Why not make your workouts more enjoyable and comfortable if you can? Whether you run stairs, attend barre classes, or weight lift, there are affordable accessories out there that can help simplify your workout and motivate you to take your fitness to the next level.
From improving your comfort while performing difficult exercises to making it easier to get a good workout at home, these 7 budget-friendly accessories will help you get the most out of your workouts.
Phone Holder
If, like most people, you listen to music while you work out, you might struggle to figure out what to do with your phone. You could leave it in your bag, but that only works if you have wireless headphones. You could leave it on the floor next to you, but you risk stepping on it or worse, having it stolen. Or, if your workout gear has pockets you could slip it in there, but for most women, pockets aren’t built into workout leggings or tops.
So, what’s the alternative? You could use an armband phone holder or, for a little bit more money, you could get a fitness waist pack that holds multiple items like your phone, keys, and ID.
Resistance bands
Whether you work out in the gym or at home, a set of resistance bands is a great way to level-up your workout. Resistance bands are elastic bands designed to increase the difficulty of exercises such as donkey kicks, squats, lunges, and more. They can also be used for arm workouts.
Typically, resistance bands are sold in sets that include different levels of resistance (light, medium, heavy, and extra heavy). However, you can also buy singles if you need a specific level.
Shoe Insoles
Shoes are one of the biggest expenses for avid gym goers. And even when you splurge on a nice pair, they have to be replaced fairly frequently.
However, you can minimize how often you need to replace your shoes and keep them more comfortable for longer by investing in insoles. But not just any insoles will do. Find a pair that are made for the type of shoe you’re using and the amount of support you need. That way you can ensure you’re getting the most out of them and protecting your feet.
Workout Mat
Floor workouts can be hard on your body, especially your hips, hands, and knees. However, there’s an affordable and easy solution that can make your workouts significantly more enjoyable—getting a workout mat. Just think of how much more comfortable it will be to do HIIT training, sit ups, push ups, planks, and leg lifts with that extra padding between your body and the floor. For the most support, look for an exercise mat that’s about 1.5” to 2” thick—this is especially true for those with hard floors.
Foam Roller
Post-workout soreness is one of the worst parts of exercising, especially if you’re just getting back into your fitness routine. With a wallet-friendly foam roller, you can help alleviate soreness, minimize inflammation, improve your range of motion, and more. Foam rollers are easy to use as part of your cool down and can make a big difference in how you feel.
Insulated Water Bottle
When you’re sweating heavily at the gym, it’s essential to stay hydrated. However, it can be hard to motivate yourself to drink when the water in your bottle has reached room temperature and the gym’s water fountain is less than optimal. Instead, get yourself an insulated water bottle that keeps your water at your preferred temperature.
They even have a variety of sizes, so you can bring along as much (or as little) water as you want.
Stretch Strap
Even though it might seem like a hassle, stretching is a critical component of any fitness routine. Stretching regularly can help improve your flexibility, posture, blood flow to muscles, workout performance, and more. Not to mention that it’s important for helping to prevent workout injuries.
If you find stretching difficult or just lack motivation, a stretch strap can help you form a better habit by making it easier to achieve that deep stretch.
Treat yourself to one or all of these exercise accessories to improve your fitness routine.