
Fitness & Movement Essentials
Over the years, I’ve learned that having a few key tools and products makes it easier to stay consistent with fitness, movement, and recovery. This post is all about the products we actually use and love—gear for workouts, at-home fitness, gentle recovery, and wellness practices that help me stay intentional without overcomplicating things. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your routine, these are the essentials we keep coming back to.
This post is a follow-up to my earlier piece on setting realistic, intentional wellness goals. If you’re looking for the mindset behind how I approach health and fitness, you can read that post here: An Intentional Wellness Routine: Fitness, Recovery, and Everyday Habits.
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Walking & Training Shoes
When it comes to workout shoes, I’ve learned that having the right pair for the type of movement I’m doing makes a noticeable difference—not just in performance, but in how motivated I feel to actually show up.
My Go-To Workout Shoes
- Nike V2K Run – best for walking, daily movement, and low-impact workouts.
- Nike Metcon 10 – ideal for weight training and strength sessions.
- On Cloudnova 2 – my favorite for workout classes and all-day wear.
Workout Sets I Reach For Most
I’ve learned that comfort and versatility matter more to me than having a perfectly matching set. I like having a mix of tops and bottoms that I can rotate depending on the type of workout I’m doing—whether that’s strength training, Pilates, a class, or just getting steps in. These are the pieces I consistently reach for because they move well, feel good on my body, and hold up over time.
I look for pieces that feel supportive enough for strength training but still comfortable for Pilates or yoga-style movement.
Women’s Workout Gear
- Ebb to Street Tank Top – easy, breathable, and great for layering.
- Lululemon Align™ Tank Top – comfortable and flattering for low- to medium-impact workouts.
- Lululemon Align™ Waist-Length Racerback Tank Top – soft, supportive, and stays in place during movement.
- Pose Plyo Tank – relaxed fit that’s great for workouts, walks, and warm-weather days.
- Like a Cloud Longline Bra – light support with all-day comfort.
- Lululemon Energy Longline Bra – supportive, breathable, and great for higher-impact workouts.
- Align High-Rise Pant – perfect for yoga, Pilates, and slower movement days.
- Wunder Train High-Rise Tight – my pick for strength training and higher-intensity workouts.
- Wunder Train High-Rise Short – supportive and stay-put for warm weather or sweaty sessions.
- Dash Short 2.0 – airy, functional, and ideal for higher-intensity workouts.
- Villa Short – comfortable, versatile, and perfect for casual movement or travel days.
- Halo Modern Straight Leg Pant – ultra-soft and easy to wear for low-impact workouts or rest days.
Men’s Workout Gear
- Vuori Strato Tech Tee – soft, breathable, and great for any type of workout or casual movement.
- Lululemon License to Train Short-SleeveShirt – lightweight and moisture-wicking, perfect for high-intensity sessions.
- Pace Breaker Lined Short – comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear for both training and everyday movement.
- Kore Short Lined – supportive and durable, ideal for weight training or more intense workouts.
- Ponto Performance Short – breathable, flexible, and a go-to for all types of exercise.
- Ponto Performance Jogger – comfortable, versatile, and perfect for warm-ups, cool-downs, or casual wear.
Socks & Accessories
- Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned – supportive, comfortable, and great for training, walking, or everyday wear.
- Bombas Solids Ankle Sock – soft, supportive, and perfect for everyday workouts or casual wear.
- Bombas Gripper Ankle Socks – comfortable with extra traction, great for workouts or at-home training.
- Lululemon Knit Hair Ties (6 Pack) – durable, gentle on hair, and perfect for keeping hair secure during workouts.

At-Home Fitness Tools
Having a few reliable at-home gym tools has made it much easier for me to stay consistent with movement, especially on days when getting to a class or the gym feels like too much. I don’t think you need a fully stocked home gym—just a handful of versatile pieces that you’ll actually use.
- Dumbbells (5–25 lbs) – the most-used tools in our home gym for strength training and sculpt-style workouts (we bought a set of weights from Costco which is no longer available but have purchased individual sets for larger weights recently from Amazon and the quality is great, but less cost effective).
- Bench & Bench Press – definitely more of an investment but we’ve enjoyed it for expanding strength workouts and adding variety at home.
- Rogue Echo Bumper Plates (2.5–25 lbs) – durable, easy to handle, and perfect for progressive loading.
- TRX Bands – ideal for full-body workouts, especially if you’re short on space or storage.
- Resistance Bands – versatile and great for warm-ups, mobility, and low-impact movement.
- Pilates Exercise Ball – a tool I used all the time in physical therapy and still love coming back to for core work, balance, and gentle movement.
- BOSU Balance Ball Trainer – another physical therapy favorite that I continue to enjoy for stability, balance, and low-impact strength work.
- Pilates Ring – adds gentle resistance for sculpting and controlled movement.
- Weighted Vest or Bala Bangles – something we recently considered adding to our equipment list; an easy way to add intensity to walks or bodyweight workouts.
Gentle Recovery & Body Care
Recovery and self-care are just as important to me as movement. These tools help me release tension, support circulation, and give my body the attention it needs to recover from workouts and daily life. I approach them with the mindset that small, consistent practices make a big difference over time.
- Gua Sha & Face Roller – gentle facial and body tool that promotes circulation and eases tension.
- Dry Brushing – supports lymphatic flow, circulation, and feels like a simple daily ritual.
- Castor Oil Packs – a restorative tool I use for relaxation, digestion support, and gentle restoration.
- Foam Roller – perfect for loosening tight muscles, improving circulation, and supporting post-workout recovery.
- Hyperice Massage Gun – targets knots and sore areas to help muscles recover faster and feel looser.
- Vibration Plate – helps activate muscles, improve circulation, and support warm-ups or post-workout recovery.
Heat, Cold & Light Therapy
I’ve found that incorporating heat, cold, and light therapy into my routine is a game-changer for recovery and overall wellness. Whether it’s to soothe sore muscles, boost circulation, or support energy and mood, these practices help me listen to my body and create small rituals that feel restorative. I like to balance at-home tools with occasional visits to wellness studios to keep it realistic and sustainable.
- Red Light Therapy Panels – something we’re actively exploring for at-home use to support recovery, skin health, and overall wellness. Panels make it easy to build this into a regular routine without needing appointments.
- Cold Plunge (At-Home Build or Studio Access) – we built our own cold plunge, but cold exposure can also be incorporated through wellness studios or spas that offer cold tubs. I like keeping this flexible and realistic rather than all-or-nothing.
- Hot Tub – a simple but effective way to relax muscles, support recovery, and wind down in the evenings.
- Sauna Access (Infrared or Traditional) – instead of owning one (for now), we regularly visit places like City Sweats and similar wellness studios that offer sauna and cold plunge options.
- Traditional Sauna (Planned Build) – we’re considering building a small traditional sauna at home to make heat therapy easier to incorporate year-round.

Digital & Mindset Tools for Fitness, Wellness & Learning
I like using digital tools as a way to stay consistent, track progress, and support my mental health—without letting technology take over. The apps and devices I reach for help me plan workouts, monitor recovery, and build small habits that stick. I try to choose tools that simplify my routine and keep me accountable, rather than creating extra stress or distraction.
- Oura Ring – my go-to for tracking sleep, recovery, and readiness, which helps me listen to my body instead of pushing through fatigue
- Apple Watch (or Fitness Band) – a great option for tracking movement, workouts, and daily activity, especially if you prefer something screen-based
- ClassPass App – makes it easy to book workout classes and stay flexible with movement depending on my schedule and energy levels
- Gymverse App – one of my favorites for at-home strength training workouts when I don’t want to think about programming
- Headway or Ahead Apps – helpful for mental health, learning, and building small habits through short, digestible lessons and tools
- Brick App Blocker – a recent purchase and simple tool we use to block distracting apps like social media and be more intentional with screen time
Books we’re Reading
- Biohack Like a Woman by Aggie Lal – a book we’ve read recently and keep coming back to; it’s also available as an audiobook, which makes it great for road trips or long drives.
- The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest – a thoughtful, reflective read Ryan was recently gifted and has been enjoying, especially for mindset and intention-setting.
Sleep, Rest & Wind-Down Rituals
I prioritize sleep and evening routines as a way to reset both body and mind. Simple rituals like journaling, calming drinks, and reading help me unwind, recover, and prepare for the next day.
- Evening Journal – a simple way I like to reflect, set intentions, or practice gratitude before bed without overthinking it. I know a lot of people that like to do this first thing in the morning, I think whatever time works best for you, your schedule and to get your thoughts out is perfect!
- Sleepy Time Tea or Magnesium Citrate Powder – part of my nightly routine to help signal to my body that it’s time to wind down and rest. I’ll typically use one or the other if it’s been a stressful day.
- Kindle for Reading – reading before bed has become one of my favorite ways to disconnect from my phone and ease into sleep.
How I’m Bringing These Habits Home & Making Them Stick
This year, I’m focusing less on doing everything and more on doing what actually fits into real life. Consistency matters more to me than perfection, and flexibility is part of the plan.
Making these habits stick looks like lowering the barrier to entry. Tools that live at home. Simple routines I can return to. Digital boundaries that support focus instead of distraction. Some weeks that means workouts and structure. Other weeks it means walking, recovery, and rest.
I’m also reminding myself that I don’t need to start from scratch. Many of these habits are things I already know I love. The goal is to come back to them more often and let them evolve with my energy and schedule.
At the end of the day, wellness isn’t about doing more. It’s about building routines that feel supportive, sustainable, and easy to bring home.




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