Start 2026 Strong: Gym Must Haves!
When setting fitness goals for the new year, having a clear plan before you step into the gym makes all the difference. A plan requires preparation, and the right gear can keep you consistent, comfortable, and focused—so your workouts actually produce results. With countless products and programs available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news: you don’t need expensive accessories to succeed. Below are my top gym must-haves—straightforward, practical, and effective—plus why I recommend each one.
Get Fit with my recommended gym equipment:
1. Jump Rope
For training purposes, get a speed rope. This one is adjustable to your height. Jump ropes can be used for warm ups or an exercise itself. It is a great way to burn calories and lose weight.
2. Ankle Straps for Cable Machine
This is a high quality and decent priced ankle strap. It is soft and comfortable for doing cable kickbacks. I recommend buying the pair, even though you could just buy a single and switch up between ankles for each set.
3. Barbell Squat Pad
This is a simple but effective barbell pad. It is soft and comfortable to do barbell squats and hip thrusters. It is very well priced. I like the material because it is easy to clean. You can use it with or without the straps (it stays on either way). If you use it without the straps, just make sure to rotate the open slip up on the barbell.
4. Push Up Bars
Push up bars for wrists comfort. This one is very well priced and perfect to do push up variations, planks, and bird-dogs. It is also perfect if you are learning to do handstands.
5. Foam Roller
Foam roller is essential to have for the mobility and stretching portion of your workout. This one is a little bit more firm and it has a slick material (which makes it easier to clean). It is very reasonable priced and excellent quality.
6. Exercise Mat with Carrying strap
I love how soft and big this exercise mat is. The material is kind of “foamy” and slick, which makes it comfortable and easy to clean. I also love the carrying straps so I can carry it to the gym. This mat is moderately priced, but it is worth the quality.
7. Pilates Ring
Pilates rings are great for inner thigh exercises. It is decently priced and high quality. I have mine for a year now and it hasn’t broken. This brand also offer cute colors to choose from.
8. Loop Exercise Bands
Loop exercise bands are great for inner thigh and glute exercises. You only need one of them, but buying the package helps you pick which resistance is more appropriate. Usually medium resistance is adequate, enabling you to perform the exercise without straining too much but at the same time feeling your muscles working.
9. Resistance Cord
This resistance cord is great for in home exercises. It is important to go with the right brand for this accessory. Sometimes if you buy something too cheap, it does not have enough elasticity and it breaks after a couple uses. Gaiam is moderately priced and very high quality. I highly recommend this product.
The new year is starting, and you want to make sure you are prepared for your fitness journey ahead. Having the right workout accessories can help you achieve better results at the gym and make your sessions more effective. The right gear also gives you a little extra motivation to continue or finally start working out consistently. There is a wide variety of exercise equipment available, but the truth is you do not need much to reach your goals. I hope you enjoy this budget-friendly guide and that you like these products as much as I do. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, need recommendations, or want to share your buying experience!
Questions? Email me at milapradofitness@gmail.com
