Shape Best In Fitness Awards 2023: Best Training Gear

Shape Best In Fitness Awards 2023: Best Training Gear

Sometimes it's the little things that make the difference in your training. Example: A thin, slippery, easily abrasive yoga mat versus a padded, non-slip mat that makes Savasana truly restorative. Here, Shape editors and experts share their trusted tips for the best workout gear to get you that much closer to your goals.

Best versatile workout mat: Alo Warrior Mat

Although this mat is technically marketed for use in yoga, it is durable enough to handle your high-impact, cardio-intensive workouts. The 5mm thick mat provides plenty of cushioning to protect your joints and is over 6 feet long, so you won't end up flat on your face during a round of burpees. It is also designed to be non-slip no matter how sweaty your palms get.

Alo
Warrior Mat
$128.00

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Expert Rating:"This is my absolute favorite mat. It provides amazing grip even when I'm drenched in sweat and is perfect when exploring handstands. It's very thick and oversized, so you can practice yoga or work out with that extra comfort and support." — Phyllicia Bonanno, yoga and meditation teacher and sweat trainer

Best Pilates Ring: Calia Pilates Ring

This 14 inch Pilates ring is perfect for adding resistance to your pliés, bridges and leg raises. The padded interior and exterior handles keep your hands, thighs and knees comfortable and protected while you sweat and strengthen.

Kalia
Pilates ring
$30.00

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Expert Rating:"The colors offered are great for in-studio and at-home [workouts]. Because the sounds are muted, my space still looks neat even if I forget to clean up after a workout." —Bonano

Best Pilates Ball: P.Volve P.Ball

This inflatable Pilates ball comes with an adjustable, removable resistance band to keep it in place. Placed between the thighs or under the lower back, the round shape creates instability, making the muscles work even harder with every exercise.

P. Volve
P.Ball
$60.00

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Expert Rating:"I use this ball to reinforce Pilates and barre workouts at home. I love that I can attach it to my legs with the resistance band to prevent it from slipping between my thighs during hard movements, or use it without the resistance band. Plus, it’s easy to inflate with the included hand pump and needle.” — Christie Calucchia, news editor at Shape

Best Yoga Block: Alo Uplifting Yoga Block

Whether you need extra stability or a deeper stretch, this lightweight, firm yoga block with beveled edges will help you practice. The prop is available in 10 different colors, so you're sure to find one that fits your space perfectly.

Alo
Uplifting yoga block
$28.00

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Expert Rating:"These yoga blocks are soft enough for use in yin poses and firm enough for practicing arm balance. They are durable and will stand the test of time; I've had mine for years and they still look brand new." —Bonano

Best yoga strap: Sweaty Betty x Yogi Bare Stretch Strap

This nearly 6-foot-long yoga strap made from softly woven cotton will help you sink deeper into any stretch or begin your own flexibility exercise when touching your toes is still a little out of reach. The strong yet gentle cotton and just the right width of the strap (40mm) make this a winner.

Sweaty Betty
Yogi Bare stretch band
$19.00

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Expert Rating:"This strap is great for many functions. Its stretch ability provides a little wiggle room and resistance to your yoga practice. The perfect strap for all yoga practitioners." —Bonano

Best yoga mat: Manduka Pro yoga mat

Manduka is known for its high-quality yoga mats that last a lifetime (seriously, they have a lifetime guarantee). The Manduka Pro yoga mat option includes the brand's signature dot pattern on one side to keep it from slipping on the floor, while a textured top layer keeps hands and feet comfortably in place in every pose. It also offers 6mm of padding.

Manduka
Per yoga mat
$129.00

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Expert Rating:"My yoga teacher recommended this mat to me when I started getting more serious about my practice in 2013. I've had it ever since (and use it regularly!). So far it has shown no signs of damage and is just as grippy and cushioned as it was when I first purchased it almost a decade ago." — Caluchia

Best Balance Trainer: BodySport Balance Disc

Fitness newbies and professionals alike can feel confident using this balance trainer, which has a grip side and a smooth side and can be inflated to 1 inch or 2 inches to change the difficulty of your workout. The support is strong enough to sit on and large enough to comfortably stand on with both feet.

BodySport
Balance disc
$26.00

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Expert Rating:"As a former cross country runner in high school and college, I had my fair share of sprained ankles. I have used this disc many times for sprained ankle rehabilitation and more recently for injuries Prevention." — Bridget O’Carroll, founder of Studio Qila

Best Mini Trampoline: The Ness Trampoline

Designed by JumpSport, a major brand in professional gyms, this trampoline features elastic cords instead of springs for smooth bouncing. Each trampoline can be adjusted to one of three firmness settings, and the trampoline rests on non-marking silicone leg caps to keep it in place while still preventing unsightly scuffs on your floor.

The Ness
trampoline
$500.00

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Expert Rating:"Even as a trampoline newbie, I was able to keep up with fancy footwork during a class because this trampoline had just the right amount of bounce. It felt stable under my feet as I alternated between higher and lower jumps, and it's nice and compact, which is a plus if you add it to your home gym." – Renee Cherry, Associate Editor of Shape

Best Pull Up Bar: Iron Gym Pull Up Bar

With this easy-to-install pull-up bar that attaches securely to any door frame, there's no need for a complete dumbbell rack to have an instant home gym. In particular, the Iron Gym pull-up bar has an adjustable width, and no screws are required for assembly, making it very easy to get started using it.

Iron gym
Pull-up bar
$24.00

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Expert Rating:“This pull-up bar is also easy to install and has comfortable handles.” — Kayla Jeter, NASM-certified personal trainer and certified functional strength coach

Best Accessory for Core Strengthening: 10 Pound Bala Power Ring

With 5, 8, 10, or 15 pound options, this weighted tire is coated with soft silicone for a comfortable grip. Weighing in at 10 pounds, its versatile shape makes it a go-to for Russian twists, chest press squats, wood chopping, and even swings when kettlebells aren't available.

Bala
10 pound power ring
$89.00

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Expert Rating:"When I first got the Power Ring, I wasn't sure what to use it for. Turns out the answer is almost everything. I love it because it adds spice to my core workouts - it's surprisingly comfortable for weighted planks and bear crawls - and it's easy for my smaller hands to grip." — Kristen Geil, NASM-certified personal trainer and Shape Senior Fitness Editor

Best resistance bands with handles: Rogue Fitness Tube Bands

With six different weight options to choose from, the Rogue Fitness Tube Bands are the complete package for anyone looking for an entry-level resistance band set. Best of all, they're actually comfortable to hold thanks to the textured handles that don't cut into the skin.

Rogue Fitness
Rogue Tube Bands
$22.00

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Expert Rating:"A wide variety of resistance allows these bands to be used from warm-up to actual training. They also feel very durable, so the worry of tearing a band won't distract from your workout." — Jetter