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Could your workout gear use an overhaul? We scoured Amazon to find highly-rated fitness equipment and clothing at prices that won’t cause you to break out in a sweat.
The new year’s dawn is always a good time to spruce things up. Of course, high-end active apparel and equipment can add up quickly — doing some serious wear and tear to a budget.
Amazon offers a slew of fitness finds that deserve a good look. As usual, we vetted and approved all the items on our list, so while they’re affordable, they are also effective.
Price guide
- $ = $25 and under
- $$ = over $25
- Price: $
Fitness trackers are a popular, wearable way to monitor your workout goals, activity, and overall health. Unlike the options that run several hundred dollars or more, this pick by Kummel gets you the information you need at a comfortable price point, and you have six colors to choose from. You can track your steps, sleep, calories, distance and duration, monitor your heart rate, and set reminders. It’s waterproof and perfect for outdoor use, thanks to the OLED touch screen, which is easily viewable, even in direct sunlight. Charging is nothing to sweat; this tracker has a built-in USB plug.
- Price: $$
A comfortable mat can elevate your yoga game. This mat by Gaiam is highly-rated, with Amazon reviewers raving about its comfort, durability, gripability (important!), and attractive designs. It’s available in 20 different patterns, which can affect the price point a bit, but every choice is still a great value compared to its pricey competitors. It’s lightweight at 3.26 pounds and measures 68 inches long, and 24 inches wide, with 6 millimeters of thickness.
- Price: $
Jumping rope is one way to burn calories and have a little fun, even in smaller workout spaces. This rope is affordable, adjustable, and comfortable, with foam-padded handles. Pick from black, green, or pink. According to the manufacturer, it has a 100% money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty.
- Price: $$
This is an excellent dumbbell starter set if you’re a weight-lifting beginner. The set includes three, five, and eight-pound weights in a hexagonal-shaped weight rack (the brand says it keeps the weights from rolling away). As we write, this set has a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, with over 75k reviews. Reviewers highly recommend it, saying it’s well-made, comfortable, and easy to hold.
- Price: $
Resistance bands are one alternative to weights or simply another option on days you feel like switching up your strength training routine. If ever there was a comprehensive, affordable resistance band set, it’s this. You’ll get four bands (light, medium, heavy, ultra heavy) that you can easily loop through your legs or feet for lower body workouts. The set includes handles for upper body routines, and a wall mount for more resistance band workout options.
- Price: $$
You don’t need a gym for a maximum upper body routine; you can perform pullups at home. This pullup bar is made from alloy steel and uses a screw-in door mount. Reviewers say it’s stable, solid, and easy to hold thanks to non-slip extra-long foam grips. Now there are fewer reasons to skip pullup workouts and miss out on a workout that requires you to use your entire upper body strength.
- Price: $
Exercise wheels do a number on your abs, which is what you want if you’re looking to sculpt your core at home. Reviewers say this one is quick and easy to assemble, smooth to use, and well-made. The brand says this wheel comes with a money-back guarantee, so there’s no pressure if this fitness tool isn’t the best for you.
- Price: $
Using an exercise ball adds some bounce to your routine (pun intended), and you have plenty of options to incorporate it. For example, you can swap your office chair for the ball and get some excellent engagement with your core. You can also perform crunches on top of it for an elevated ab routine, or combine it with your resistance band workout (carefully, that is). This thick rubber ball on Amazon is budget-friendly, highly rated, and available in nine colors.
- Price: $
Want to get your legs working harder? Add some weight. Ankle weights are easy to add to your walking routine and may increase your heart rate for a boosted workout. This set on Amazon is a good choice for beginners, with each weight clocking in at one pound each (additional weights up to five pounds each are available).
Plus, it comes with:
- a mesh storage bag
- a free e-book featuring 100 ankle weight exercises
- lifetime full refund/replacement guarantee
Reviewers say these are easy to use, high-quality, and stay nicely in place.
- Price: $
Here’s another affordable option for at-home abs. These dual-sided sliding disks can be used for various workouts, including upper and lower-body moves. This set gets you two 7-inch sliders, and you can pick from five color combinations. Amazon reviewers are big fans (over 16k ratings), and many mention using these for performing mountain climbers.
- Price: $
Some people prefer to use resistance bands without handles or door mounts. These are a popular choice to quickly add some challenge to your current pilates routine. This set features five bands made of natural latex material. Many Amazon reviewers mention these are great quality and at a reasonable price.
- Price: $
Looking to grab an outdoor workout? You’ll want to protect those peepers, so you’ll need something durable with 100% UV protection. These sunglasses are designed with sports in mind, with a multi-layer lens that blocks glare so you can keep focused on your fitness. According to the brand, these are tough but lightweight, and scratch resistant. The brand also mentions they’re suitable for water sports too.
- Price: $$
Leggings and yoga pants can be pricey, especially if you want something that’s going to last you. These cost-effective, high-waisted yoga pants (though they look like leggings) have just under 50k Amazon ratings, with a 4.4 out of 5-star rating. These are said to be thick but still breathable, offering compression and support. Plus, they have side pockets and an inner pocket for keeping your essentials close. They’re available in a whopping 40 color/pattern options and run through sizes extra-small to 3XL. The brand does suggest checking the size chart before ordering, just to be on the safe side.
- Price: $
Similar to the full-length option above, these workout shorts have a high waist and plenty of colors to pick from. You can likely fit your phone in the side pockets too. According to the brand, these are moisture-wicking, and stretchy but not see-through. Happy reviewers mention these are soft, comfortable, and have a nice fit. One downside is they are hand-wash only.
- Price: $
Workout tops can be tricky to shop for, the fit matters quite a bit, and prices can get pretty steep for a high-quality option. Still, it’s worth finding one, since they are designed for performance and will help with sweat better than a traditional t-shirt can. Reviews say this pick is a more affordable LuluLemon dupe, which isn’t an easy feat. It’s available in both short and long sleeves and has 27 color options.
- Price: $
These running shorts are designed for outdoor running, thanks to zipper pockets that keep your belongings safe during your travels. The pant closure is both elastic and drawstring for added security, and the fabric is said to be lightweight and moisture-wicking. Reviewers mention these are great for hiking, without worries about losing your phone. You can buy these high-performing shorts in 19 different colors.
- Price: $
These attractive compression pants come at an affordable price but look just like their high-end competition. With just over 30K ratings on Amazon, they’re also a popular choice. You can get plenty of use out of these, as they’re created for:
- running
- training
- baseball
- basketball
- soccer
- American football
- gym use (including squatting)
- weight training
- cycling
- yoga
- golf
- all-weather sports
These are also available in packs of two or more, so you can bundle for extra savings if you like them.
- Price: $
Ready to replace dingey workout shirts? Wipe out your old collection and restock with just one buy, with this 5-pack from Amazon. Reviewers say these are comfortable and quick-drying, which is what you need for an effective workout. One downside is that these are only available in small, medium, and large.
You can elevate your fitness routine by adding in some new equipment or upgrading your workout wardrobe, all while saving some cash and precious time.