Fitness Essentials You’ll Actually Use
We’re going with the basics here, nothing fancy. There really isn’t much you need to stay active and consistent. And the more options you have or see, the less likely you’ll actually use them or see the progress you’re looking for.
I’ve never, and I don’t think I’ll ever be, the girl that looks so cool working out in her lifting set. I’m usually in all black, shorts that have lasted me years, tshirt I got for volunteering at the CrossFit meet, and the cheapest shoes I could afford when it was WAY past time to get new ones.
So this is that list. Whether you’re just getting started, need some basics you can keep coming back to, or just looking for ideas. This is the list I will always recommend to people. And if it changes, I’ll come back and edit this blog.
So, without further ado…
Here’s what I recommend:
Shoes
Good clothes
Watch
Headphones
Yoga Mat
Bands
Pressure balls or Foam roller
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Shoes
Shoes can be the hardest and most controversial thing when it comes to what you need for working out or just wearing on the daily. And when they’re expensive too, it makes the decision that much harder.
So here’s what I look for when purchasing shoes.
Price- sometimes I’m only able to spend $30-$50 on a new pair. Life happens and budgets get tight. So I start there.
Size- no duh, but some shoes don’t come in a good range, or have a wide options, which is what I’ll try for usually.
Reviews- we like to know that a shoe is of good quality, that we aren’t just spending money on something we’ll have to return or will cause an even bigger headache.
So these are the ones I recommend. Why?
Because I got them on sale for about $40, I was able to walk 10 miles in them without my feet hurting (didn’t plan it but my boyfriend and I got lost on vacation so it was a lot of walking) and they’re holding up really well after months of use and lots of miles.
But overall, don’t overthink the cheaper shoes too much. If you’re just getting started or really need a new pair of shoes, these will get you through.
Good Clothes
Like I said above, I will never have the super cute workout sets. I’m good in a free volunteer shirt or size M-L band tee. But when it comes to the bottoms, I am PICKY!
I’ve got thick thighs with a bit of cushion, I’ve got a stomach, and I don’t want to have to worry about them riding up or falling down when I’m working out. Whether that’s running, CrossFit, basic gym session or walking outside, these 3 recommendations are a MUST if you’re looking for something simple.
Shorts- I’m going to preface with long shorts not being my favorite, but I’ll explain more in the next recommendation. But I love working out in shorts, and feel suffocated when they’re long. So these are a perfect in-between short. Not too long yet not too short, don’t fall down or ride up. Well, sometimes they ride up a bit, but once I get warm and sweaty, they stay in place. Also, have had them for 3 years with weekly wear and they’re doing great, just a little pilling.
Long Shorts- Now, I know I just said they aren’t my favorite, BUT if I’m trying to run, this length 100%. Chub rub was one of the biggest reasons for me not wanting to get into running. I don’t like running in long leggings, I get so hot, but these were perfect for keeping me comfortable and still being shorts. They did get a little pilly, but weirdly on the butt? So I’m thinking I sat on something, like maybe the sidewalk or steps outside and that’s why. But would recommend if you’re not looking to get chub rub while existing.
Long Leggings- Am I just going to contradict myself through this whole section? Yes. But hear me out! I coached and trained others for years, sometimes I don’t want to wear short, or I want to go on walks outside when it’s colder and don’t want my leggings to pill after 2 walks in them, OR if I’m being really daring and trying to run when it’s cold out? These leggings again have been with me for 3 years of weekly use, from class coaching for hours to attempting to run outside. And no pilling even now!
Watch
When I was in track in high school, I really wanted to watch that I could use as a stop watch for sprints. I wore that thing until it died, like the old digital ones that weren’t connected to your phone or gave you access to a million things. I’m not recommending that one, although I honestly couldn’t find one either.
But I wanted to get a new one recently to start tracking my steps. And again, there’s so many different options, and the best are well over $100. So we’re keeping it basic here.
The watch I got was about $20, tracks my steps accurately, and has access to other things as well, but I find they aren’t super helpful.
If you’re looking for a cheap start to digital and Bluetooth watches, I’d start here. Focus on getting 10k steps, see what else it tells you, and once you’re ready to get serious about the other features, then I’d upgrade to a better option.
But for now, to start out simple, this watch will do great.
Headphones
I used to get the Skullcandy headphones all the time from Walmart. They’re good quality and super simple! So if you need backup wire ones, yes to those!
But for wireless, in ear headphones, these are my favorite! The reviews are great, I’ve had them for over 3 years (guess that was a big purchase year for me) and they’re still running just fine. I need to charge them about every-other week and they’re good to go.
I also got them on sale, but even at full price they’ll last. At the gym, for walks or runs, and on the airplane. I’m huge on music and podcasts, so I want to have access to it.
They do move around a bit, but I’m a fidgeter anyways so I don’t even notice it. Unless I’m doing lunges and they start to fall out.
That’s the only negative I have for them; they sometimes fall out if I don’t push them in my ear correctly.
Yoga Mat
We all have had a yoga mat in our lives that just sits in the corner, or is put somewhere that we find again once we move. But honestly, they’re so nice to have!
I’ve noticed I do actually do more stretching and warm ups before my run now that I have one again. And this mat specifically has more cushion than any that I’ve had before. It’s comfortable to stretch on, it’s super long for my 5’ 4” body, and makes basement stretches on the nasty floor more enjoyable.
Plus, it rolls up easy and can go to the side. Like I said, we all have one that we never use. But if you don’t have one right now and the thought has crossed your mind in the last 6 months, might as well get it now.
Bands
I used to get so annoyed with the booty-band girls showing their butt blaster workouts and how they can add inches in just a few weeks.
To start off, no, that won’t happen. Can you create some good shape and growth? Yes, but not as much as they’re promoting. They either lift heavy weights because that’s how you grow muscle, or genetics are great.
But aside from that, bands are super great to have! And not just the little circular bands, but the longer ones too. I use both for warmups every morning, and it does make a difference.
You can also do a lot when added to your workouts too. So in general, yes they’re great. But don’t expect them to help you get crazy results
Pressure Ball/Foam Roller
Do you suffer from getting older, exercising a lot and having poor posture? Then you too need these things!
But seriously, even if you don’t use them as often as we should (myself included), when you run into a minor injury, slept wrong, leg day was worse than expected or have a knot you can’t get out, these are so nice to have around!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used my foam roller, complaining the whole time, and then feeling a bit better after. Or with the pressure call killing a knot in my back or getting the crunchies out of my foot, I’ve been so happy to have them laying around.
So again, something we keep to the side, but are thankful to have around.
And those are my recommendations! Not only for you, but I also selfishly wanted to use this blog to keep track of the things I really like to buy again when I needed to.
There’s so much selling and promoting now, it’s hard to know what’s actually good and authentic. So I hope this was helpful in keeping things simple and knowing what’s good to start with.
And whether you’re just starting out for the first time, still going at it, or coming back after months or years away, welcome to fitness! You’ll love and hate it, but this list will help get you started or going again on the right foot.
Also, if you’re unsure where to get started with your fitness or if you need to change things up, check out The Best Workout For You.
