Getting in shape doesn’t have to be a struggle OR a bore when you have the right equipment! Whether you’re brand new to the world of exercise or have been a gym rat for 20 years, we’ve got you covered with the 7 top must-have pieces of fitness gear if you’re serious about working out and want to take it to the next level in no time.

1. The Right Shoes

I can’t tell you how incredibly important the right shoes are when it comes to working out. After all, if you find yourself with stiff, unbearable shoes that offer no comfort or support, you’re likely to end your workout early with no results; only to be left with a pair of aching feet, instead of aching muscles.

The right shoes are going to be different for everyone, but all in all, you need to find shoes that are right for exercising. Before purchasing, make sure the shoes you’re buying are ideal for exercise activities. Running shoes are always a great choice, especially from quality brands known for their comfortable, flexible athletic shoes like Nike, Adidas, or Puma.

Remember your likes and dislikes when buying a shoe as well. You shouldn’t be too concerned with looks and designs right now, but more so focused on the type of comfort and support you’re in need of. Pay extra close attention to the shoe you purchase before heading out to the gym!

2. The Right Treadmill

I couldn’t imagine trying to get a good cardio regime going without the proper treadmill. I mean, running around outside is fine, but when the temperatures rise well over 100 during the summertime, it isn’t ideal. And when the temps drop to below 40, it isn’t a great idea either!

If you’re really serious about working out and want to toss in more cardio to your routine, you need a good treadmill. Well, not even good. You need something that is going to work so well that it keeps you satisfied and motivating. After all, if your treadmill is a hassle to deal with, you likely won’t keep on using it day in and day out to reach your goals.

There’s a variety of treadmills on the market, no matter if your budget is high or low. The Weslo Budget Treadmill for Cardio is an excellent option when you’re looking for something that is not only budget-friendly but will keep you happy and excited during your entire workout.

3. Weights

You’ll hear it time and time again: “I don’t want to buy weights because I don’t want to get bulky”. And then you’ll hear the bodybuilder so casually inform you that ‘it doesn’t happen overnight’; and it really doesn’t.

When it comes to weights, you don’t need to worry about ‘bulking up’. It doesn’t happen overnight and it certainly doesn’t come from doing a few reps here and there. In fact, bulking up is a true science that can’t be accomplished by someone who just wants to get in shape.

That being said, buying a good set of weights is great not only for exercise but for body sculpting as well! They don’t need to be super heavy, just heavy enough so it gives you a slight burn without going overboard.

With weights, you can lose weight and TONE your muscles, without worrying about adding muscle on top of the muscle, otherwise known as ‘bulking’. Toss in some weights into your routine and you are bound to see an amazing difference.

4. Supportive Workout Bra

Ladies, I can’t tell you how important it is to have a good, supportive bra during your workout; especially if you have a larger breast size that can’t handle a regular bra during workouts.

Supportive bras can change your life when it comes to exercising. A bra that has enough support while remaining comfortable will allow you to get a greater, longer workout without struggling with back pain, annoyance wires and straps, and the dreaded ‘popout’ that can occur very often during an intense cardio session.

When finding a good workout bra, make sure there’s enough support for your shape and size. Get the proper size so you don’t have to worry about any adjustments along the way.

5. Good Pair of Headphones

Have you ever tried to workout without music? For me, it’s undoubtedly one of the most boring and dull experiences life has to offer. In fact, I figure that my workouts are cut in half if not more without music.

There’s something about music that is just so inspirational, igniting us with the energy and determination we need to get through our intense workout. But even if we have the best playlist figured out to kill our workout routine, if we can’t hear it well enough or there’s static (or even a headphone that isn’t working on one side!) it can be instantly ruined.

The solution? You NEED a good pair of headphones for a good workout.

6. Protein

You will hear it once and you’ll hear it again for the rest of your exercising days: you have to have protein in your diet if you want to see results.

Not only is protein overall good for you, but it is an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to losing weight and looking great. Protein will come in different sources for everyone, but one easy way to get a solid dosage of protein is with a good protein powder that doesn’t have too much sugar but has plenty of the good stuff. Find a protein powder that’s all natural with ingredients you can be proud to put in your body.

7. Water Bottle

You COULD just bring a boring old water bottle to the exercise mat and enjoy your afternoon. OR, you could make sure you’re staying hydrated with ice cold water that was kept chilled to perfection in the high-end water bottle you bought to ensure your thirst was quenched even during the most challenging workouts.

Conclusion

The right equipment is the first step to ensuring a great workout. Start with a good treadmill and set of weights, followed up with the right outfit, shoes, pair of headphones, and water bottle to stay hydrated all the way through.