Best Splurge-Worthy Stationary Bike
Peloton Bike
If you want to re-create the boutique cycling-class experience at home, we're superfans of the OG Peloton Bike (starting at $1,895) and its upgraded version, the Bike+ (starting at $2,495). Its sleek look, small footprint, comfortable saddle, and large, sweat-proof display screen (which swivels 180 degrees on the Bike+) are just a few of the features that make the bike hard to beat. It seamlessly pairs with your fitness tracker. Plus, the classes offered within the Peloton app are fun and dynamic.
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Best Stationary Bike Under $1,000
Schwinn IC4
The Schwinn IC4 ($999) is the best bang for your buck as far as smart stationary bikes go. Not only is there a console that shows your metrics, including speed and cadence, but this bike actually has Bluetooth capability that you can pair to any fitness app on your phone or tablet (or just watch Netflix while you ride). There's even a holder for your tablet on the front. The bike is also smooth and sturdy and comes with two three-pound dumbbells and a heart-rate band.
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Best Rower
Ergatta Rower
The Ergatta Rower ($2,199) uses actual water rather than a wheel to create smooth resistance. Not only does it feel like you're actually rowing in water, but it sounds like it, too, which creates a unique, calming experience. The included screen displays a variety of workouts to choose from, your pace, and your workout history, which will inspire you to push hard and come back again for tomorrow's workout.
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Best Compact Treadmill
Treadly Pro 2
The Treadly 2 Pro ($849) is a super-compact treadmill (under four inches tall) that's perfect for getting in your steps while you're on your laptop all day. It also has a fantastic app that you can use to control the treadmill and track your progress. It's quiet, simple to set up, and easy to move. Thanks to this tread's small profile, you can easily stow it in a closet or under the bed.
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Best At-Home Fitness System
Mirror
The Mirror ($1,495) is an extremely space-efficient and just plain attractive home-gym alternative. Whether mounted on a wall or leaning on its stand, it's designed to blend in with any decor, so you'll barely notice it's there. You can choose from thousands of live or on-demand classes from yoga to HIIT for all fitness levels. There's even an option for personal-training sessions (at an additional cost). Our tester loved being able to check her form during workouts.
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Best Suspension Trainer
TRX
The TRX Home2 System ($200) is a suspension trainer that allows you to use your own bodyweight to strengthen your muscles. It comes with an anchor, so you can attach it to a closed door, making it great for both home workouts and travel. Exercises like push-ups, planks, and squats will feel very different using the trainer and will allow you to target your entire body, especially your core.
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Best Kettlebell
Bowflex
Kettlebells allow you to combine both cardio and strength training, saving time and scorching calories. If you're a fan, this Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell ($179) is six weights in one: eight, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 pounds. You can do moves like swings, deadlifts, squats, presses, and rows. It's versatile and space saving.
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Best For Butt Workouts
BootySprout
Barbell hip thrusts are hands down one of the best moves you can do to grow your glutes. If you've given up the gym for home workouts or the barbell intimidates you, BootySprout ($164) is as close to the real deal as possible. BootySprout comes with a bar to rest your upper back and arms on and a wooden plate for your feet, and you thrust against resistance bands that can handle up to 400 pounds (the machine comes with three 45-pound bands). Bonus: it folds up nicely to store out of sight.
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Best Dumbbells
Peloton Dumbbells
Sure, you can pick up a set of weights anywhere, but Peloton's Dumbbells (starting at $45) have a nonslip grip matched with a unique, sleek design that make them a standout set. Our tester swears she's "seriously never worked out with such easy-to-use dumbells." The brilliance lies in their square shape that makes plank rows and dumbbell push-ups that much easier.
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Best Booty Bands
Tone It Up Hip Bands
Say goodbye to rubber resistance bands that fold down, pinch your skin, or, worst of all, snap. Tone It Up's Hip Bands ($25) are the perfect solution for bands that actually stay in place. With two different levels of resistance, these bands are perfect for lower-body moves to target your butt: fire hydrants, donkey kicks, banded duck walks, and more.
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Best Wrist/Ankle Weights
Bala Bangles
Bala Bangles ($49) have gotten a lot of hype, and for good reason: the bands strap to your ankles or wrists for extra weight during low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates or extra resistance when using a stairclimber. They strap on easily and can be adjusted for a wide range of sizes. Plus, they look chic: forget the '80s mall-walker vibes of ankle weights past.
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Best Ab Mat
Athlos AbMat With Tailbone Protector
Never have a sore butt from sit-ups again. The Athlos AbMat With Tailbone Protector ($29) offers your lower back a soft, cushioned pad to rest on, so multiple reps won't cause irritation or pain. Aside from ab exercises, you can also use it to practice headstand push-ups against a wall.
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Best Splurge-Worthy Smartwatch
Apple Watch Series 6
The Apple Watch Series 6 (starting at $399) can track 16 categories of exercises; monitor your heart rate; track your steps, speed, and calories burned; sync with a ton of running and fitness apps; and so much more. Our tester appreciates that the watch can detect when you're exercising so it tracks workouts even when you forget to. With an easy-to-read display that also serves as a mini iPhone on your wrist, this watch is worth its price tag.
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Best Smartwatch Under $400
Fitbit Sense
For a reasonably priced smartwatch, the Fitbit Sense ($300) has some amazing features. It not only tracks your steps and sleep, but you can also go deeper and track specific workouts like runs and swims. It also monitors your skin temperature when you sleep. Plus you can track your menstrual cycle, listen to music, and take phone calls, and the battery lasts over six days between charges.
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Best Muscle Rub
Muscle MX Restore Antimicrobial Lotion 500mg CBD
The Muscle MX Restore Antimicrobial Lotion ($45) is our editors’ go-to to help manage their pain and inflammation, from run-of-the-mill postexercise soreness to more intense injuries. Similar to other muscle rubs, it goes on cool and warms over time, but this one also uses CBD.
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Best Foam Roller
Rollga Foam Roller
This Rollga Foam Roller ($50) is unique because it has a cutout for your spine, making it the best for effectively targeting the muscles alongside your vertebrae. It's comfortable, so you'll be able to roll for longer sessions and really dig into your muscles where they need it.
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Best Massage Gun
Theragun Prime
For muscle recovery, the Theragun Prime ($299) is a must. This percussive-style massage gun has a customizable speed range and is easy to hold, and the four attachments allow you to deeply target muscles and knots. It is fairly quiet and has a two-hour battery life, so you can bring it to the gym to use before and after your workouts.
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Best Workout Cap
Mission Cooling Performance Hat
During the warmer months, the Mission Cooling Performance Hat ($20) is perfect for runs and outdoor workouts. It provides UPF protection from the sun and has a cooling effect when it's damp, but it still just looks like a cute, classic baseball cap.
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Best Visibility Vest
NoxGear Tracer 360 Visibility Vest
If you run before sunrise or after dark, adding extra visibility should be a part of your safety plan. The NoxGear Tracer 360 ($29, originally $70) is a lightweight, light-up vest that fits over tanks and bulkier workout gear to ensure you'll be seen in every kind of weather. It runs on just three AAA batteries and lasts up to 40 hours.
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Best Running Backpack
Gear Beast Running Backpack
Our tester spent years trying to find a comfortable way to store her phone on runs before stumbling onto the ingenious Gear Beast Running Backpack ($25). It is lightweight and fits snugly against your back, so it won't bounce around during your runs, and it's just big enough to fit all the necessities: phone, ID, and house key.
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Best Water Bottle
Giotto Motivational Water Bottle
The Giotto Motivational Water Bottle ($16, originally $19) will help you keep track of your water intake and inspire you to stay hydrated throughout the day. You'll love the times written alongside the little motivational pushes to help reach your daily goal. Who knew a bottle could make drinking water so fun?
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Best Wireless Earbuds
Jaybird Vista
The Jaybird Vista Earbuds ($150) boast impressive studio-quality sound in such small buds. The snug fit (they come with tips in three sizes) means they stay in place, even during high-impact workouts, and they're sweat-proof for when you really go hard. With a 16-hour battery life, they stay charged for all-day use, and they can also take calls and blast your favorite music. The new Jaybird Vista 2 ($200) has an even longer battery life, plus a noise-cancellation mode.
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Best Crop Top
Athleta Conscious Crop A-C
The Athleta Conscious Crop ($47–$59) is the perfect two-in-one top. It has a shelf bra inside (available in A-C and D-DD versions), so all you need are a pair of bottoms. Pair it with your favorite leggings, or throw it on with a pair of wide-legged jeans or a maxi skirt for happy hour.
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Best Leggings
Aerie Offline Real Me High Waisted Crossover Legging
The Aerie Offline Real Me High Waisted Crossover Leggings ($31, originally $45) went viral for a reason. They're super comfortable, flattering, buttery smooth, and great for every type of workout. Most importantly, they pass the squat test.
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Best Sports Bra
Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra
The Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra ($50) is expertly designed (by women!) to feel supportive and comfortable without being too restrictive. This bra is particularly genius because it features three pockets — enough to carry keys, a credit card, and a phone!
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Best Bike Shorts
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Biker Short
The fabric of the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Biker Shorts ($68) is ultrasoft, giving the perfect amount of compression and stretch so you can wear them comfortably all day. Whether you're working out or taking a rest day, these are the best bike shorts for every lifestyle.
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Best Cross Trainers
Under Armour Hovr Apex 3
The super-padded Under Armour Hovr Apex 3 ($140) training shoes are extra comfy when you're lifting heavy weights but also absorb the impact from more explosive moves, like during a HIIT session. Stability and ankle support are where these shoes really shine, keeping your foot snug and secure even when you're moving side to side.
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Best Running Shoes
Allbirds Tree Dashers
The Allbirds Tree Dashers ($125) are relatively new on the running-shoe scene, but our enthusiastic tester is already "obsessed." They're breathable and flexible yet supportive, with enough cushioning for even long-distance runners who regularly rack up the miles. The fact that they're made from sustainable materials like wool, eucalyptus, and sugarcane and can be thrown in the wash really set them apart from the competition.
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Best All-Around Workout Shoe
Hoka Clifton 8
The Hoka Clifton 8 running sneakers ($130) combine cushiony comfort with supportive stability. This lightweight, versatile shoe is perfect for road runs, but also performs extremely well on gravel, or trail runs on dirt. Our tester says these are her go-to whether she's doing high-impact workouts that involve jumping, or going for relaxed walks with her dog.
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Reader Fave: Best Cycling Shoe
Gavin Road Cycling Shoes
The Gavin Road Bike Mesh Cycling Shoes ($65) are a budget-friendly option for indoor bikes that are just as comfortable and effective as pricier pairs. They're extremely lightweight, so they're not a pain to carry to and from classes; they're quick drying; they include carbon fiber hook and loop straps; and most importantly, they're Peloton compatible.
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Reader Fave: Best Fitness-Friendly Face Mask
Athleta Activate Face Mask
The Athleta Activate Face Mask ($15 for a two-pack) was developed with technology to help block particles and keep air flowing. It is breathable but doesn't move around as you're working out, and it quickly wicks away sweat. Athleta even enlisted Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete of all time, to test the mask to ensure its comfort during workouts. If it's good enough for the 13-time world champion, it can handle anything!
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Reader Fave: Best Workout-to-Happy-Hour Wear
Beaufident Leggings and Sports Bra
This Beaufident Workout Set ($27), which includes a padded bra and high-waisted leggings, is both affordable and adorable. It comes in a variety of muted colors, making it extremely versatile. This 'fit is ready to go from the gym to errands to brunch with the help of a denim jacket or a chunky sweater.
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Best Yoga Mat
Manduka Pro
This Manduka Pro ($120) mat is the most durable nonslip mat we've tried, making it perfect for hot yoga. It's thick and dense to help cushion joints and protect your bones. Plus, it comes in tons of bold colors, like purple, black sage, and midnight blue. The best feature is that this mat is guaranteed for life, so if it shows any wear, Manduka will replace it!
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Best Yoga Block
Kakaos
If you need support during your yoga practice, this Kakaos Cork Block ($37) is lightweight yet firm and stable. It's made from sustainable, eco-friendly, all-natural cork with rounded edges that are easy to grip without slipping.
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Best Yoga Strap
Gaiam
This Gaiam Yoga Strap ($8) is a yoga essential, no matter how long you've been practicing. You can use it to increase your range of motion wherever it might be difficult to reach with your hands. It's also helpful to find stability, for example, by wrapping it around your thighs in a Chair pose.
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Best Home Pilates Equipment
Board30
Smart, small, and functional, the Board30 Mini ($249) gives you a full-body workout (complete with multiple settings for resistance bands) that's reminiscent of Pilates reformer machines. Connecting with the Board30 app gives you hundreds of trainer-led classes to follow along with, and the board slips right under your couch when you're done.
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Best Pilates Accessory
ProBody
This nine-inch ProBody Pilates Mini Exercise Ball ($10) is a great accessory to add to your strength or Pilates workouts to effectively target specific muscles, especially your core. It can be easiliy inflated with a straw or a pump, and it's small enough to keep in your home gym or throw in your gym bag.
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