In the spirit of sharing the love, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite products that may help you on your fitness journey. I do receive a small commission from any purchases made from these links. It doesn’t increase your cost (commissions are covered in Amazon’s marketing budget), but it does help support my blog. Thanks for your support! 😀
Featured Products
Here are two of the non-prescription versions of the continuous glucose monitors I mentioned in September 2025’s blog post.
If you don’t have an Apple watch, Garmin, or Fitbit, this little affordable jewel works great at counting your steps.
After doing my research for the best affordable walking pad, this is the one I purchased and I’ve been very happy with it. It is a little longer and wider than some of the cheaper ones but has less bells and whistles than the more expensive ones. It would easily slide under a bed or, in my case, under an end table by the couch. It doesn;t have bars/handles so if you have trouble with balance, this will not work for you unless you use it in conjunction with a standing desk or counter top. You can find other models with handles.
Weighted Vest
Ramp up your walking by adding a weighted vest. This weighted option increases your calorie burn, cardio vascular health, muscle strength in core and lower body, and even helps with bone density especially around the hips and low back. 5-10% of your body weight is the recommended weight. Start with the lesser amount and build up over time. This one comes in cute colors, but you know I got the black!
Hoka Clifton 9
This is my dead out favorite all around athletic shoe for walking or working out. I was having foot pain before I started using these and they have helped tremendously with that as well as low back pain. I do recommend rotating through with a couple of different brands during your workout week if you are having foot trouble. I use these the most but I also like brooks and asics.
At-Home Workout Basics
Theses three things are a must for at home workouts!
Everyone needs a good set of light and medium dumbbells. I would also recommend you buy a set of heavy weights soon into your fitness journey. Muscles vary in strength. Your back can lift more then your tricep. A variety of resistance helps train each muscle properly. Beginners, start with: light 2-3-lbs, med: 5-8-lbs, & heavy 10-12-lbs. Once you get the hang of using weights, you can adjust from there. Soon, your mediums will become your lights and your heavies will become your mediums!!
A band with handles is a must for at home and travel workouts. The big thing I look for in a band is a cushion handle. It makes a big difference in comfort. This red band is 9-34-lb of resistance and it is a good solid medium band. This is the brand and band I use in all my boot camp classes. It is a great quality band. I’ll put a heavier option of the same brand in the bottom section in case you are ready to move up in resistance.
Everyone needs a mat that will not slide while you workout. When looking for a non-skid mat, you want it to be at least 24″ wide and long enough for your height. This one is extra long. You also want it to be 5-7mm (about 1/4″) thick for comfort but not any thicker that it sinks in too much and throws off your balance in standing movements or hyper extends your wrists in planks or mountain climbers. If you already have a cushy mat that slides, you can always put a sticky mat under it to keep it from sliding when you want the extra cushion. For reference: The thicker blue mats we use in boot camp or 1/4″ thick. The thinner blue/purple mats are 1/8″. My favorite mat that I use during filming videos is super large and can be found below labled premium mat.
Things to Help with At-Home Workout Video Quality
An HDMI cable will allow you to hardwire your computer or device (see adapter) to your tv so the workout videos will be larger and you’ll be able to see me better.
This handy little device allows you to plug your phone or ipad into your tv with an hdmi cord so what is playing on your device will also play on the tv. This makes the home workout videos much more pleasurable. I also use mine while traveling so I don’t have to log into my Netfilix account on a tv that is not mine.
A bluetooth speaker connected to your device will help you to hear the workout video better whether you are watching on your device or through your device on your tv. They no longer sell the Bose speaker I have but it is similar to this one and the sound is amazing. You can also use bluetooth headphones to get the same volume results. See airpod recommendation below.
Other Fitness Things I Love ❤️
In no particular order…
Fabric booty bands are great for working the glutes as well as preventing pain in the knees and low back with regular use. These come in 3 different resistance levels. This is important as some exercises need a lighter resistance than others to get the full range of motion (think donkey lifts!).
I personally have the Med (19-22in / 48-55cm). I’m tall (5’8″) and could use a larger one, but this size fits great in the bottom of my closet. I don’t want to store anything larger than 55cm in my space. If you have the space, and are over 5’6″ you might want to consider the next size up. But I actually love this size.
I love and use my jump rope all the time!! It is great for some quick cardio intervals during almost any workout. It is light weight and travels easily. When buying a jump rope look for comfortable handles, ball bearings, and adjustablitity. You want to be able to adjust the length to your height.
Kettlebells are just different than dummbells and I love to use them! Beginners, I’d recommend the 15-lbs kettlebell when you are ready to purchase. Until then, use a lighter dumbbell for your Kbell exercises. You will quickly outgrow a smaller one. I personally use a 15-lb and a 25-lb in my home gym. These kettlebells are a comfortable size and swing well. We’ve used them for years in the gym.
This is the foam roller that we use at the gym. They are 18″ long. I also have one just like it at home, but to be completely transparent, my favorite foam roller is featured next 😀
This little jewel is amazing at getting those tough to roll places. I absolutly love mine and yes, it is worth the price if you really want to dig into those knotted muscles.
Being able to anchor your band without damaging it is imparitive to the life of your band. This anchor allows you to pull the strap throught he backside of the door near the door hinges and shut the door for a sturdy anchor. The band then slips throught he strap.
Weight gloves protect your hands in the weight room when you are lifting heavy. They help to prevent calluses when using the rough bars. These are my favorites. For reference, I wear a Large and they fit just right – snug enough to not slip but still comfortable.
When working in the weight room, it helps to keep up with your workouts so you can see progress. This is the logbook that I use when I’m not using my app. TBH, I don’t use it as much as I used to now that Followmefit offers me a personal dashboard through GOfit that keeps up with it for me.
This is the latest version of the original Step Reebok bench. I have had mine for over 25 years and it is still in great shape. It costed about the same in the 90’s as it does now. With the rate of inflation, I’d say that’s a good deal. I use it for step aerobics, step ups, dips, chest fly, and for elevation when I want to modify face down exercises. It is sturdy and doesn’t slide. It is long enough to support me from head to rear during supine exercises. It’s one of my favorite things.
I do not have this one but it intrigues me. It is the newer deck version of the original Reebok step and looks to be great. If you are not going to be doing any chorographed movements, such as step aerobics, that requires a shorter bench, this one would be a good selection for your home gym space.
I haven’t tried these yet but I have them picked out to replace the short red ones in boot camp. These look to be longer and more like the green ones we use and love in boot camp. I will update when I purchase.
This mat is 4 foot by 6 foot, thick and nice. It doesn’t slip and I have plenty of room to do whatever I want and not worry about running off the mat. It’s a little large to carry to the gym but it is perfect for home use. It rolls up like a regular yoga mat. It is one of my absolute favorite things!!!
TRX suspension trainers are great pieces of workout equipment. You can hang from an anchor (sold separately), an exposed rafter in your garage (that’s where mine is), a tree limb, a piece of playground equipment, or use the included door stop anchor. It is easy to hang and take down. It travels well. I love mine!
Connect them to your device while doing my videos for better sound quality. Use them in the gym to listen to music, podcast, or audio book while you do cardio or lift in the weight room. They stay put even during burpees. They have a noise cancelling feature that alllows me to even use them while vacuuming! The microphone is great for talking on the phone hands free or for use in a Zoom meeting.
An AB wheel is a great way to work the ABs. It is an advanced move so proceed with caution and start slow. This particular wheel comes with a jump rope for an added bonus.
An AB mat can help support your back during crunches and sit ups. I have also been known to use it as a pillow for my head during clam shells or other side lying exercises.
This is a tall set of Equalizers. They are perfect to help strengthen the back through rows but also to hold for balance while doing other stability movements. This particular one comes with a free booty band as a bonus.
I literally use this everyday. Double Rich Chocolate is my favorite flavor.
While I love the chocolate flavor the best, my sweet hubby prefers vanilla. I do use vanilla when I want to add peanutbutter or fruit to my smoothie. I keep a jug of both in the house at all times.
This is my favorite shaker bottle. It is easy to grip and doesn’t leak. It also comes in more colors than my signature black.
Everybody loves a good stretch and this non-stretch band helps you stretch deeper. It has several loops in the band to help you pull it closer to you. It also comes with a chart of different stretches. It is used by physical therapists everywhere.
Sliders can change the dynamic of many exercises and make them extra challenging. Let me know if you get some and I’ll be sure to include them in some in our workouts soon. 😀
These are great for monster walks and other lower body exercises. They help strengthen around the knees. They can even be combined with booty bands for extra total lower body work. If you’ve ever had knee or hip issues, you’ve probably used one at physical therapy.
Small loop bands like this are perfect for strengthen the muscles that stabilize the shoulders & knees. They can also be used as a replacement for fabric booty bands but they are not as comfortable as the fabric ones for use above the knee. I like to use these at the ankles or at the wrists. I do like to combine them with booty bands 🙂
What can I say about a slam ball? Throwing down hard and picking it up works the whole body, including the heart & lungs, while being a great stress release!!
Wall balls are big soft medicine balls that you throw against a wall to increase your strength and fitness level while decreasing your stress level. I have a love hate relationship with mine but I can often be seen throwing it against the brick of my house and over my shoulder down my driveway. It comes in an array of colors corresponding to wieght, but you know I had to feature the black one.
I have one and use a strength band (see next) to do assisted pull ups at home. TBH clothes get hung on it more often than I do. I also use it to anchor a band when I need it anchored high. 😀
Strength/power bands are long loop bands. They are great for assisted pull ups as well as other band & agility partner exercises. I use the purple (heavy) for my pull ups, the black (medium) for several boot camp exercises, the red (light) for core rotations and presses, & the orange (extra light) for shoulder work with clients.
I do not own one of these at home only because I do not have storage or a dedicated space large enough for a home gym. Otherwise, I would. I love using a battle rope in the gym. I recommend the 1.5″ x 40 ft. For reference, the one we use in boot camp is 2″ x 40′. I love the length, but I wish I had gotten the smaller diameter. It would’ve been easier to hold and not quite as heavy. This is a covered rope so it doesn’t scratch our gym floor and is easier to wipe off.
Holds battle rope to an anchor/object without damaging rope or object being used as an anchor.
This is great for a deep tissue massage. It helps to work the knots out of tight muscles so they can move freely through a greater range of motion. I love mine and so do my clients (in the last few minutes of their cool down). I have tried cheaper models and they are ok but they tend to “jump” over your boney processes more and not be as comfortable as this original Thereagun brand.
This is the travel version of the larger percussion gun. It can stand on it’s own and dig into those tight muscles. It’s small but mighty. It “jumps” a little more than its big brother above, but not as much as cheaper larger guns. This one is a great alternative if you’d like one but don’t want to splurge on the larger gun.
I love glass containers for storing food. They keep left overs and meal prep items fresh for days and they run through the dish washer like a champ. No loosing their shape or retaining smells like plastic containers. You can even bake your food prep items directly in them!
Steamed potatoes (sweet and white) are a staple in my house. It’s quicker than baking and keeps potatoes moist and does not turn them to rubber like the microwave. The basket is also good for broccolli, carrots, fresh green beans, etc.
This is my favorite member of the BOSU family. I just bought one for the gym last year and I have been very impressed with its durability and how it holds air. It is just tougher than the previous models I have used in the past (and still own). All my future BOSU purchases will be this baby.
These yoga blocks are a great size and help you to comfortable reach the floor from a standing position by bringing the floor to you. I find these handy during mobility training.
This is the next level up of band that I recommended in the workout basic section. If you’re looking for a little more resistance, this is a good one. I have used this brand for years in my exercise classes. They are a very good quality.
Body Bars give you a barbell experience but with a lighter weight and a more comfortable grip than the olympic bars found in the gym. I have a 20-lb bar at home and use it for many exercises for variety’s sake. (bicep curls, stiff deads, shoulder presses, etc)
This sandbag will hold 20-30-lbs of sand and still move freely. It is the one I use in boot camp and I have it filled to approximately 30-lbs of sand (you could easily use less). I have been using it in the gym for about 9 years. It has held up well. It does not come prefiilled. You’ll have to make a trip to Lowes to buy some sand.
The SPRI brand roll out ladder that I personally have is not available right now but this one looks to check all the boxes and is from a good company. I have used several stroops products before.
I love a good chopped salad! Throw in your greens, veggies, fruit, nuts, cheese & protein and chop away. (usually I chop the protein separately so It doesn’t get too fine). I’ve had my OXO chopper for years and still love it.
This was a gift and an unexpected treasure. It is some of the mildest balsamic I’ve ever had. It makes a delicious dressing and is good just by itself on a salad or, believe it or not, on berries.
This pillow is amazing for stretching and relaxing through the neck. When I feel tension building, I get on it for about 10 minutes and my neck feels so much better!
Non-Fitness Products
Fozzy Favs 🐶
Grooming Clippers
These clippers are amazing! I wish I had known about them with my last puppy. He was a Bichon Poodle mix and I groomed him with people clippers his whole little life. Oh, how much time I would have saved with these babies.
Clipper Guards
I use the #0 guard for the Fozzy’s crown and head, #2 for the body, #4 for the belly and underside, and just the clipper blade for the sanitaries. (disclaimer: I am not a groomer. This is all guess work but it works for us.)
Curved Grooming Scissors
These scissors cut through that doodle fur like butter. They are very sharp! Don’t ask me how I know. Be careful with them. Around Fozz’s face, I use some cheaper, blunt end scissors. See below.
Safety Scissors
These are not super sharp so I don’t recommed them for all over use. I only use these around the eyes and mouth or places we need a blunt end for safety reasons.
Slicker Brush
This is my go to brush I use on a daily/weekly basis. I’ve tried cheaper brands and they are now in the trash. This one really works. It has curved bristles on the end that helps keep mats away.
Dematting Brush
This brush digs a little deeper than a slicker brush and works out larger mats. It has strong bristles and can get close to the skin. I still love my slicker brush for everyday use, but when this one is needed, I’m glad I have it.
Nail Clippers
I don’t love clipping Fozzy’s black nails. I grind more often than I clip, but when it’s been a while I use the clippers to nip the ends first.
Nail Powder (bleed stop)
If you’re going to clip your dogs nails, you need this on hand just in case you cut too deep. Fozzy has black nails and I’ve cut too deep a couple of times. We both cried. 🥲
Harness
My 85 pound doodle wears an XL in this harness. I use it exclusively to secure her in the car while traveling. I use a martingale collar to help keep her from pulling when walking her so I can’t speak to this harness for pulling issues.
Patch for Harness
She obviously had to have a custom patch to go on her harness! No sewing needed. They are velcro and fit right on the harness. I ordered the small patch and it looks perfect on the harness.
Seat Belt Harness
This strap hooks onto the head rest and her harness to keep Fozzy from having full run of the car. It is adjustable and allows her space to lay down or stand up but not enough space to climb in the front seat with me.
Martingale Collar
A Martingale collar tightens as the dog pulls. This makes them uncomfortable and should make them stop pulling. I like this one because it has a clasp. The first one I bought slipped over her head and was too difficult to take on and off as I only let her wear it while walking for safety reasons.
Light Up Collar
I slip this collar on Fozzy at night to help me to keep an eye on her in the dark. She uses it like a flashlight. I will see her lean down to “light up” what she wants to look at.
Life Jacket
It started as boating safety when she was a pup. It continues because we have found that it is easier to grab the handle of the lfe jacket than a wet dog. Last summer Fozz could still squeeeze in her medium vest but it was tight. We’ll have to wait and see about this next boating season.
Treats
Fozzy’s favorite treats. She’s not very food motivated. It took a while to find a treat that impressed her.
Pupsicle Ball
Fozzy loves her treat ball. She only gets it when she is crated. She practically runs to get in her crate when she sees us load it. I make a yogurt, peanut butter, oatmeal mixture that I freeze in egg cartons. We pop one out and put it in the ball with a little extra dab of fresh peanut butter on top and it keeps her busy for quite a while during our absence. I use the XL for my 80-lb baby.
Dog Shampoo
I’m still looking for that perfect dog shampoo that cleans and smells great for days on end without bothering my allergies. LMK if you have any recommendations.
Other Favs
Devotional Book
In Case You Forget is a 6-week Bible study by Hannah R. Conway that reminds us that the only person we are suppose to be is a child of God. Let it help show you who you are from God’s perspective.
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