a while. I wanted something adjustable because I don't have the room for much. One side of each handle has one big weight and eight small ones. You can add or take away whatever you want and they don't flop or slide around. I haven't weighted them but I think you can definitely make more weight combinations than they listed. Well worth the money!" —ErinR
Get them from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in two weight sizes and four colors).
Promising review: "I love the versatility of me being able to just pick up a different bar weight amount if the one I have is too heavy or too light instead of having to take weight plates on and off with a traditional barbell. They came in perfect condition! Will be buying more of different weight amounts." —AM
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in 5–30 lbs or as a set).
I have one of these yoga mats and it has been a game-changer. Whether I'm taking it to an actual class or using it to follow a workout on YouTube at home, I know I'm not going to slip and hurt myself (can you tell I'm accident-prone?). Its many cute style options are for sure an added bonus!
Promising review: "Love love love love this!! I'm 5-foot-10 with LONG legs, so regular mats don't work for me. I step off them and they're not big enough. This one is amazing...nice and thick. Once I washed/prepped it, there's not slippage. You do have to wash/scrub it or it starts out pretty slick. But totally worth the money. I haven't used any other of my mats since. Thinking about getting another one to leave at my office." —Careyidaho
Get it from Amazon for $29.05+ (available in 34 styles).
I was first introduced to this product via watching the Kardashians' workouts on Instagram (yes, really) and I've grown to love it! It's really simple to use — I like to do my crunches on it, as it gives me more back support. There are tons of other ways to break a sweat using this, so def consider adding it to your shopping cart.
Promising review: "OMG...I love this. I just did a 5k race with my son and his friends, it's called The Inflatable5k, meaning you run 3 miles while having inflatable obstacles to run, jump, or climb upon. I did it, but I have to say it was harder than I thought to balance on a balloon! I bought this wanting to improve, but I was not expecting all this FUN. I really love it! It's so easy on my joints — in fact when I use this in place of my step for aerobics DVDs, my knee pain is gone...for real! Unexpected bonus!!" —Kat
Get it from Amazon for $120.10+ (available in 24 styles).
Promising review: "Ever since I have started working from home I have had a lot of trouble getting a good amount of steps in a day. COVID obviously made this even more challenging. This little device is super handy for adding steps in periodically (which it accurately counts!) or hopping on for a full-length workout. It is also lightweight and portable so I can just grab it to get steps in on the balcony for the view or plop it down in front of the TV if I want to get a workout in while watching something." —A. Kubicek
Get it from Amazon for $49.99.
I first discovered Emkfit when I was researching Disney workouts for a previous article (check it out here!) and quickly got hooked. Emily's mantra is "fake it 'til you make it, wrong and strong," which is so much more encouraging than many of the other YouTube "trainers" I've tried out. I have a longstanding anxiety disorder and have learned that one of the best ways to cope and distract my mind is with a great workout — which has been pretty hard to do during COVID times where I haven't felt comfortable going to a gym. Thankfully I discovered Emily's videos and they have become both a source of fun and exercise. The moves are a combo of cardio / dance moves (fear not, I don't have an ounce of rhythm in my body) and are clearly explained *with* low impact options as well. Some of my favorite sessions have been themed around Mamma Mia, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and of course Disney. There really is something for everyone on her channel, including a 2000s-themed emo/punk workout. Need I say more?
You can check out Emkfit on YouTube for free or join as a member via her Patreon page for $3+ a month.
Promising review: "I love it! The design is clean and simple. The games are basic, but still keep me in a plank longer than normal. I like the workout part, basically 30-second intervals of different exercises, you pick how many 30-second segments you want to do at a time. There is a daily challenge too. I would be bored to tears after one 40-second regular plank, I do over six minutes plus at each session on this and you really feel it strengthening your core." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $119.
This is a prime example of something my gym has that I've always been too scared to try (for fear of quite literally falling on my face). The sliding technique used with this workout tool is great for building up your core — and actually looks kinda...fun? I'm gonna order a pair of these gliding discs to test out on my wood floors in the privacy of my own home. Who's with me?!
Promising review: "I would hands-down buy these again! They work great on both carpet (even my longer-ish carpet) and my hardwood floors. They're exactly as described and are the perfect size. Nothing negative to say (except that my abs are killing me!)" —Kara
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.95+ (available in five colors).
Essentially a tire with handles, this item is going to roll right into your workout routine. It's great for strengthening your abs, shoulder, arms, and back — which is pretty unbelievable based on how compact it is. Sign me UP.
Promising review: "I’ve been looking to buy one of these ab rollers for home use to supplement my workouts at the gym, but with so many options online I didn’t know which one to choose. I haven’t tried anything else, but I am really happy with this one. Everything was shipped nicely and it was super easy to assemble. The handles are nicely padded so they are comfortable to use. Plus, the non-stick surface of the wheel is great on all surfaces… and it came with a mini yoga mat to use so for your knees, which was a great bonus. Overall I’m really happy and would recommend." —EB
Get it from Amazon for $17.95.
Powerhandz is a Dallas-based company focused on athletic training and rehabilitation products. Co-founded by entrepreneurs Danyel Surrency Jones and Darnell Jones, Powerhandz aims to help fitness enthusiasts improve their workouts.
Promising review: "These pop-up defenders are great for any age group or skill set. When it’s up, your basketball equipment can be stored inside and the base is weighted. When collapsed, it’s so easily transported. The height of the pop-up defenders allows for both offensive and defensive direction when training versus standard cones. Great product!" —Powerhandz Customer
Get it from Powerhandz for $34.99.
I always try to map out my exercise plan before I hit the gym, otherwise I'll idle around and wander aimlessly from machine to machine. I'm even more likely to waste precious time trying to find a routine to follow when I'm at home. These cards will solve your workout-planning woes immediately!
Promising review: "These cards are *amazing.* I love that I can schedule my workout week sensibly and safely — I really appreciate the tips on the backs of the cards! The calorie burn is accurate, if not a bit conservative. Lifting heavier will burn more, but the suggested burn is near perfect for lighter lift days. The HIIT and Core cards are such a nice bonus, too! My favorite part of this item is that I can do my workout at my pace without any annoying outdated music or chatting from a trainer, like you'd find on a DVD. I get burned out easily from repetition (as in, the same dry jokes or WOO! in a DVD), and have bagged MANY workout programs, but these cards are perfect for keeping me excited about my fitness!" —Lori McCarthy
Get it from Amazon for $19.97.
Promising review: "I am a great fan of the Pilates magic circle. I purchased this one to keep at the office. I like it because I can quickly do exercises by putting it between my ankles, above the knees, or in my hands. I can do a few quick exercises throughout the day to energize myself. This circle is sturdy, but not overly difficult to press. The cushioned pads feel nice on the palms and above the ankles where skin is sensitive." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in five colors).
Promising review: "If you know yoga and have taken classes, this is a good way to vary your day-to-day routine. I was in a rut and had stopped practicing. These got me back on the mat. I roll all the dice at once then group standing poses, forward bends, back bends and core work. I start with four or five rounds of Sun Salutations to warm up. Just my thoughts, everyone should tweak their practice to suit them." —kathleen l hitt
Get them from Amazon for $15.65.
I've also been using this game as a way to supplement my trips to the gym. This may seem like a childish adventure from Nintendo, but JEEZ within moments I'm sweating my butt off. To play, you'll place a JoyCon into both the ring con and a leg strap so your movements are monitored. To move through each level you have to physically run in place and each time you "battle" an enemy you have to do 15 reps of an exercise of your choosing. For example, each time I complete a squat the enemy receives a "kick." It's so fun I don't realize I'm working out until the game reminds me to take a break and have some water. It even monitors your heart rate for you. It's more intense than you'd expect!
Get it from Amazon for $69.88.
Exercise balls are a must-have for any home workout! You can use them to improve your core, for overall balance, alongside a Pilates video, and much more. Not to mention they're pretty fun to just bounce on.
Promising review: "I can't even begin to say enough good things about this stability ball! My back has gotten so much stronger since I started using it as an office chair for one or two hours per day! I work from home and my back had gotten incredibly weak, to the point that I could only walk one quarter-mile before the pain would get EXTREMELY bad and unbearable. After two weeks of using the ball, I can now walk 1 mile before pain begins — that is a HUGE improvement and has made an even bigger impact on my happiness and quality of life. I might add that it is REALLY fun to bounce on it! I having been having a ball with it (pardon the pun)." —Valerie
Get it from Amazon for $19.90+ (available in five sizes and eight colors).
Don't believe me? Order one of these and give it a try. This seemingly harmless workout tool makes for a serious strength-training sesh.
Promising review: "Loving this kettlebell set. Comes in a nice stand for storage. The grip is matte and feels like the kettle belles at an upscale gym. The color coding of the different weights is also aesthetically pleasing. These are proportionally a bit larger than other brands of the same weight. Still would buy this set over others I evaluated." —PJ
Get a set of three from Amazon for $49.99.
Don't act like you don't know exactly what I'm referring to! Anyways, this body workout bar can transform any doorway into a personal gym.
Promising review: "I live by this iron gym. If you ever need a way to build confidence before embarrassing yourself at the gym with wrong form and two measly pull-ups, grind it out in your home and watch the improvement with this product. It’s affordable and very stable. I weigh about 205 lbs. and it holds my weight perfectly! I started out doing maybe two pull-ups and I practiced and I’m now doing 20 a clip. I’ve done it and you can too!" —Marcus
Get it from Amazon for $25.93.
Want more than just an exercise ball? Meet your new office companion — the exercise ball chair. I sometimes get really antsy at work and find myself bouncing around. I might as well be doing it in a chair built for that, right?
Promising review: "Sitting is killing us. Every week that headline is somewhere. This chair is so much more than a punchline on Portlandia. I have used it for over a year in my office job and I am an active 39-year-old male. Funny looks? Sure. But it's not for them, it's about my health and lower lumbar strength. For the first few weeks I had a 'regular' chair close by, to ease the transition. Now I wish that I could take my chair with me to client locations. We slump so easily. I used to 'sit' with my chair rolled all the way under the desk leaned back so that my butt and shoulders were the only thing supported. This balance chair forces you to sit up straight and support yourself. It forces you to pop up out of your seat. It will force you to strengthen your legs, back and shoulders. You will find yourself sitting more upright even when you are not using the chair. This chair is not for comfort. It is for you to get better." —Micah
Get it from Amazon for $69.98+ (available in nine styles).
How CUTE are these? They are technically weights to add additional resistance to your workout, but they are also very stylish! You can wear them on your wrists or around your ankles during at-home yoga for an extra boost during your routine.
Promising review: "These weights are incredible – absolutely stunning! Such great quality too. I got them for walking and yoga but I think I am going to wear them everywhere! They are very comfy and soft to the touch. And I LOVE the packaging. They come with a free bag to carry them in. I am definitely going to buy more colors." —Jackie
Get them from Amazon for $49+ (available in five colors).
Or like, don't ever go to a regular gym because by the end of this roundup you'll have everything you'll ever need for a dope home workout. Just sayin'.
Promising review: "If you work out at home and use body weight, you need the Perfect Fitness Pushup Elite stands. They allow you to vary your width, strengthen your hands and wrists, and alleviate pain, while allowing for deeper pushups. The result is a better chest and tricep pump, which translates into more strength and size. The stands give you an extra couple of inches in height while doing pushups and added comfort as they can rotate 360 degrees. The handles have a rubber padding, which is comfortable on your hands and can support up to 400 pounds. This is perfect for me since I use a weight vest when doing pushups." —D. Miyao
Get a set of two from Amazon for $29.99.
Obé Fitness can be accessed on a computer, smartphone, or TV. Just use an HDMI cable to connect to your TV or launch Obé from the app using Airplay, Apple TV, or Chromecast.
BuzzFeed editor Abby Kass has been using Obé Fitness for as long as I've known her. It's go-to workout! She said:
"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."
Get it from Obé Fitness for $27+ (monthly, quarterly, and annual memberships available).
Check out our full review of Obé Fitness.
Promising review: "I purchased this poster as a visual aid to go with my home gym setup. The poster is made out of medium thickness paper, the size is ideal, the print looks like it was printed on a commercial printer with quality colors, and the laminating has no bubbles between the sheet and paper." —William Terrill
Get it from Amazon for $9.97.
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.