As I write this, it’s that weird period between Christmas and New Year’s Day, when you’re simultaneously stuffing your face with holiday leftovers while making plans to be your best self when the calendar turns the page to 2023. Losing weight, getting more active, eating better — they’re all worthwhile aspirations. But, you’re going to need some tools and gadgets to make it a reality.
Whether your preference is indoor workouts or brave-the-cold-freeze-your-face-off outdoor activity, the fitness products below are sure to get you moving and grooving. (And, sweating, which is “eww,” but necessary, I suppose.) From agility training to jumping for joy to working out with water weights, this gear will transform your workouts from “whoa” to “wow.” All you have to do is step away from the Christmas cookies and the cheeseball and get to clicking. (O.K., fine, you can snack while you shop, but when this stuff arrives in the mail, it’s time to get serious.)
Climb The Ladder
If you’re getting high school gym class vibes here, don’t attempt to hide under the bleachers. An agility ladder is a great way to increase acceleration, foot strength, speed, balance and body control in a convenient, fold-up, take-it-on-the-go design. Each rung can be adjusted to fit any workout you choose. There are three solid colors and one awesome rainbow design to select from.
The Need For Speed
I know, I know, this looks like some weird tool of torture they’d use on you during a therapy appointment. It’s actually a HECOstix, which is a speed training tool that helps improve reflex, agility and focus. Make a game with this stick as simple or as complex as you want by adding more spin, increasing your speed, using color and hand combinations and more.
Hoop, There It Is
If you were a child between the 1960s and the 1990s, you probably had a hula hoop that looked less diabolical than this one but the concept is the same. This weighted hoop has 24 detachable knots to adjust waist size and a soft weighted ball to increase the difficulty of your exercise. And, not that it matters, but you can choose from more than 15 colors to match your personality.
Jump For Joy
If you’ve ever wondered what it must feel like to moonwalk (I’m talking Neil Armstrong moonwalk, not Michael Jackson moonwalk), grab yourself a pair of these jump shoes. The design is intended to reduce the impact on muscles and joints while getting your cardio on. Reviewers use the word “fun” a lot to describe these, which seems foreign to that whole “exercise” thing but who am I to judge?
A Chip Off The Old Block
These are not to raise your car so you can change your oil, O.K.? These squat wedge blocks are actually intended to improve your form when you’re squating and deadlifting and other similarly awful-sounding activities. The cork helps with stability while also adding some comfort. They come with a carrying bag so you can take them to the gym and home again.
Drop Your Anchor
Battle ropes your jam? This battle rope strap kit is designed to prevent wear, evenly distribute tension and offer strong and effective protection for your gear. It’s the perfect on-the-go exercise accessory since all you need is a tree, stairwell or heavy piece of equipment to use as a base. You’ll get two heavy-duty straps and a solid carabiner in this kit for less than $10.
Be Your Own Kind of Sneakerhead
They’re not Nikes. They were designed by Virgil Abloh nor do they bear the name or likewise of a famous athlete or celebrity but these cross trainers earn high marks from reviewers for their grip, comfort and (especially price). The anatomical shape contributes to the comfort and the minimalist construction includes vegan-friendly design. There’s zero drop from the heel to the toe for a natural stride.
It’s Just Water Weights
Some of the best exercises you can do can be done in a pool. (If you live in a snowy climate, you may want to hold off on outdoor swimming for a few.) These aquatic weights are a great add-on to your water aerobics-style classes so you can work your upper body along with your lower back and abs. Made from foam, these are lightweight and buoyant.
Be Punch Drunk
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve come home from work and wanted to punch something … or somebody. This freestanding punching bag is a good (and appropriate) replacement, standing roughly 70 inches tall with 360-degree shock and noise absorption. Strong suction cups keep the entire thing in place and boxing gloves are even included so it’s ready to rock right out of the box.
Boxing Day
Do you want to punch things but you don’t want that enormous contraption one product above? This speed bag boxing ball attaches to a variety of surfaces and is made from genuine cowhide leather. The lightweight design means you’ll enjoy lightning-fast rebounds and the double-lined hanging strap discourages splitting. It’s the perfect addition to a home gym when you want to blow off some steam.
Skating On Thin Ice
Maybe the reason women prior to the 1960s were so skinny was because roller rinks were all the rage. (No lie, rollerskating is quite a workout!) These classic roller skates will get you up and moving, even if it’s down the street (or sidewalk). A high-top vinyl boot with an adjustable toe stop, these skates come in sizes from a girl’s 1 to a women’s 10.
When I Dip, You Dip, We Dip
These look like regular bars you’d do, um, regular stuff with until you think about them in the context of exercise. These dip stands are your workout BFF for bar exercises, dips, pull-ups, push-ups, leg raises, bench presses and more. Adjust the height, adjust the foot straps and enjoy support for up to 300 pounds. These come in yellow or black.
Close To The Vest
Have you ever seen anyone running who looked like they were enjoying themselves? (The answer is “no.”) They’ll (or you’ll) really hate life if a weighted vest is added to the occasion. Available in weights from four pounds to 30 pounds, the vest design evenly distributes weight and won’t slide around while you’re working out. Mesh pockets give you more space to add additional weight, you sicko.
Like Riding A Bike
If you didn’t get a bike for Christmas (and why would you, you’re not eight), now’s your chance with this 21-speed mountain bike from Huffy. With a gloss red hardtail frame and knobby tires, it’s ready for all the outdoor adventures you can handle. Slight-ride handlebars keep you upright while riding while resin pedals and Kraton grips add comfort to your ride.
Pack Your Bag
I’m not finished discussing boxing because let’s be honest: Nothing feels better than smacking the crap out of something repeatedly. This punching bag with stand is the sleekest of the options we’ve discussed so you can place it anywhere. The adjustable height means it can grow with you (or, presumably, the little ones in your house). Whether you’re looking for stress relief or a legitimate workout, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Life’s All About Balance
I always appreciate a product that screams, “Warning: Use At Your Own Risk,” right on the product itself. Now, with that out of the way, you might want to give this balance board a go (unless you have after-market parts in your body). Use it with the included roller to improve your balance, stability, core strength, coordination and agility.
It’s A Racket
Coupled up? Or, just have a BFF who enjoys a good workout? This tennis racket set is a great introductory collection, complete with two rackets, tennis balls, overgrips and a bag to carry everything in. For less than $40, you’ll be ready to play as a pair, whether you have Serena Williams goals or you just want to move more on the weekend.
Big Shoes To Fill
If you’re going to go climbing, that raggedy pair of New Balance tennis shoes you’ve been wearing for five years isn’t going to cut it. You need these climbing shoes, which won’t break the bank at less than $80. Available in three colors and multiple sizes, these earn great reviews from shoppers who love the grip and the fit.
Whatever Floats Your Boat
O.K., it’s not really a “boat,” but it does float, which is my sole criterion for calling something a boat. This is actually an inflatable kayak and it comes with both an electric pump for easy inflating and two aluminum oars for, you know, all the oaring. The weight capacity is 400 pounds and at a price less than $140, it’s a great way to try out a new sport with minimal investment.
Walk Your Butt Off
Think of reading as a workout for your mind, and with a book like “Walk Your Butt Off,” you’re getting the tools for better physical output, too. Sure, there are a ton of walking plans around but none more detailed than a book that promises a breakthrough walking plan in as little as 12 weeks. Grab it in hardcover, paperback or even a Kindle version.
Trek Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
As we near the end of our list, I should bid you “happy trails,” specifically trails you can navigate more easily with a new set of trekking poles. Lightweight and collapsible, these come in a variety of colors that are adjustable and easy to use. Interchangeable pole accessories mean you can go just about anywhere with the added support you need.
Nothing But Net
Just look at that green grass and everyone in shorts; it’s coming back soon, I promise! You’ll be prepared for evening games in the yard with this volleyball net set. This set includes everything you need to get a friendly game going: The net, poles, pump, stakes and even a ball. Everything comes in a bag you can easily tote to the park or beach.