36 Products For Anyone New To Exercise

Just wait 'til Jack sees how good you're Jumping.

If you're anything like me, exercise has taken a while *cough* YEARS *cough* to make its way into your daily regimen. Here are a few things to make this new part of your life a little easier and maybe even — dare I say — fun!

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1. A pair of Saucony Cohesion running sneakers that feel like walking on clouds. Boasting a supportive arch and neutral colors, these sneakers are a new staple in my wardrobe.

Taylor Steele/BuzzFeed

I've had these sneakers for about a month and can't believe I was walking around wearing anything else. I can tell the cushioning in these bad boys absorbs impact and reduces pressure because I am very prone to shin splints, but have yet to experience that while sporting these on my daily half-hour power-walks.

Get them from Amazon for $47.19+ (available in regular and wide width in sizes 5-12; available in 10 colors)

2. A reversible sports bra so you can match your mood and workout intensity.

amazon.com

This bra keeps me comfortably strapped in. It can be difficult to forget you're wearing a sports bra; tight bands, loose elastic straps, unforgiving padding. But this Calvin Klein sports bra checks all the right boxes, plus it's reversible.

They're also cute enough to wear as a crop top!

Promising review: "I've long been a fan of Calvin Klein clothing products, and they've hit a home run here again with this sports bra. It has the double benefit of being reversible. The material selection is great, and it offers great support." —Just Trying to Help

Get it from Amazon for $26.77+ (available in women's sizes XS-XL and in three colors).

3. Waterproof headphones to withstand rain or sweat! These wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of charge, so you don't have to worry about losing access to your Pump Up playlist on your first run!

Amazon

Promising review: "I could not be more pleased with these earbuds. I bought them primarily for use while running, and they have been fantastic. They fit comfortably, play well with sunglasses, stay in place, and are not bothered by a little sweat.

The sound quality is excellent, with plenty of bass, and the tip design does an excellent job of minimizing outside noise. Between podcasts, music, and phone calls, I find that I end up wearing them most of the day. Easily my favorite purchase of 2020." —Matt Gertz

Get it from Amazon for $104.

4. A low stretch yoga hammock for beginner to advanced aerial work. And if all else fails, I mean, it *is* a hammock after all...

Getting Inverted

This small biz is in Tallahassee, Florida and has everything you need to start your own aerial silks journey!

Promising review: "I'm a super amateur and I absolutely love this product! The color of the material is perfect. The equipment and the material are very good quality. Super easy instillation. Fast processing and shipping! Glad I picked this shop to start my journey with!" —Starr Holland

Get it from Getting Inverted on Etsy for $109+ (available in four styles and several colors).

5. A NutriBullet blender to help you easily make the smoothies you've been reading about on What's-A-Push-Up-Dot-Com. It has no problems crushing ice, incorporating peanut butter, or smoothing out fine seeds.

Amazon

Promising review: "Love love love! I'm super glad I upgraded. I tend to go a tad above the max line, and my smoothies used to leak down into the actually blender base which became yucky, spotty, and impossible to clean completely. This one does not have that problem. The base of the blade attachment forms a covering over the stand, saving me from anymore mishaps. The blades are sharp enough to blend frozen fruits/veggies and nuts into a smooth drinkable consistency. I've even used it to grind coffee beans coarse (although please read the instructions before trying the same, not sure if that's recommended). Oh, best part is the lid! I can save what I don't consume or just keep it covered, so germs aren't landing into the mix, LOL. Buy it already." —charleia

Get it from Amazon for $89.99.

6. A pack of exercise sliders for a low-impact but effective addition to your core and abdominal workouts.

Amazon

Promising review: "These have been great for toning up my core. Very easy to follow the enclosed exercises, and it’s great that they are portable. These are also easy on my joints and fun to use." —SpedTeach

Get it from Amazon for $6.90+ (available in three colors)

7. A Klean Kanteen water bottle that'll help keep you hydrated in style. Made from stainless-steel to keep your beverages cold, this water bottle comes equipped with a sports cap, so you can take it anywhere.

Taylor Steele/BuzzFeed, Amazon

My purple Klean Kanteen water bottle is one of my favorite purchases ever! I suffer from dust allergies, and if you know anything about dust you know that it's everywhere. So having this handy during an allergy attack is necessary since they happen often. It's also perfect for traveling, working out, or just having on your bedside table for any late night thirsting.

Promising review: "I love my water bottle. It's sturdy, holds a lot, and it's easy to drink from. I use it on my long walks." —SuperMomHikerGirl

Get it from Amazon for $13.50+ (available in eight colors).

8. The Nike Training Club app — figure out the best workout for you based on your goals, your equipment, and your free time.

Nike/Kayla Suazo

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Kayla swears by this app:

"A while ago my friend recommended the Nike Training Club app as it customizes a workout schedule to fit your lifestyle. I was immediately impressed when it asked me what equipment I had access to, where I like to workout, how often I want to exercise per week, and if I want to include runs in my program. Well, I *do* have a set of dumbbells (somehow??), I am currently too scared to go to the gym and much less pay for a membership, and I am okay with the idea of having a weekly run so I checked off those preferences and boom. I had a beginner workout plan, all of which I can do in my living room.

I’ve been doing it for four weeks now, and I honestly can’t believe I’ve stuck with something that long. I’ve found that immensely helpful because it’s taught me proper form and stretches that I knew nothing about before — which in hindsight, I think is why I was so put off with exercising. I didn’t know how to do it. It’s definitely given me confidence to workout at my own pace, and get rid of this idea that I need to be in a race to get fit. Above all, it’s FREE, and I can’t help but think that’s the best part. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯" —Kayla Suazo

Check out the rest of Kayla's review here (it's #8).

Get it from the Apple Store or Google Play for free.

9. A pair of fiercely comfortable animal print leggings you'll feel good (and hot) ~getting your stretch on~ while wearing. Oh, and the stretch on these babies is beyond impressive.

Melt Fit

Melt Fit is a size-inclusive Detroit-based activewear brand created by Ashley Garner that specializes in bold prints, eye-catching colors, and comfort.

Promising review: "I love the feel of the material against my skin. It makes for a comfortable workout fit because the leggings don’t move and the top is snug and supportive. I have removed the pads and it still feels great. I love it!" —Marisa S.

Get it from Melt Fit for $60 (available in sizes S–3XL and five colors; get the matching bra here).

10. A pair of seamless leggings with a ribbed waistband and patterns that contour to your body!

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical about purchasing these leggings. I am a personal trainer and having the right pair of leggings on during a workout is EVERYTHING! I would say the fit can very much be compared to Gymshark leggings (though Gymshark leggings may be a tad bit tighter). When I put them on I was pleasantly surprised by how great they looked! I ran, jumped rope, did squats and walking lunges to see if they held up and they passed the test. You NEED these!!! They are functional and half the price of most other workout leggings!" —Peter Guzelak

Get them from Amazon for $18.69+ (available in sizes XS–XL and a variety of colors).

11. These push-up bars to help you perfect your push-up stance and explore new positions while providing a sturdy base and strain-free handles, so you don't ~feel the burn~ where you shouldn't!

Amazon

Promising review: "These push-up stands are perfect for me. I cannot bend my hands into the normal push-up position without a lot of pain, even doing modified push-ups. I've only had these stands for about a week, and they have made a big difference. I'm now on my way to doing "real" push-ups, and have made these part of my workouts." —K. Pezzica

Get it from Amazon for $16.47.

12. A lightweight jump rope for those blazing fast double-unders you've been practicing! This adjustable steel cable rope is also long-lasting, so be sure to make this a staple in your exercise gear.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I was not initially planning on leaving a review for a jump rope. After all a rope is a rope right? Well after using my WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope, I had to mention a few things. Firstly, the extra accessories provided are really great. Love the little carry case. Sizing my rope was really easy and took no more than a minute. Compared to my previous rope, this is really light. I had to get accustomed to the weight or lack thereof. After about 10–15 mins of use, I started to appreciate it. The rope is also wickedly fast. I was able to go longer without stopping since my arms and shoulders were not tired from the weighted handle rope I was accustomed to. I can't wait to use it again. Absolutely love it! Who would've thought a jump rope could stir such emotions? Go figure." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $18.18 (available in nine colors).

13. Clean Slate — a cookbook to help you step up your antioxidant game! Featuring recipes that guide your understanding of whole grains to tons of gluten-free and vegan recipes, you'll want this book in your corner as you start your workout journey.

Clarkson Potter

A former BuzzFeed writer had only good things to say about this cookbook:

"I am embarrassed to admit this, but the minute I saw its 24 beautifully photographed smoothie recipes, the Clean Slate cookbook took up permanent residence in my kitchen. I am well beyond the point where I should need recipes to make smoothies. But now the book's strawberry, grapefruit, and ginger smoothie is one of my new go-to snacks, and I will not apologize.

Clean Slate, released in December by the editors of Martha Stewart Living, has merits that go beyond its small chapter on smoothies. There's an appealing section of breakfasts that emphasize whole grains and lean protein, another chapter for veggie-packed lunches, and delicious dinners that use meat sparingly. My friend and colleague Katie Notopoulos swears by the cauliflower soup recipe. I love some of the book's more inventive flavor combinations, like roasted sweet peppers with oranges, carrots, and hazelnuts. And my roommate/boyfriend loves the recipe for wild salmon, asparagus, and shiitakes cooked in parchment.

It's not a perfect cookbook: Advanced cooks won't be super-inspired, and the 'action plans' — three-day and 21-day eating schedules that tell you exactly which recipes to try — don't take leftovers into account. But it's otherwise full of tons of helpful and practical information about how to eat a balanced, healthy diet." —Emily Fleischaker

Read the rest of Emily's review here (it's #9).

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+.

14. A durable pull-up bar that'll fit perfectly in your doorway for the occasional (or heavily regimented) set of chin-ups on your way to the kitchen!

amazon.com

My roommate has a pull-up bar installed in our hallway. It fits the bill for unobtrusive and sturdy. The foam grips help ensure comfort and proper positioning during your workout.

Promising review: "Oh my god!!!! I have been training for more than 10 years, and this pull-up bar is the easiest to install, easiest to put away and the strongest portable bar I've ever used. Not to mention the ring in the middle for resistance bands. Love the fact that even the resistance bands have good strengthening pulling resistance for workouts. I love this product!!!" —Omar G

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in three styles).

15. A whirly board if achieving and maintaining balance is your fitness goal.

Whitney Jefferson/BuzzFeed

BuzzFeed editor Whitney loves this thing:

"You’re probably thinking, What the heck is a Whirly Board? Well, I’ll tell you: It’s a balance board that rotates 360 degrees and looks a lot like a skateboard. The Whirly Board promises to develop your balance in all directions, build coordination, engage your core, and be fun to play with.

It’s been a game-changer in terms of my recovery from a broken ankle — you can only do the same leg lifts and exercises with elastic bands so many times before the boredom sinks in (sorry to my physical therapist if she happens to be reading this!). I started by just standing on the board and trying to keep it balanced (which is challenging already) and eventually found that using it to stretch was a huge help in reducing any lingering pain resulting from my injury." —Whitney Jefferson

Check out the rest of Whitney's review here (it's #8).

Get it from Amazon for $129.95.

16. A weighted toning ball, so you can work out while you cook, watch TV, or do laundry, you multi-tasking master! And if dumbbells feel like to daunting a first step towards your gym goals, these make great substitutes!

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Promising review: "A little larger than I expected for a 2-lb toning ball, but it matches the description perfectly. I like to use it by lifting it behind my head when I’m listening to a conference call. And 2 lbs is perfect for improving my posture and releasing tension. I may order a second for use while doing Pilates." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.94+ (available in eight weights and colors)

17. A nonslip yoga mat to practice your headstands or stretch your quads. Its dual-layer, eco-friendly design will make you feel good in more ways than one.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this mat. The thick padding on our wood flooring gives my body the support it needs. It's not hard to pivot your feet or slide your hands from one pose to the next. In fact, it makes it easier to keep you in place.

This mat is easy to wipe down and roll up, doesn't take up space, and it's lightweight. I love that I can take it anywhere because it has straps to hold it together. Plus the two-tone color is nice; just flip to any side you're in the mood for.

It's a great buy for yourself and makes the perfect gift for anyone doing beginners or advance Yoga." —Kymi

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in nine colors).

18. A sturdy ab wheel for a core workout you can take with you! If nothing else, it'll make you better at lengthening your body to lounge on the couch.

Amazon

Promising review: "I love how versatile this piece of equipment is!! There are so many great exercises you can do with it, not just abdominal conditioning. I really love to use it for shoulder mobility and the hamstring exercise is KILLER!! Excited to keep playing around with it to see what else I can use it for!!" —AmazonCustomer

Get it from Amazon for $12.74.

19. A chocolatey organic protein powder that's vegan, gluten and lactose free. But above all, it's really tasty.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I think this protein powder is a great part of a my fitness routine. I feel full, it tastes good (especially mixed with unsweetened cashew milk), and it's a no-brainer breakfast for me to drink at work. It's especially great the morning after a tough workout or the night before. I love that I have at least one meal that's super healthy, full of plant-based protein, vitamins, etc. I really hope they don't stop making this!" —Nicole

Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available as travel packs and available in vanilla)

20. A sleek Ubarre you can use during pilates to add a little pressure to your lunges.

Equipt

Equipt is a 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 $149+ (available in four weights).

21. A standing exercise workstation if you're a multitasker who needs their gear to be able to multitask as well. Place your laptop on the attached desk and get your miles on with this stationary bike! It's also got wheels, so it can easily be moved from room to room.

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Promising review: "The FlexiSpot bike desk might be the most rewarding purchase I have ever made—personally and professionally. Within a week, it paid for itself many times over through my increased productivity. Previously, I lost critical work time to the stationary bike at the gym where I was shackled by the limitations of the iPad. By allowing me to pedal and work at my computer simultaneously, the FlexiSpot freed me from those constraints and extended every workday by hours. Meanwhile, it improved my personal health and overall state of mind. Delightfully in front of my apartment window, I can now work out for prolonged durations, lost in my work, and not even realize I'm exercising." —William N.

Get it from Amazon for $249.99 (available in four colors).

22. A waterproof fitness tracker so you can track your heart rate, the number of calories you've burned, and your sleep patterns. Stay on top of your fitness goals!

amazon.com

Promising review: "This is actually my second one. My first one lasted a good three years before I finally decided it was a little gross after all the sweat and grime. I have a bunch of the replacement bands to match different outfits and for my purposes, so this little guy can't be beat. It's affordable for a watch and lightweight for a fitness tracker, which is just what I need. I often get compliments on it. The app can be a little tricky to navigate at first, but now I have the hang of it I'm a happy camper!" —Rachel B.

Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in 10 colors).

23. An under-the-desk elliptical to get those steps in while you work! If going for a run is a little too daunting right now, this Cubii home elliptical is a great place to start. It also comes with a downloadable app that tracks your growth!

amazon.com

Promising review: "The Cubii is GREAT! It's easy to put together, easy to use (and pair with the free Cubii app), and is very quiet. I've tried other under-the-desk exercise equipment that require more leg height, but the Cubii requires very little under-the-desk height, and there's a low risk of banging your knees against the desk. It feels sturdy and well-built. It feels like a natural, less cumbersome movement than other under-desk exercisers, and it's easy to use (not distracting) while working. Next thing you know, you've easily logged 10,000 steps! You'll certainly feel it in your leg muscles once you get up and walk around - Cubii works!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $349 (available in two colors).

24. The Signature Kit from P.Volve – it'll help you strengthen, tone, and define your whole body with three uniquely powerful pieces of equipment that you can easily stash away when gym time is over.

P.Volve

This kit includes three pieces of patented equipment: the p.ball (a dynamic and muscle-sculpting resistance ball, the p.band (an upper-body strengthening tool), and the p.3 trainer (a toning resistance tool). You will also get a three-month membership to their digital platform!

Promising review: "If you're just starting to get back into exercising, this kit is all you need. You start and go at your pace. It's easy to set up and use. Go at your pace, and you'll start seeing results. The key is to use everyday. You will enjoy exercising for once in your life!" —Margarita k.

Get it from P.Volve for $159.99 (available in two colors).

25. A reinforced front-zip sports bra that'll keep you calm, cool, and collected as you kick your cardio into high gear.

Amazon

Promising review: "I've been wearing this bra for several weeks, and I have only positive things to say about it. The thing I like most about this bra is the incredible amount of support it provides without the heaviness. It mainly comes from the back panel (where it should) and not from the straps themselves. Other features I find important (that this bra has) are its wireless molded cups, adjustable straps, and front closure. This bra is extremely comfortable. There's a very high chance you're not going to regret buying it." —Jami

Get it from Amazon for $28.66+ (available in band sizes 34-42, cup sizes B-DD, and four colors).

26. Resistance loop bands for added resistance to a variety of exercises. Coming in three different resistance strength levels (light, medium, and heavy), these multi-functional bands are great for anyone testing their strength and flexibility.

Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: "When the gyms closed due to Covid-19, I had to up my home gym. Resistance bands are an easy and inexpensive way to workout at home. These bands are very high quality and having three different strengths to work with is awesome. They are fully washable and come in a great netted storage bag." —Glenda Sparrow

Get it from Amazon for $12.89+ (available in three colors).

27. A beautifully handmade yoga rack with two shelves will keep your mats, towels, and blocks off the floor but easily accessible. Now your new mat will ~nama-stay~ in good condition!

Wood River Iron Works/Etsy

Wood River Iron Works is a family business based in Canada crafting home goods out of wood and metal. So if you're looking for a warm, industrial accent for your home, look no further!

Promising review: "Perfect! It's super sturdy and looks 100% better than just keeping my yoga mat and roller on the floor. The shelf will be useful for any other equipment, and it’s helped make our at home gym corner look so much more polished." —Alex Lush

Get it from Wood River Iron Works on Etsy for $119.42 (available in six wood stains and five metal finishes).

28. A folding electric treadmill you can slide under your desk for a mini workout while you're typing. Or, lift its bar for a fully extended run!

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "I was looking for an under-the-desk treadmill for use when the weather isn't that great outside and to get a workout in as we are locked in during the pandemic. I was able to unpack, lift, move, and setup the treadmill with ease. The wheels definitely help to move the treadmill from workout location to under the couch or its storage location. So far this seems like a really good product that's worth its value." —Sandeep Konchavy

Get it from Amazon for $349.99.

29. The Mirror — a home gym you can mount to your wall? Now I've seen everything. With live and pre-recorded classes, personal training, and 50+ different genres, working out just got a whole lot easier. Plus, it's also a functioning, well, mirror!

Mirror

Promising review: "The Mirror is incredible! You can take any class, at any time, for as long or short as you like. If you are on the fence about buying one, don't be. You will love this piece of workout equipment. The mirror sits in any room unnoticed when turned off, and does not take up any space. A great investment!!!" —sara

Get it from Mirror for $1,495+.

30. A thick cushioned knee pad for some more support during yoga. You can even take it outside and use it while gardening!

amazon.com

Promising review: "This is great for yoga and exercising when you don’t need a full mat." —Yania Reyes

Get it from Amazon for $12.96+ (available in six colors).

31. A TriggerPoint foam roller so you can target specific muscles for a post-workout massage to help with blood circulation and muscle tightness.

Amazon

Promising review: "I LOVE this roller. I have been using it for about two months and it still looks new. It is great to roll on but also good to lay on the length of it and stretch and work on shoulder range of motion and tension. I don't want to live without it again." —couchhound

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in three sizes).

32. A sports bra with a back pocket because how has no one thought of this yet?!?! Slide your wallet or phone in there while you go for a run.

Senita Athletics

Senita Athletics is a woman-owned small business creating affordable and functional activewear. 

Promising review: "I bought this sports bra after hearing so many people rave about it, and I'm so glad that I did! I now have this bra in two colors, and they are so comfy with and without the pads. I wear them for running because of their ability to handle impact, but the pocket is also a great feature! I am a 32 C and a small fit perfectly, without the bottom strap being tight around my rib cage." —Amanda

Get it from Senita Athletics for $26 (available in sizes XS-XXL and in 14 colors and patterns).

33. A set of adjustable ankle weights to add some intensity to your cardio! Get ready to increase your strength, stamina, and balance with these!

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "These adjustable ankle weights are easy to use. For those who enjoy creating their own work out routines and need some resistance, I recommend these ankle weights. They stay in place during exercise with the strong velcro straps. You can adjust the amount of weight you want. They are great to use while walking or jogging." —Caitlin Olsen

Get a pair from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in seven weight combinations and eight colors).

34. A compact microfiber towel that is soft, lightweight, and fast-drying. Take this on your hikes, walks, or just keep it near your gym equipment for a quick wipe-down post-workout.

Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: "So lightweight and it dries ridiculously quick. This is perfect for camping/backpacking. The large size towel was big enough to wrap around my entire body. It even has a little hook on one corner that you can fasten and unfasten so you could just tie it up to something and let it hang out and dry for a bit if it needs it. Just an awesome little thing." —Ismary

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in six sizes and ten colors).

35. A pair of recycled-leather sneakers for the eco-friendly power-walkers amongst us.

Alice + Whittle, Instagram: @zoedelano / Via Alice + Whittle

Alice + Whittles is a woman of color-owned, mission-driven, Canada-based small biz designing comfortable outdoor wear you and your feet will feel good about!

Promising review: "SOO comfortable and lightweight. Very cool that they’re recycled leather, and it’s all one piece!!! Design is super unique, but still very minimalist making it easy to pair with most outfits." —Priya

Get it from Alice + Whittle for $80 (originally $160; available in sizes 38-41).

36. An adjustable weight bench made with storage in mind. It folds up so you can slide it in a closet or under a bed when it's not in use.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I was looking for an adjustable bench for my home gym, and so far, I'm happy with my purchase. Out of the box, it was super easy to assemble. It's lightweight (light enough for my wife or son to move/re-position if needed), but sturdy and comfortable. One of the features I like most about this bench is the range of available adjustments. I was especially interested in the decline options. Overall, this bench has been a great buy for me." —sm_lags

Get it from Amazon for $149.79.

Your journey to your fitness goals awaits you!

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