The following items include some of equipment and tools that I have found exceptionally helpful for my workouts. These are products and brands that I have personally used, or have favorable opinion of. You will notice a wide variety from Gym shoes to Mobile Apps. You may find the following products cheaper elsewhere, or find similar brands/products that offer the same great quality – this is only my experience.
I hope you find these recommendations helpful. If you have any suggestions for me then please send them my way via the comments section below. Although I frequently use Dumbbells and a Kettlebell, I have not added in specific brands for free weights. I find the quality of most free weights are similar and so I won’t recommend a specific brand.
Check out my recommendations for health and fitness books here.
Check out my Optimum Nutrition Protein Powder reviews here.
Notepad/book
Any store
Something that will definitely help contribute to the success of your workouts and your progress. By using a notebook you can track your workouts and aim to improve on those numbers for next time. Check out my post here for more on this.
Skinfold Calipers
Amazon
Skinfold Calipers to help measure body fat. These are not 100% accurate. Generally, the more accurate calipers cost a fortune. Still we can get a controlled measure. A pressure button indicates the end of a skinfold measure – very handy.
Tape Measure
Tape Measure
Amazon
This tape measure has a spring loaded recoil system in it.This makes measuring easy (especially if you are doing it by yourself). Because the system tightens by itself, you will generally get a good reading each time.
App
Running App
App store – Free
Strava App is excellent for recording your cardio activity. It hosts great functions for joining teams or entering challenges to keep you active and motivated. Information’s provided on how well you performed each run in comparison to your last.
App
Timer App
App Store – Free
Tabata Timer App is used for my circuits classes and also any HIIT sessions in the gym with my clients. Easy to keep a track of your intervals with this app. However, it will take a little time to adjust yourself with the settings and format.
App
Calorie Counting App
App Store – Free
You can easily set your Macro and Calorie limit. It shows daily Macros via a simple pie chart with/grams. It can estimate your calories for rate of desired fat loss. Only downside, not all foods are listed in the app so you will need manually input some.
Indoor Gym Shoes
Nike/Amazon
This shoe is great for the gym based on its solid soul and tight lacing. Without an elevated heel, the solid soul is helpful for all compound movements like squatting or dead lifts. Comfortable , light and secure on your feet, easy for any jumping and running activities (indoor only).
Resistance Rope
Resistance Rope
Sports Direct
I have only ever used this resistance rope so not much to compare to. However, I understand the resistance is not great but instead better suited to smaller, isolated muscles. This one was excellent for my delts (shoulders) but not much more.
Resistance Bands
Resistance Bands
Amazon
With a set of 4 these bands had proven essential during lock down. With 4 you get a variety of resistance levels suited for variety of exercises. The only limit is your creativity as these bands can be utilised to work every muscle in the body.
Protein Shaker
Shaker bottle
B&M (£1.00)
I’ve had plenty of terrible shakers in the past and this one is by FAR the best. No shaker ball but a filter instead (like a grate). It has ml and oz measurements on the side. Screw top doesn’t leak and it’s easy to clean. You take these things for granted when you realise how terrible other shakers are
