You’re a self-described Pilates girlie. A hot-girl walker. A mom who owns the weight room. Maybe you’re all of the above, depending on the day. These fitness identities have become more than just trends—they’re communities. From walking clubs and barre classes to pickleball leagues, our favorite workouts help us connect with like-minded people and keep us coming back again and again.
And, let’s be honest, they guide our shopping choices.
For the 2025 Women’s Health Fitness Awards, we’ve organized the winner categories around the most popular workout types. The goal? To make it as simple as possible for you to find the products that match your fitness personality (because, let’s face it, the dumbbells that turn up the burn in your coworker’s virtual barre class might not be the ones you need to become the deadlift queen you dream of).
What’s inside this comprehensive guide: the top fitness products that surprised and delighted us this year—and helped us elevate our training in ways we never imagined. The yoga mats that stayed slip-free through a sweaty flow. The adjustable dumbbells that made at-home strength training workouts more accessible. The hiking shoes that kept us blister-free in inclement weather.
From reliable staples to cutting-edge tech, this is the gear you’ll want to get your hands on—and share with your own workout community. New gains and goals, unlocked.
Justin SteeleMichi bra and legging, Machete hoops
The best gear and equipment—big and small—to build muscle
This is *the* smart home gym setup worth investing in due to several features that other smart gyms don’t have. For instance, the technology starts you at the perfect weight for every move and automatically adjusts as you get stronger, while features like Spotter Mode let you push limits safely, making every workout ultra-efficient for strength gains.
Best Adjustable Dumbbells
Flybird Fitness Quick Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set (25 Lbs.)
Most adjustable dumbbells are hundreds of dollars and still pretty bulky—but not this find. “They’re fit for a small home and go up to 25 pounds—perfect for anyone new to weight training or in need of space-saving equipment at a reasonable price,” says Lindsay Gellar, WH lifestyle director.
Best Legging With Pockets
Rhone Revive Pocket Legging
“When I competed in a Hyrox race last summer, the secure, no-bounce side pockets in these leggings kept my phone in place so I could stay in touch with my relay team without worrying about it getting in the way,” says WH fitness editor Talene Appleton. “They’re comfortable, functional, with a waistband that really snatches without feeling restrictive, which, as someone who has tested a lot of leggings, is clearly a really hard balance to strike.”
Best Barefoot Training Shoe
Vivobarefoot Motus Strength Barefoot Zero-Drop Shoes
Many so-called barefoot training shoes still feel like you’re wearing, well, heavy-duty footwear. This pick from Vivobarefoot has a legit barely-there feel so you can root your soles into the floor while you lift—without actually having to go sans sneaks at the gym.
Best Multipurpose Weight
Obshay Swirl White Marble Dumbbell
You’ve never seen a free weight as aesthetically beautiful as this one, right? Whether you use it for upper-body exercises or admire it perched on your bookshelf, the sculptural design is both functional and stylish—and you won’t have to sacrifice storage space since you won’t want to put it away post-workout.
Best Protein Hack
Hoshi Health Protein Powder Funnel Set
“After a workout, I want to be able to get in a fast-digesting protein source ASAP,” says Gabrielle Savary, trainer and group fitness instructor at the Strength Club in New York. This handy funnel has caps for each end to hold pre-portioned protein and “makes it super easy to put your protein—or BCAAs, pre-workout, anything—into the opening of a water or shaker bottle—no mess.” And no toting around a Ziploc of powder or an entire canister in your gym bag. Whew.
Best Barbell Training App
This one-of-a-kind barbell-focused fitness app gives you “tangible feedback about your rate of perceived exertion, or RPE, which is your effort level,” says trainer and kettlebell specialist Taylor Beebe. “I also love that it shows the bar path so I can address technique issues.” After recording iPhone or iPad videos of yourself during a barbell training exercise, you can input them into this app to track bar speed, path, rep tempo, and more.
Best Creatine Supplement
Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules
Creatine is one of the safest supplements any strength training athlete can take to increase performance and recovery, Beebe says. “What I hated about powder versions was that you needed either water and/or a blender bottle to consume it,” she says. “The capsules make it easy to take on the go.”
Best Weightlifting Gloves
Tyneka Pack, founder and CEO of Impackt Fitness, says these were the first grip protectors that actually fit her hands (and didn’t feel designed for men). What’s more, other gloves have torn quickly for Pack—but she’s used the same pair of Versas since 2018 (talk about durability!). “They allow me to focus on lifting without my forearms giving out first,” Pack says. “For women who are looking to elevate their weight training, these are a must.”
Best Strength Training Kit
Centr Strength Training Kit
A pullup bar, a sandbag, pushup handles, and bodyweight straps? When it comes to fitness kits, you won’t find as worthy an assortment of workout goodies at such an affordable price. “If you’re just starting to build your home gym setup and have no clue what to buy, this kit is a solid starting point, with enough big and small equipment to get a great workout,” says Jacqueline Andriakos, WH executive health and fitness director.
Best Plant Protein Powder
Momentous 100% Plant Protein
Finally, a plant-based powder with no weird aftertaste or artificial sweeteners that also packs 20 grams of protein from peas and rice—a slam dunk for those with dietary sensitivities. “As someone who struggles to digest whey-based powders, this has become my go-to for its simple ingredients and tasty flavor,” Appleton, who makes a “hot cocoa” by mixing it with warm almond milk.
Best Cardio Equipment
Rogue Fitness Echo Bike V3.0
Now 6% Off
“There are many other modalities that can be used to improve cardiovascular health; however, the Echo Bike is an all-around great option due to its low impact on joints, ability to generate a high level of cardio output, and usage in the gym or at home,” says Almoni Ellis, creator of Mo Fit, who uses it in her own training and with clients to improve conditioning.
Best Cross-Training Shoe
lululemon Chargefeel 2 Mid Workout Shoes
It’s not often you find a training shoe over $100 that you’re willing to buy multiple pairs of. “The versatile design provides exceptional support and stability, especially during lateral movements, and the mid-cut offers extra ankle support,” says fitness coach Priscilla Perez, creator of the movement and apparel community Off Duty Rituals. “My go-to shoe for everything from high-intensity training to dance—ya girl owns three different colors.”
Justin SteeleAPL jogger, Bombas socks
The best apparel and accessories to optimize walking and running workouts
The fan-favorite belt (multiple WH staffers have worn one for marathon training and race days) is deceivingly spacious, despite its compact look. It fits keys, phone, and wallet no problem and, unlike most running belts, actually stays in place on your hips when you’re in motion.
Not all weighted vests are designed to fit and flatter a woman’s frame, which is why trainer Ebonny Fowler loves this female-designed version to support her newfound rucking routine. “I love the unique X shape engineered to fit women’s curves, plus it has adjustable straps and padded shoulders for added comfort, and various weighted options to level up your workout.”
Best Over-The-Ear Headphones
“As a woman, I’m always on high alert during my runs—these are the only headphones I’ve found that allow me to listen to my music clearly in addition to everything around me, and also don’t fall off,” says WH assistant beauty editor Sabrina Talbert.
“I tested a dozen strollers from various brands firsthand before landing on the Urban Glide as a jogging stroller,” says Andriakos. “It’s simply superior when it comes to how smooth it moves and how easy it is to maneuver at any speed, over any terrain.”
Best Running Fuel
GU Energy Original Energy Gel
WH associate health and fitness editor Addison Aloian fuels with Gu for all races after being grossed out by numerous other gels and gummies. “It actually tastes good, is easy to swallow, and contains 20 milligrams of caffeine for an extra boost,” she says. “I literally feel as if I have more energy and I become faster once these gels hit my system.”
Best Workout Sock
Tracksmith Speed Crew Sock
“I’m not sure how these can be so thin and breathable yet still have so much compression,” says Andriakos. “My feet are never swollen after a long walk, and I can feel the ground and spread my toes when lifting weights too.”
Tammeca Rochester, owner and founder of Harlem Cycle, describes this headband as so much better than competitors due to the way it “absorbs and wicks the sweat away,” she says. “When I take it off, my hair is completely dry. It’s great for a good cardio workout and comes in a lot of colors and styles, so I can match it to my workout gear.”
Best Running Shoe Overall
WH testers have confirmed there’s a reason these sneakers have thousands of five-star reviews on multiple sites. As Tina Martinez, a food producer at WH, puts it plainly: “I swear these make me run faster—I feel like I am bouncing rather than running flat and stagnant.”
Best Running Shoe For Overpronation
As a runner with overpronation and flat feet, Patricia Greaves, a menopause fitness specialist, says the Brooks Adrenaline is the only shoe that provides the proper stability and support: “I’ve tried so many other brands, but Brooks are still the most comfortable for distance.”
Best Walking Shoe Overall
“I’ve been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, foot arthritis, and flat feet,” says Fowler, who is a full-time fitness instructor, mom to a very active 6-year-old boy, and an avid walker. “I used to purchase cushioned shoe insoles for my sneakers—this is the only pair that’s allowed me to ditch the insoles.”
Best Splurgeworthy Walking Shoe
Athletic Propulsion Labs Women’s Jogger
“This is the only sneaker at this price point that I have ever deemed worth it to purchase in another color,” Andriakos says. “They are comfortable all day, and I have yet to be out and not receive a compliment on the retro, bright style and silhouette.”
What’s more: Ashley Nicole, a trainer and the founder of RA Warrior Fitness, requires walking shoes that are comfortable enough when her rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are flaring up, “and these sneakers genuinely make me want to move more,” she says.
There are countless recovery slides on the market—but these boast the approval of foot doctors and come in an unmatched assortment of pretty colors. “My podiatrist told me I had to get a pair for work-from-home days and going to and from barefoot workout classes,” Andriakos says. “I notice my chronic foot pain is lightyears better when I’ve been wearing these more regularly.”
Best High-Impact Sports Bra
Spanx High Impact Sports Bra
After enough workouts and dryer cycles, even the toughest sports bras usually need to be retired—but not this one. Somehow it still packs compression and structure after hundreds of wears and keeps even the biggest busts in place during bouncy runs.
Beach Riot catsuit, Madewell earrings
Everything you need to turn up the burn in Pilates, yoga, barre, and sculpt-style workouts
Best Lightweight Dumbbells
We have yet to find a better pair of lightweight adjustable weights on the market. (These can be turned into two-, four-, or six-pound loads.) “They’re the perfect light weight to level up Pilates or barre workouts at home—and they received oohs and aahs from everyone at our team photo shoot!” Andriakos says.
Let’s be real: No one wants to be forced into purchasing the overpriced branded grip socks at your local barre spot. Pointe Studio solves that problem with its unmatched range of prints, patterns, and colorways…at less than $20 a pair. “There’s a sock to match every outfit or mood, and you won’t slip on the reformer,” says WH contributing editor Amy Wilkinson, who is also a Pilates instructor at Aline Pilates in New York City.
Best Warm-Up Layer
Daughter Lessons Utility Vest
This stylish vest will collect compliments everywhere you go and is the most versatile warm-up layer out there. “You can zip the sleeves off during a walk or workout for more breathability, or just for a different fashion look at the office,” Andriakos says.
Best Low-Impact Sports Bra
Alo Yoga Airlift Intrigue Bra
Aloian swears by this flattering, adjustable sports bra for smaller chests for just about any type of workout. “It’s insanely comfortable and the sides never dig into my armpits.”
Best Sleeveless Workout Onesie
Nicole purchased this bodysuit after rocking it for a photo shoot for WH’s Strong and Fit Over 40 (coming this spring). “I fell in love with how it accentuates my figure, boosts confidence, and is versatile enough to seamlessly transition from the gym to a stylish outing.”
The new Mat Pro from Stakt has superior grip compared to the original, “so you’re able to jump and hold a plank better,” says corrective exercise specialist Tatiana Lampa, creator of Training With T. The foldable mat also allows you to do a variety of movements, such as triceps dips (on the edge when stacked), elevated reverse lunges, and more.
This band is a staple in Fowler’s Pilates, barre, and stretch classes. When it comes to gripping the thin piece of rubber, “the flatness of it provides more comfort than traditional thick resistance bands,” she says—which often dig into your palms uncomfortably or are too narrow to get a solid grasp on.
Best Longsleeve Workout Onesie
J Sculpt Everyday Playsuit Backless Long Sleeve Bodysuit
“The bodysuit sculpts my body, lifting and shaping in all the right places,” says Tonyael Miller, certified trainer and the creator of Tonyael Miller Fitness. “I feel incredibly sexy and confident every time I put it on—it boosts my performance and makes me feel powerful.”
Justin SteeleMichi bra and legging, Gorjana earrings, Mejuri ring
Gear that guarantees comfort and convenience of just about any outdoor extracurricular
Best Cold-Weather Gloves
Skida Pursuit Liner Glove
Most liner gloves come in boring black and are only shoddy at best when they claim to be touchscreen friendly. These Skida liners come in fun prints and actually allow you to use your gadgets while skiing, running, cycling, or walking your dog.
“I’ve never found a pair with such a high-quality continuous lens that offers seamless vision even in my periphery,” says Appleton. “I exclusively reach for these sunnies for anything outdoors.”
Best Cycling Shoe
Tiem Slipstream Cycling Shoe
“Tiem are, by far, the most comfortable cycling shoes I’ve ever used,” says Rochester. “When you are off the bike, you can walk normally, without fear of falling, and they are not as hard as other cycling shoes that have caused my feet to cramp.”
Best Tennis Bag
Caraa Tennis Quilted Backpack
Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Live out your Challengers dreams with this one-of-a-kind carrier that can be worn as a tote or a backpack, fits two racquets and the rest of your necessities, and is still stylish enough to take you from the court to lunch after.
Best Fanny Pack
Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5 L Del Dia Hip Pack
Each Cotopaxi Del Día is made from colorful, 100 percent recycled deadstock materials, giving each one its own unique colorway (read: no one else will have your exact bag!). The durable bags have two compartments and are the perfect size to carry essentials on a walk, hike, or run.
Get your hands on these celeb-favorite, fashion-editor-approved sneakers fast (they tend to sell out!): They’re durable, waterproof, and stable for the harshest trail and hiking conditions but look downright designer, unlike most bulky boots.
The pack beats out other gym bags because of its genius real-world design elements: a ventilated shoe compartment, a water bottle holder that actually fits a large bottle, space for clothes and a full-size laptop—and it still appears relatively small. “It has surprisingly great space on the inside without being bulky,” says Savary.
Alo Yoga jacket and shorts, FP Movement top, Gorjana necklace, Bombas socks, Pony sneakers
Cutting-edge gadgets that give you real-time workout data and elevate performance
Best New All-Purpose Watch
Polar has a long-standing reputation for making one of the best wearables on the market for heart rate accuracy, which is key if you keep tabs on your HR zone during training. The Training Load feature on the Vantage M3 tracks both cardio load (a measure of cardiovascular stress) and muscular load (to monitor the impact on your muscles). Prepping for race day? Also exclusive to Polar technology is the unique Running Index, which estimates your VO2 max and can predict your race performance over different distances.
Best Multipurpose Recovery Tool
Mobot 2-in-1 Foam Roller Water Bottle
This two-in-one water bottle doubles as a foam roller and is the perfect travel companion for any fitness buff. “I love it for rolling out my neck and back during long flights (though TSA always does a double take!),” says Appleton.
The newest version is thinner than ever and lays flush against the finger (unlike previous models that had external sensors on the inside of the band). As a mom of two young kids, Perez likes that the Oura Ring gives her key insights “into how much rest I really need to feel my best.” Unlike other rings that prioritize sleep, the Oura also tracks activity level, recovery and readiness, and cycle and fertility (cycle-syncing workouts, anyone?), “giving me a complete picture of my wellness,” she adds.
Best Muscle Growth Tech
Smart Tools SmartCuffs® 3.0 PRO
Ever wish you could get the benefits of lifting heavy weights without actually having to lug around a barbell? Blood flow restriction (BFR) training works by restricting blood flow to a limb, tricking your body into thinking you’re working harder than you actually are—leading to gains in muscle, strength, and endurance with lighter resistance. “These BFR cuffs are perfect for upping the intensity of my home workouts without heavy weights,” says Appleton.
Miller considers the Whoop a “must-buy for anyone looking to truly understand their body and improve their health.” Her favorite aspects? “The continuous monitoring and deep insights it gives into my body’s performance and recovery, especially the sleep and recovery scores,” she says—as well as the fact that it sits on the wrist and doesn’t get in the way when lifting weights.
Best Red Light Therapy Tool
Kineon Move+ Pro LED & Laser
Now 29% Off
Red light therapy stimulates blood flow and energy production in cells, helping to reduce pain and inflammation and promote tissue repair. This brace is one of the few portable designs out there, perfect for targeting smaller areas. “I’ve been using it to tackle post-workout knee soreness and can visibly see a reduction in swelling after just a 20-minute session every time,” says Appleton.
The Go 2 is light and portable and fits in your gym bag, says Lampa. This model also reigns supreme because it’s TSA-approved, “so you can fly with it and never have to worry about being too sore after a workout.” You can also pair it with the heated attachment for a warm massage.
Best Wireless Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Now 24% Off
The AirPods Pro 2 pack impressive functionality (fine-tuned noise cancellation, a six-hour charge life…). But what really sets them apart is how they double as hearing aids and allow you to complete a five-minute DIY hearing test to determine if you have even mild hearing loss.
This insulated bottle has a feature that we’ve never seen on any other water bottle: The ring on the cap is magnetic and acts as a phone stand for filming fitness content or videos that you can play back for a form check.
“As a music lover and competitive powerlifter, the Beats Solo 4 boosts my workout energy and has the best sound quality and ease of use compared to other headphones,” says Ellis. “I struggle with earbuds falling out during my workout, so it’s a great alternative to ensure the energy never pauses during training.”
Best Plyometric Training Tool
Plyomat Switch Mat (Portable)
“As a fitness coach, I like to have tangible data for both myself and my athletes,” says Beebe. The only-of-its-kind Plyomat shows ground contact time and force output for anyone looking to understand and boost their performance with new data points. “When you create competition or gamify training, you are able to push harder,” she adds.
The unique shape of this vibrating massage tool is ergonomically designed to fit into the curves of your neck, back, and spine. “I can maneuver it to reach those tough-to-hit spots, and it is super travel-friendly,” Andriakos says.
Best VR Fitness Platform
Alo Moves XR on Meta Quest
Put on your leggings and Meta Quest headset and transport yourself in seconds to Greece or Switzerland for a workout with top Alo Moves trainers like yogi Ashley Galvin and Pilates pro Bianca Wise. Some VR experiences leave you dizzy or overstimulated; Alo Moves’ 3D world is so high quality you’ll forget you’re in your living room.
How We Chose This Year’s Winners
Executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos packs her essentials in the SPIBelt in Colorado
WH fitness editors—executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos, CPT, fitness editor Talene Appleton, CPT, and health and fitness editorial assistant Olivia Luppino—tested hundreds of new fitness products all throughout the year.
In addition, to make this year’s awards even more epic, we tapped the certified trainers and coaches of the Women’s Health/Men’s Health Strength in Diversity (SID) initiative—a fitness mentorship and career-building program for trainers from marginalized communities—for their insider recommendations of products they use themselves and with clients. (See the SID expert trainer bios below.)
Every single product in the winners list has been rigorously used and vetted by a WH staffer or SID trainer. If the selection was new and required formal road testing, a member of the WH team and/or SID put the product through its paces multiple times to make sure it truly delivered on quality, performance, price, style, and overall experience. If something didn’t impress us on even one of those measures, it did not make the cut.
Fitness editor Talene Appleton rocks the KOO Nova sunglasses in Miami at the Formula 1 Grand Prix
Assistant beauty editor Sabrina Talbert takes the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 for a run at the gym
Trainer Tyneka Pack hits the barbell wearing her Versa Gripps
Trainer Ashley Nicole stuns in the Beach Riot Jewel Catsuit in Jamaica
Meet our team of Strength in Diversity experts:
Taylor Beebe is a certified trainer and kettlebell specialist based in Castro Valley, California.
Almoni Ellis is a certified personal trainer based in Hampton Roads, Virginia, and the creator of Mo Fit.
Ebonny Fowler is a certified trainer and the creator of the social media fitness platform and community Fun With Fit.
Patricia Greaves is a certified trainer and the founder of StrongHer Personal Training, a virtual and in-person coaching service.
Tatiana Lampa, CPT, is a corrective exercise specialist and the creator of Training With T.
Tonyael Miller is a certified trainer and the creator of Tonyael Miller Fitness.
Ashley Nicole is a certified trainer and the founder of RA Warrior Fitness, which specializes in providing fitness support and advice to those with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
Tyneka Pack is a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and strength and flexibility coach as well as the founder and CEO of Impackt Fitness. She is also a former competitive bodybuilder.
Priscilla Perez is a fitness coach and the creator of the movement and apparel community Off Duty Rituals.
Tammeca Rochester is the owner and founder of Harlem Cycle.
Gabrielle Savary is a certified trainer and group fitness instructor at the Strength Club in New York and the founder and head coach of Grow With Gab Fitness.
Photographs by Justin Steele. Styled by Kristen Saladino. Assistant Fashion Editor: Rose Lauture. Fashion Assistant: Alexandra Juric. Hair: Walton Nunez using Amika for SEE Management. Make-up: Angel Gabriel using Danessa Myricks Beauty for SEE Management. Prop Styling: Sarah Caye.
Jacqueline Andriakos is the Executive Health & Fitness Director at Women’s Health, where she oversees all health and fitness content across WomensHealthMag.com and the print magazine. She has more than a decade of experience writing and editing in the wellness space and has contributed to national publications including Time, Self.com, Health, Real Simple, and People, Among others. Jacqueline is also certified in personal training by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
Talene Appleton is the fitness editor at Women’s Health, where she covers all things fitness, nutrition, and healthy living. She studied nutrition and exercise science at George Washington University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer and nutritional consultant. Passionate about the intersections between fitness, food, and community, she strives to foster inclusive and holistic wellness narratives for underrepresented populations. When not writing, she can be found hosting dinner parties and exploring new wellness and culinary experiences around New York and Los Angeles. Prior to her role at Women’s Health, she was the fitness and commerce editor at Men’s Health and contributed to General Surgery News, The Food Institute, and The Nessie.
Olivia Luppino is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health where she covers health and fitness. She previously wrote for The Cut, POPSUGAR, and Salon and has written about everything from New York Fashion Week to dating app trends to the United States Women’s National Soccer team (a.k.a. her heroes). When she isn’t writing, Olivia is likely catching up on Bravo shows or running late to barre class.