Upgrade Your Home Gym With These Workout Essentials

Staying consistent with your step goal is a lot more realistic when you can do it from inside, since the outdoors don't always cooperate. “My boyfriend is an ultramarathoner, and he’s been obsessed with his NordicTrack lately,” says commerce editor Katie Pittman. “He says that the shock absorption of the deck takes a ton of pressure off his knees, and he loves that he can crank up the incline to simulate hills, because he runs so many mountain races.” Even if you’re not training for anything extreme, the cushioned feel, adjustable incline, and built-in screen for streaming routines make it just as appealing for everyday miles. If you aren't sure where to start, consider following a guided iFIT workout, led by some of the best-in-class trainers, giving you an impeccable on-equipment experience from the comfort of home.*

This bike makes a compelling case for staying in instead of hitting the open road, and low-impact doesn’t mean low effort. With 24 resistance levels that move from an easy cruise to something far more difficult, plus an adjustable incline, it mimics the unpredictability of real terrain without the traffic. The pedals work with or without clip-ins, and the 24-inch pivoting screen lets you toggle between cycling classes and off-bike workouts without missing a beat. It also taps into iFIT, widely considered one of the best on-equipment training experiences, with guided routines that help keep things from feeling repetitive.*

To make the most of your daily movement or walks around the neighborhood, consider adding a weighted vest. It's more comfortable than strapping weights to your wrists or ankles, and it can actually help increase bone density over time. Katie's trainer first turned her on to wearing one, and now it's her go-to way to amp up her routine.

To soothe sore and tight muscles, a foam roller is a must. Not only can it be used post workout to soothe knots, but during exercises, it can be used as a prop if you need extra support or balance.

Resistance bands don’t take up much space, but they do a lot of heavy lifting. They're one of the most versatile pieces of any home gym, whether you’re strength training, rehabbing, or just trying to sneak in a quick burn between meetings. This set happens to be a particularly good one: Five bands with varying resistance, all designed to avoid that dreaded overstretching moment. It also comes with handles, ankle straps, and a door anchor, so you can rig up just about any workout without turning your living room into a full-blown gym.

Even the most graceful yoga flow has its “could use a little backup” moments. Cork blocks step in as the quiet overachievers that are sturdy, grounded, and not an eyesore. They’ll help you hold the poses that feel just out of reach, add stability where it counts, and deepen stretches in classics like puppy and fish — so you get all the benefits, minus any wobble.

If your current yoga mat has seen better days, this is a very compelling upgrade. It’s an investment, yes, but one that earns its keep. It's supportive enough for more advanced flows and has a grippy, slip-resistant surface that won’t betray you mid-pose. It’s also thoughtfully made from moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, formaldehyde-, toxin-, and PVC-free material, so it feels as good as it performs.

There’s a reason Bala bangles have become a fixture both in workouts and on Instagram. They read more like a well-designed accessory than traditional wrist or ankle weights, and are sleek, minimal, and available in colors you'll enjoy. Beyond the aesthetic, they’re comfortable, adjustable, and an easy way to add a little extra resistance to just about anything, from Pilates to bodyweight workouts.

A solid kettlebell doesn’t need to cost a fortune, and this one proves it. It comes in five weight options, so you can scale up as you get stronger, and the wide handle is designed for a comfortable grip, whether you’re swinging with two hands or going single-arm.

This dumbbell set keeps things simple without sacrificing aesthetics. It includes three pairs of weights (two, three, and five pounds) that work well for everything from beginner strength training to adding light resistance to Pilates, yoga, or bodyweight moves. The neoprene coating gives each weight a soft, easy-to-grip finish that also protects floors, and the anti-roll shape keeps them from wandering off when you set them down. A compact rack is included, so everything actually has a home instead of ending up scattered around the room or pushed under furniture.

Wider than the standard yoga mat, this gives you extra room to move, and the foldable design means it stores easily and travels well (no awkward rolling required). It's also extremely practical and multifunctional: Fold it once or twice to create extra cushioning for knees and wrists or to add a bit of height and support when you’re working deeper into a stretch. Think of it as a mat that adapts to your practice, not the other way around.

Don’t let the size fool you — These mini bands are surprisingly effective. They’re ideal for rehabbing old injuries, improving range of motion, and targeting smaller stabilizing muscles that often get overlooked. Use them for controlled, low-impact movements like glute activation, shoulder strengthening, or physical therapy exercises, or add them to squats and lateral walks to increase resistance without putting extra strain on your joints.