Exercise equipment doesn’t have to be super classy, overcomplicated, or Bluetooth enabled to be effective. Regardless of your fitness level, you can get a solid workout with a few functional tools, a killer playlist, and a little willpower. What keeps us motivated today is a return to basics with simple lo-fi workouts and DIY routines that focus on the basics of toning the whole body. We’ve rounded up the tips and tools you need to master planks, squats, push-ups, sit-ups and more – as well as an auxiliary crew for post-workout recovery.
GAIAM
Restore the weight of the ankle
goop, $ 18
BUY NOW
Weighted bracelets they were undoubtedly a favorite supplement for 2020 because a small incentive can make a big difference when motivation is low. These two-and-a-half-pound ankle weights help you get more out of jumpers, hikers, scissors, dogs down and walking around the block. And as Gerda Endemann, our senior director of science and research and the most sensible person on our editorial team, says, “Why don’t you wear them whenever possible?”
GAIAM
Evolve Balance Board
goop, $ 80
BUY NOW
If you’re sneaking around in a micro workout when you’re not actually exercising, try a balance board. Balance boards keep your legs, lower back and core muscles engaged, challenging your stability – try it at the table (or on the kitchen counter, if you use it as a table) or when you stand for a long time. And we all know by now about the negative impact of prolonged sitting on our bodies, so consider this a good excuse to get up from your chair and stand more often.
GAIAM
BOSU Pro balance trainer
goop, $ 160
BUY NOW
This classic gym rest mode, BOSU ball, intensifies any exercise and is super versatile and great for any fitness level. BOSU means “both sides up” or “both sides used”, so try basic work like crushing, bridges, oblique twisting and tricep falls with the round side. Turn it over and go to push-ups, burpees (lift the ball with you while jumping) and hikers.
Therabody
Wave Roller
goop, $ 149
BUY NOW
Take all the powerful mechanics and smart technology of Theragun, pack it in a foam roller and you get the new Therabody Wave Roller: a vibrating roller that helps relieve muscle tension and help you recover after a workout. Each of the five levels of vibration rustles softly, and the thick foam achieves the right balance between firm and soft.
Drea Wheeler
Resistance belts
goop, $ 40
BUY NOW
Whether you’re going low-intensity or doing a HIIT routine, stretchy exercise bands are a favorite to add extra resistance to leg workouts. Grays provide the easiest resistance and fit around the ankles for standing blows (they work on the glutes and tendons) or side leg lifts (to strengthen the hip muscles). Pink and black straps are medium and heavy resistance that can be worn above the knee for side steps, squats and hip bridges. In addition, the straps are stored in a drawer, making them space-saving and an effective exercise tool.
Bala
Power ring
goop, $ 85
BUY NOW
The Bala Power ring is an elegant replacement for your old kettlebell. It weighs ten kilograms and is incredibly easy to handle with kettlebell swings, reversals and Pilates. It has an even weight distribution so it always feels balanced, and is made from recycled stainless steel wrapped in soft, non-slip silicone.
WTHN
Acupressure set
goop, $ 65
BUY NOW
The massage may be back on the table, but we are still investing in self-massage tools to soothe our sore muscles. At the most basic level, all you need to do is lie on this acupressure mat, relax, and let the little raised plastic tops stimulate your body. But if you want to strengthen it, there are plenty of positions to try out the strengthening points in your feet, hands and arms.
HigherDOSE
Infrared sauna cover V3
goop, $ 500
BUY NOW
If you want to sweat well without training (we don’t blame you), cover this infrared sauna with layers of amethyst, tourmaline and charcoal. It is especially great for relaxing stiff muscles and giving that glow from the steam room.
Therabody
Theragun Mini
goop, $ 199
BUY NOW
It’s the same Theragun we know and love, but smaller, quieter and more portable. This little percussion massager has three speeds for hitting bottlenecks, knots and cramps, and you can run it for 150 minutes on a single charge. (Coming to dusty pink, also.)
Pelvic clock
Pelvic clock exercise device
goop, $ 84
BUY NOW
Former Olympic gymnastics coach Yana Blinova invented a watch pelvic exercise device to help people achieve flexibility, strength and symmetry in the lower back, pelvic floor and core – to prevent pain. You start by lying on your back and placing your pelvic watch under your pelvis. (Surprise.) Then adjust the slope of the hips until the device is flush with the floor. From there, try swinging your hips from side to side or in a vertical line pointing towards your head and down to your toes. To make the device easier to use, Blinova designed the exercises for the strength of the bottom of the pelvis; narrow hips, back and hip flexors; occasional sciatica problems; pregnancy and childbirth; and core stability.
Manduka
GRP yoga mat
goop, $ 128
BUY NOW
The more you sweat, the more grippy this rug becomes. Which means you can focus more on moving from the crow to the stand – or cooling the lower dog – and less on adjusting just to keep your asana in place. In addition, a good pillow provides support and stability for your practice.
Larq
Larq’s self-cleaning bottle
goop, $ 95
BUY NOW
We love the Larq self-cleaning bottle. Every two hours – or whenever you press a button on its lid – it purifies your water with UV-C LED light, which can help reduce microbial growth. It is made of stainless steel and is insulated, so your sips at the end of sweating are just as refreshing as your sips at the beginning.
goop Wellness
High school genes
goop, $ 90 / $ 75
with subscription
BUY NOW
Exercise is important – and so is giving your body the right vitamins and supplements. Our metabolism changes over time, and if you need a little extra support, this protocol is for women who feel that their body is not responding as before. If you don’t notice any changes even after exercise and a healthy diet, it may be time to try high school genes that support healthy glucose and energy metabolism with ingredients like chromium, green tea, Chinese cinnamon, and alpha-lipoic acid.
0 Comments