The Basic Fitness Gear Beginners Need

As with most things in life, we usually get through a task better if we are equipped with good tools. Exercise is no exception. In order to prevent injury and make it more effective and easy, one needs the proper equipment and wear. No need to break the bank though, especially if you’re a newbie. You only need a few simple things to start. Below is a list of the basic fitness gear beginners need.

1. Basic fitness gear for beginners: Shoes

This is one of the most important things you will need to work out. The right type of shoes will enable you to run faster and longer. It will make exercise more comfortable and protect your feet and ankles from injury.

You may wonder, with all the different shoes out there, what type would be best for you. That would depend on which exercise you would want to focus on the most. If you want to run, choose a type of shoe specifically for that to ensure your feet can flex and most of the impact is absorbed. For home workouts, you could choose trainers that offer stability for doing weights and flexibility for HIIT.

Whatever type of shoes you choose, make sure to try them on (or measure your feet if you’re ordering online) considering socks so they are a good fit.

You will feel the difference between good and bad shoes, and that can really change the way you workout. I’d recommend to invest in a good pair, or buy during sales so you don’t pay full price.

2. Socks

Of course, you would want to wear some good sports socks to complement your shoes. These offer extra cushion, absorb sweat, and sometimes extra support for your arches as well. In addition, most of them are non-slip, so you can use them for pilates, yoga, or other exercises that don’t require you to wear shoes.

You don’t have to buy the most expensive pairs unless you want to shell out that much cash. Even the most affordable sports socks are better than regular cotton socks when exercising.

3. Sportswear

Another basic fitness gear all beginners need is sportswear. These really impact your performance, no matter what type of exercise you do. Good clothes provide support, allow freedom of movement, minimize chafing, and absorb sweat.

For women, sports bras are important for support especially for those high-impact routines. Choose tops and bottoms that allow you to stretch and flex, because trying to work out in clothes that hinder your movement can really be a bust.

Sweat-wicking and breathable clothes are also helpful particularly when running or biking. Once you run for more than an hour and you feel like you’re sweating buckets, wearing clothes with this type of fabric can help you feel light and breezy. If you want to exercise in all types of weather, you can check out sportswear for the winter and rainy seasons as well.

4. Basic fitness gear for beginners: Exercise Mat

One of the essentials, an exercise mat can be used for a variety of exercise routines, from low-impact to high-impact ones. Using a mat cushions your spine and your joints when doing floor workouts. They keep sweat away from your floors and provide a non-slip surface to keep you stable as you move or balance yourself .

There are different types of mats available on the market, and some are even made of cork to be more eco-friendly and provide better grip. The standard thickness for yoga mats is around 3mm thick, and this would work well for other workouts if you have carpeted floors beneath it. However, you can choose the 6-13mm thickness if you have hard floors to provide more cushion. Your body will thank you for it especially for difficult floor work like back bows and swimmers.

5. Weights

As you gain more strength and endurance in your fitness journey, you might want to challenge yourself further. Adding weights would be a good option to take your exercise to the next level.

There are different types of weights available, from ankle weights to kettlebells and medicine balls. My recommendation however, would be to start with dumbbells. They are very flexible and can be used in place of kettlebells for a lot of different exercises. You can start with lighter weights (I started with 2lb weights on each hand) and add more with time. One of the keys to sustainable exercise is to do it slowly but surely so you don’t injure yourself or begin to hate working out.

6. Workout Towel

Workout towels may not sound like a basic fitness gear that a beginner might need, but these are really helpful in high-impact and heavy workouts that bring on a lot of sweat. You can use whatever face towels you have at home and don’t need to purchase new ones as you’re starting out. However, there are fast-drying and cooling ones available that you might want to have when gyms start reopening.

7. Basic fitness gear for beginners: bottle

If you’re working out at home, this won’t be necessary. But if you plan to go to the gym or run long distances, having a handy water bottle to make sure you’re hydrated makes it one of the basic fitness gear for beginners.

There are a lot of different types out there, from plastic ones to collapsible ones. The most important thing is that it makes you drink water so you can replace all that you sweat out.

8. Foam roller

A foam roller is great to have and use for both warm-ups and cool downs. They can ease muscle pain, release tension, and remove a bit of that muscle soreness you feel after intense exercises. Some even use it to relieve any back pain or to simply relax.

There are different types of rollers. Some are smooth while others have ridges, and there are those that are on sticks or are just balls that can be used to target specific areas like feet or shoulders.

Whichever foam roller you use, make sure to read up, ask your trainer or doctor, or watch videos from experts online to do it right. Avoid rolling over joints and start with light pressure before building up. Once you get used to it, you might find it helps you recover faster after each workout.

9. Running belt or armband

If you want to start your fitness journey with running outdoors, having a running belt or armband will be a big help. Use it to hold your keys, cash or cards (if you’re bringing some), and your phone. Some even allow you to bring a small water bottle for extra long runs. This way, you can listen to music and ensure your valuables are safe hands-free when you run.

10. Smartphone

Your smartphone can be your best friend in terms of exercise. Use fitness apps or watch videos on Youtube for free workout videos. Use food trackers to ensure your nutrition and calorie count is in check.

In addition, you can use your phone to time your workouts or play music to be more motivated. Most smartphones also have built-in apps that can track your steps or your pace when running.

Got the basic fitness gear for beginners? Get right to it!

And there you have all you need to start exercising. Clothes for freedom of movement, comfortable footwear, and simple equipment. These are the basic fitness gear for beginners. If you really want to keep it simple, the top 3 would be clothes, shoes, and an exercise mat. Even with only these you’ll be able to do workouts at home. Then once you build your strength and endurance, you can slowly add the other gear.

I hope this article cleared those myths that exercising is expensive. You don’t really need much to start your fitness journey, but the results show in almost every aspect of your life. If you’re new to exercising, check out my other articles in this Exercise for Beginners series. Share to friends and family who are just starting out as well!

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The 5 Basic Fitness Goals Everyone Should Have
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