As a busy mom and health writer, I couldn’t live without these unique Amazon fitness finds

A home gym is a pretty loose term, if you ask me.

For some, it’s a Peloton pushed into the corner of a studio apartment. For others, it’s a full-blown mini gym taking up the entire two-car garage. And for busy moms like me, it’s often as simple as a yoga mat and a stack of weights that you can hide under the bed if you’re in a hurry.

Yet, no matter what yours looks like, it still gets the job done. Many fitness experts agree that creating a home gym can have a positive effect on an individual’s overall mental and physical health.

“Working out from home is a great way to get back into movement because it removes so many of the common barriers, like feeling intimidated at the gym, not knowing what to wear or what equipment to use, or struggling to find time,” shared Your Reformer founder and pilates instructor, Emma Stallworthy.

The Mayo Clinic has recommended that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. But, according to Stallworthy, even a small amount of time spent moving can make a big difference.

“Not everyone can do a full hour-long workout class, so home workouts offer flexibility and a low-pressure environment, and studies show even 20 minutes can be impactful. You can build consistency and progress at your own pace, in a way that fits your life,” she suggested.

As a health and wellness writer, I’ve had the opportunity to put some of the most popular fitness items to the test — from the month I spent wearing two fitness trackers to the weeks I devoted to Jennifer Aniston’s workout program. Of course, there’ve been small-scale items in the mix as well, from booty bands and balls to foam rollers, yoga blocks, and more.

Naturally, many of us turn to one destination for all our home gym essentials. Amazon is filled with all sorts of interesting fitness finds, from treadmills and rowing machines to smart scales and weight sets. If you’re looking to kickstart your fitness journey in the best way possible, they’re really the online store to know.

Ahead, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite affordable home gym essentials. There’s something on this list for everyone, whether you’re a beginner to running, a seasoned yogi, or trying to hunt for some great fitness deals, our curated edit is for you.

Shop this article by category:

• Best Workout Equipment
• Best Workout Machines
• Best Workout Equipment for Traveling
• Best Recovery Tools
• Best Fitness Trackers and Devices
• Best Workout Clothing
• Best Workout Accessories

Best Workout Equipment

Best workout bundle: Pvolve Home Workout Bundle

Amazon

You could easily spend hours searching for all the workout equipement you need. Or, you could snag a whole bundle that’s already A-lister approved. The latter is the offer from Pvolve, a more gentle workout method that Jennifer Aniston has given her stamp of approval. After using the Pvolve bundle and following the workouts for a few monthes, I’ve become a major fan myself.

Pvolve Precision Matt and equipment. Miska Salemann

Beleive it or not, HITT classes are not the only way to get fit fast. The Pvolve method puts this idea into question, taking you through a variety of low-impact movements that mimic motions we do every day — like stretching, balancing, crunching, and leaning. There are classes for every goal — from pelvic floor strengthening to mindfulness, and full-body sculpting.

After each workout, my core is on fire. Like hurts to laugh, on fire. However, the exhaustion and soreness I used to experience with typical classes never hit me. It can take some time to get used to the equipment, but once you get the flow down, Pvolve is it. For anyone who wants to work out from home, I strongly recommend it.

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Best Workout Machines

Best walking pad: MERACH T14 Walking Pad

Amazon

Home gym? What about, office gym? If you’re a serious multitasker, an under-desk treadmill might be just what you need. Promising more power, the Merarch a bit bulkier than the other treadmills we tested, but still small enough to slide under a desk with just a touch of its tail sticking out. It offers a challenging 9% incline and reaches up to 4 MPH, so you can work up a little sweat while punching away at the keyboard, if you’re into that.

Amazon

Once it was out of the box, setup was simple. I plugged it into the wall, pressed the red power button, and downloaded the Merarch app, which connected via Bluetooth in seconds. From there, I was able to explore different activity data and even access coaching and competitions. This is certainly a strong selling point for someone who takes their walking seriously.

It’s not just a walking pad, but a smart walking pad, and if you commit to using it, you can track your progress and watch it pay off. We were quite impressed with its performance, especially the fact that it offers a 9% incline. I felt the heat rising after a few minutes, and that was just on 6%. Dedicated power-walkers will appreciate the challenge.

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Best Workout Equipment for Traveling

Best pilates equipment: Your Reformer Pilates Prop Kit for Home Workouts

Amazon

We’re all eager to jump on the reformer, but floor pilates is also a core-buster, and you can take your sweat session just about anywhere with the right equipment. If you’re traveling, reach for smaller, packable items that can still get you that desirable burn. Pilates props are a great place to start.

Amazon

The Prop Kit by Your Reformer is a personal favorite, suitable for beginners and more experienced users alike. It’s durable and light enough to throw into a carry-on, but still sleek enough that everyone will be asking you where it’s from. Don’t worry, this set definitely won’t dampen your aesthetic.

Between the 2.2-pound weights, ring, and ball, you can take yourself through various movements that target strength, flexibility, and balance. The props are all made with quality materials designed for durability, including polypropylene, fiberglass, and solid iron. It’s truly the ideal kit for the person who never wants to miss a workout.

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Best Recovery Tools

Best vibration plate: Lifepro Waver Vibration Plate

Amazon

There’s always a hot, new device circulating the internet, and vibration plates seem to be making waves on my TikTok feed. Yes, that’s right. A small, shaking platform that delivers full-body vibrations to enhance muscle contraction, improve circulation, and help your body’s natural healing abilities kick in. You can use it to work out or as a recovery tool, which makes it double the value, in my opinion.

Miska Salemann

All of these benefits sound amazing, to say the least. However, I did have some reservations at first. I’ve always thought that my foam roller did the trick for sore muscles, but little did I know that the Life Pro Waver was just what I had been missing. With 99 speed settings, I shouldn’t have been so surprised. This thing can literally sweep you off your feet. It works fast and has a full-body effect.

I’ve been using it after running, and found that the hardcore oscillation movement helps eliminate a lot of the tension I’ll feel around my joints (it’s also my secret to stress-reduction, but that’s another story). The second I step off this machine, I feel like a whole new person — as if my workout was just erased, and a new jolt of energy is unleashed.

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Best Fitness Trackers and Devices

Best fitness tracker: Apple Watch Series 10

Amazon

A smartwatch might be exactly what you need to commit to your new fitness regimen. Apple already boasts a family of advanced smartwatches, but the Series 10 takes a new focus on health and wellness. As the thinnest Apple Watch to date, the lightweight design makes it easy to wear day and night, no matter the activity. I took one for a spin for a few months and learned quite a bit about myself.

Miska Salemann

With watchOS 11, the new Vitals app provides users with all sorts of health markers, from heart rate to wrist temperature, sleep duration, and even period cycle tracking. Big-picture goals are also easier to achieve than ever — users can answer a few questions and receive a customized interval workout in an instant. That info can be used to track goals with the multi-color Activity Ring, which can be paused whenever a recovery day is needed.

Having all these health features at my disposal certainly helped me set new goals and follow through with them. But, the real selling point for me was that this watch is also a useful tool for everyday life. It’s great for multitaskers who want to send texts while power-walking or others who need to remember to take some deep breaths here and there. If you’re looking for a watch that integrates with your life, the Series 10 is it.

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Best Workout Clothing

Best running shoes: HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 Womens Shoes

Amazon

They’ve been dubbed ugly, and I’m not here to change anyone’s mind on that. The wildly popular Clifton 9’s are not the most attractive shoes I’ve ever sported, but they are the most-loved. My well-worn and marked-up pair proves that point. I’ve been running in these since college, and I still have no complaints.

Amazon

Maybe I’m being a touch dramatic, but I’d argue that HOKA has fundamentally changed the running shoe industry. Previously, running shoes were focused on speed and distance, but fewer designs were built for people who need extra support — those with wide feet, ankle pain, or bad knees. HOKA Clifton 9s are ultra-cushioned, supportive, and durable enough to make it through rough winter terrain (minus some dirt markets, obviously).

The key feature of these shoes is an early-stage MetarRocker, which starts midfoot to create a smoother transition from heel to toe. The unique shape is said to help alleviate pressure on the knee and ankle. From years of running on them, I know it’s not all hype. These sneakers are the only shoes I can wear all day without pain. Everyone needs a pair of them.

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Best Workout Accessories

Best waterbottle: BrüMate Era 40 oz Tumbler

Amazon

Hydration is key. No workout is complete without a proper water bottle to assist. Stanley Tumblers just happen to be the buzziest brand out there, but I’m not convinced they’re the best. Yes, they’re huge and colorful, but according to our spill test, they may not be the best bottles to throw into your gym bag.

BrüMate, on the other hand, makes some extremely spill-proof tumblers for people who are on the go. The stainless steel bottles are built with unique magnetic straw caps and a locking feature to keep all the contents where they belong. The insulation is top-notch, too. I bring this bottle to hot yoga, and the water is still ice-cold by the time class is over.

Amazon

On top of the fact that it’s so leak-proof and insulated, I also love the design of this water bottle. It’s smooth and curveless for a sleek, elevated look that you’ll be proud to carry around. Like the uber-popular Stanley, there are still plenty of colors to choose from. If you’re willing to spend a few more dollars, I highly recommend the BrüMate.

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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

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