15 Fitness Accessories That We've Tested And Now Can't Work Out Without

We sweated it out to review these products for you.

1. This elastic chest strap, which will minimise the dreaded bounce that comes from running with D+ cups.

Nicole Nguyen / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "Never ever in my wildest dreams did I think I would publish this information, bbut for the sake of big-ish tatas everywhere, here goes: My dream team is 32DD and working out with them is the absolute worst. When I go down, they go up. When I go up, they go down.

The Booband was discovered by, of all people, my boyfriend. The product is so mind-blowingly simple and effective that I’m truly shocked I had never heard of it. The Booband is a long, elastic strap, about three or four inches wide, with velcro on one end. I wear it strapped on top of my sports bra. I thought it’d feel like a corset, but because the fabric is very flexible, wearing it was actually really pleasant. It felt like getting a gentle hug from a very big headband.

The company claims you should wear the band to avoid saggy breasts, but that’s not why you should get this product (love your saggy bewbz!!!). The Booband not only made me feel more comfortable, but more confident running in public, too. I started picking up my pace and stopped fearing workouts that ended in burpees. This thing is, hands down, the best 30 bucks I’ve ever spent on my chest pillows."

—Nicole Nguyen

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $37+ (available in sizes S-L and five colours).

2. This Nike crop-like bra, which proves I needn't have been wary of putting my D-cup sized breasts into a sports bra with such thin straps in the past.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

Promising reviews: "The Nike Indy bra is this brilliant combination of flexible support and looks — which you might say doesn't matter, but if I'm going to live in my activewear, it might as well look cute. Featuring a figure-hugging fit (no falling out during downwards-facing dog!), a flattering low-cut-design, thin, adjustable straps, padding and a breathable mesh insert to back, it's ideal for all the pretzels you put your body through during barre."

—Mariela Summerhays

Buy it from Nike for $40 (available in sizes XS-2XL and five colours).

3. These high-waisted workout leggings, which will solve the problem of where to put your phone when hitting the pavement.

Julia Willing / BuzzFeed

These tights are made of ultra-fine fibres that mimic the softness and durability of silk — so whether you're working out or sitting on the couch all day, your tush will remain comfy. The fabric is also super stretchy, so you'll be able to move in any direction you please without feeling any discomfort. Plus, it features a side pocket for your phone — so, you'll no longer need to stick it in your bra and let it get all sweaty.

Promising review: "Every time I saw an ad for these tights I thought; 'Damn, her bum looks great in those'. And evidently that's my only requirement of activewear, because I finally caved and bought a pair in dark green. Let me tell you, these are seriously worth the hype. They're so comfy, they feel like silk on and — I can confirm — they DO make butts look great. I've done some high-intensity training in them already and they don't ride up, fall down, or cause a wedgie mid-lunge. They're ridiculously cheap too, so I'm going to load up on different colours. Treat yo' butt."

—Julia Willing

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $15.98+ (available in 30 colours).

4. These Sound PEATS wireless earbuds, so you can blast your music without cords interfering with your form on runs.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

With just a touch of a single earbud, you have access to excellent sound quality to take calls and listen to music for around four hours per charge. Plus, it has over 1,100 five-star reviews on Amazon!

Promising review: "I've been dragging my heels to make the move to wireless earbuds — I thought for sure I'd lose one and that having to charge them would be a massive inconvenience. My husband bought these as a gift and now I love the convenience of not having to hold my phone when out and about, should I want to listen to my music. Their holder has magnetic properties, so when charging or just being stored, you don't have to worry about the earbuds falling out and getting lost."

—Mariela Summerhays

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $44.99.

5. The Nike Air VaporMax 2020 Flyknit, of which at least 50% of materials is recycled.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed, Nike

Designed with Nike's ultimate goal of zero carbon and zero waste in mind (we love to see it), this new sneaker is at least half-constructed from leftover materials, recycled polyester and foam — and its comfy and stylish to boot.

Promising review: “Are these the most attractive shoes you’ve ever laid your eyes on? Why yes, I believe they are. As a serial monochromatic dresser, these sneakers are the perfect addition to my wardrobe, for that touch of colour I’ve been sorely lacking. So lightweight, it’s like walking on clouds and I really appreciate its sustainable design — watch me never wear anything else on my feet again.”

—Mariela Summerhays

Buy them from Nike for $290 (available in sizes US 5.5-10.5 and three colours).

6. These air-purifying bags, which will absorb all the stink from your shoes after your workout.

Yi Yang / BuzzFeed

These small bags of bamboo charcoal not only eliminate funky smells (which, let's face it, is the main reason you're interested in this), but also prevents mould, bacteria and mildew building up after a particularly sweaty work out.

Promising review: "I tried them first on my favourite black boots that I wear daily. They had started to smell a little musty and the odour was beginning to transfer onto my socks. Overnight, the smell had completely disappeared, leaving only a leather scent behind. To say I was shook is an understatement."

—Yi Yang

Read more on these brilliant bags here.

Buy a pack of two from Amazon Australia for $14.95.

7. This resistance tube, which can be used to stretch away any oncoming cramps post-run.

Evelyn Bevans / BuzzFeed, Amazon

Promising review: "This is your entire gym for under $20. With lockdown and no gyms available, the idea of spending hundreds of dollars on gym equipment that would take up my entire living room — and cost as much as the membership money I am saving for the 3+ months of iso — was not ideal.

This bad boy filled a gap I never thought was possible with one item. Attach it to your door, a tree, your bench or just use your body — this is the epic strength and cardio workout that is as adaptable as anything."

—Evelyn Bevans

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $20.57.

8. This balaclava, which will come in handy, should you have taken up running in isolation like my husband.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed, Amazon

Constructed from four-way stretch performance fabric, it is made to fit over every face and be worn in more than one way.

Promising review: "I've always been reluctant to go on my daily walk during the cold seasons. This has been a lifesaver as my mouth and nose don't freeze anymore. I will say, you get used to the amused looks you inevitably get."

—Ed Summerhays

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $15.98.

9. This insulated drink bottle, which will keep your water cold and grip to surfaces — everything you could want from a workout buddy.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed, Amazon

Okay, I'm not sure if it's normal to be loyal to a bottle, but loyal I am. This double-walled, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel bottle keeps my water chilled for the duration of any given workout (and longer) and grips to any surface, avoiding spills. Plus, a handy loop makes for a comfortable hold.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $48.95.

10. Alternatively, this water bottle with etched-in measurements, so you can remember to stay hydrated, even after your workout.

instagram.com / Via @nalgene, Rachel Dunkel / BuzzFeed

Promising reviews: "Nalgenes are light and so easy to carry around. Whether you're hiking, strolling through town, throwing one in your backpack or just hanging around the house, they're a joy to bring along. The screw-top lids never fail and the BPA-free and dishwasher-safe plastic is nice and durable. I can admittedly be extremely clumsy and have yet to crack a 'gene."

—Rachel Dunkel

To learn more, check out "Here's Why I Won't Stop Telling People How Much I Love My Nalgenes".

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $18.33.

11. This decedent, sweetly-scented Pink Grapefruit Hand Cream from The Body Shop, because lifting weights have left your hands drier than the Sahara.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

This gel-cream is made from Community Trade shea from Ghana and pink grapefruit oil — both super soft and absorbs quickly into your skin.

Promising Review: "This hand cream lives on my desk. I have naturally dry skin, so need to moisturise them throughout the day. This cream is not only thick and so hydrating, but it smells DIVINE. It instantly soothes my nerves in the middle of a hectic working day."

—Mariela Summerhays

Buy it from The Body Shop for $7.

12. These spiral hair ties, which will leave you with creaseless hair, no matter how long you keep your hair tied.

Gyan Yankovich / BuzzFeed

If you have long hair, you know that few things are more infuriating during workouts than damp, sweaty hair in your eyes. Tie your back with these, which will not only hold your hair in place, but not damage it in the least.

Promising review: "Thanks to its spiral design, this hair tie doesn't leave any bumps in your hair at all. None! I sleep with my hair in a wrapped into a bun and in the mornings I unravel and have the same straight hair I got ready for bed with. It is also made of plastic, so keeps your hair in place but somehow (magic? idk?) doesn't ever snag. Basically, it's a wonder product and I can't believe I used regular hair ties for so long."

—Gyan Yankovich

Buy a pack of three from Adore Beauty for $10.95.

13. The Fitbit Alta, which unlike its predecessors, doesn't only count steps, track sleep and calories burned — it also shows calls, texts and calendar alerts too.

Jeff Barron / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "I really liked a feature called SmartTrack that automatically recognises what kind of exercise you're doing...In truth, it's the only wearable I could see myself wearing every day. What I like about the Alta versus other non-heart-rate bands (like Jawbone's UP) is that it has a display to see the time."

—Nicole Nguyen

Learn more about the Fitbit's Alta (and Blaze!) here.

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $134.80.

14. These eco-friendly leggings, which are made from recycled bottles(!) and recycled polyester and spandex.

Melanie Aman / BuzzFeed

Promising review: "Right off the bat, I was impressed by how buttery soft these leggings were. They're super stretchy (definitely squat-proof!) and supportive without being constricting. And at $68, they're a total steal given how high-quality they are.

I usually wear them for low-impact workouts, like Pilates and yoga (and lounging on the couch), but they didn't let me down during high-impact HIIT cardio classes either. The material is really breathable so even though I'm sweating a lot during my workouts, the leggings don't get swampy."

—Melanie Aman

Read our friend from across the pond, Melanie, rave about her pairs more here.

Buy it from Girlfriend for US$68 (available in sizes XXS-6XL).

15. And finally, this Gaiam yoga mat, which instantly grips to studio floors, meaning you're not constantly having to straighten your mat during warrior pose.

Genevieve Scarano / BuzzFeed

Sold in a myriad of colours and designs, this widely-loved yoga mat provides cushioning to joints during pilates or yoga sessions, without the frustration of cheaper alternatives that slide around when in use. Plus, every purchase comes with a complimentary downloadable workout to get you started!

Buy it from Amazon Australia for $38.90+ (available in seven colours).

Me, embarking on my new fitness regime:

FOX