You know those people that worked out every day at home during the pandemic and got even more in shape than they already were? Well, that wasn’t me. NOPE. I was one of those people that gained 10 lbs in 2020… My typical weight hovers around 105 to 110 lbs on average, so hitting 120 was a big wake up call for me (a 10% increase of your total body weight is never good for anyone!).

What I realized from the staying at home experience is that I need to be more proactive with my physical activities.

I don’t have the usual levers to help burn calories anymore, like the walk I use to take to and from the office in New York City, and it is important that I find new ones. Eating healthier and drinking less wine will only get me so far if I don’t literally move my body more. Nowadays, I try to hold myself accountable for:

Taking a walk (literally leaving my apartment, which can be hard for me because I alternate between being a workaholic and a couch potato) every day,
Doing some light weight training,
Doing consistent cardio,
and rounding it out with some good old yoga and stretching.

So here’s a list of essential workout equipment I use at home to stay healthy, toned, and cute (cause let’s be honest, working out is wayyyy easier when you feel cute)! If you’re also looking to take charge of your body in 2021, I hope this list will help you get going with that goal, like it has for me.

1. Lululemon Flow Y Bra

I have been having a love affair with Lululemon for the last two years, and have since completely broken up with Nike.

I love how buttery and soft their fabric feels on my skin, as well as the simplicity in their designs (nothing too fancy, just straight forward cute workout clothes).

When it comes to sports bras, the Lululemon Flow Y Bra is my go-to. This light support bra’s racerback design makes me feel like I’m barely wearing a bra at all, which I hope we can all agree is a great freaking feeling. The breathable Nulu™ fabric also makes it easy to throw a sweatshirt or T-shirt on after a workout, without necessarily having to change into something else. I just can’t imagine wearing any other sports bra than this one.

2. Lululemon Align Pant II 25"

If there’s one thing I love more than the Lululemon Flow Y Bra, it would be the Lululemon Align Pant ll 25”. Ahhhh, I can’t rave about these pants enough!!

I love them so much that I want to shout it from every building in New York City. No joke, I think everyone should experience the wonder that is these pants.

These are not only great for working out, they are also great for life in general! Also made with Lululemon’s Nulu™ fabric, these are simply the softest workout pants I have ever come across. I basically wear these for all occasions in my life now. I lounge in them at home, I go out to brunch in them with girlfriends, I fly with them when I travel, I sleep in them in the winter (instead of wearing traditional pajamas), and even hit up nice restaurants in them for date night (in the black color, of course). Every friend I’ve recommended these to has also become completely obsessed. if you do end up getting these to try, please let me know (like literally DM me) and let me know what you think!!

3. Non-slip Headbands

Non-slip headbands are soooo key for a good workout.

Who likes to be in the middle of anything and have your hair tickle your nose? It’s incredibly distracting and annoying, especially when you’re in the zone.

I use these Calbeing Non Slip Headbands from Amazon. They are affordable, effective, and come in different colors. What more can you ask for?

Calbeing Non Slip Headbands, $12.99 for 4-pack

4. Yoga Mat

You can’t really work out at home without a good yoga mat. I love this BalanceForm GoYoga High Density 1/4 inch Yoga Mat from Amazon. Some people also prefer the 1-inch version; I prefer the thinner version just because it’s easier to store in my apartment. One thing I really love about this mat is its moisture-resistant material; it’s straight forward to keep it clean and sanitized.

Insider Tip: When purchasing a yoga mat, no matter what brand, make sure you get one with double-sided non-slip surfaces. Working out on a slip-resistant surface makes all the difference when it comes to preventing injuries!

BalanceFrom GoYoga High Density 1/4 Inch Yoga Mat, $19.29

5. Workout Gloves

My hands always get a bit sweaty when I workout, so workout gloves have been a great find for me.

Not only do I get better grip and therefore a more effective workout, but more importantly, it also helps prevent calluses on my hands!

These Harbinger Women's Power Weightlifting Gloves keep my hands from getting rough through all my upper body work. The stretchback mesh material means the glove is super comfortable to wear, with tons of flexibility. I also like that the wrist closure is an easy pull tab, so I can take them off the second I’m done with my workout!

Harbinger Women’s Weightlifting Gloves, $14.99

6. Dumbbell Set

There are lots of different combinations when it comes to dumbells/weights you can purchase for your home. Personally, I really like the 3, 5, and 8 lb weight set.

Since my goal is to stay lean and tone, vs. to bulk, lighter weights at more reps have worked really well for me.

I bought this BalanceFrom Colored Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Set from Amazon just as the pandemic started last year. I do love the bright colors they come in!

7. Gliding Discs

Gliding Discs or Sliders are great for taking your core workout to the next level. My abs never feel as sore as when I use these Synergee Core Sliders.

I like these sliders in particular because its dual-sided; the foam side works well on hard and smooth surfaces like hardwood floors, while the plastic side works well on surfaces like carpet or turf.

These are definitely a must-have when it comes to toning that belly for the summer!

8. Hip Resistance Band

Being Asian has its perks. For example, we tend to look younger than we are and age gracefully over time (it actually feels like a compliment to get carded at age 31 these days).

On the flip side, being Asian also means that it can be challenging building a booty. I mean, it’s literally in our DNA to not be able to develop muscle easily! Ugh!

To make the booty seeking quest a bit easier, I use these Sling Shot Mark Bell Hip Circle Resistance Bands to help maximize my squats. I love this band because it doesn’t pinch, shift, snap, or roll up no matter what position I’m in (squats, leg raises, back kicks, side jumps, etc.). It stays right where I have left them so I can really target them glut muscles. Its thicker width, especially compared to other resistance bands, also delivers the perfect amount of resistance to ensure you’re challenging your muscles the right way. For anyone working on getting bootylicious, this workout equipment is simply a must-have!

Sling Shot Mark Bell Hip Circle Resistance Bands, $20.00

9. Ankle Weights

Continuing my booty seeking quest, I also use ankle weights to give my gluts the extra workout it needs to stay closer to my tailbone vs. closer to my knees. I really like these 2 lbs Bala Bangles for that purpose.

These bangles are made with recycled stainless steel wrapped in baby-soft silicone, which means they are actually pleasant to use!

Wildly versatile, they can be worn on wrists or ankles for training, and recreational activities alike. I use them most often when I am working on my gluts; they are easy to take on and off, very breathable, and are also easy to clean. Did I mention they look super cute too?

10. Resistance Loop Bands

Resistance Loop Bands are essential for effective arm workouts at home. It challenges the muscles that you might not be targeting through regular dumbells and weights.

This set of loop bands from Amazon offers different resistance levels that you can use as you gain more strength through your workouts.

11. Foam Roller

I love this RumbleRoller Full Size Foam Roller!

Unlike your everyday foam roller with no “teeth,” as you roll over the top of the RumbleRoller, the bumps continuously knead the contours of your body, gently massaging your muscles in multiple directions.

This action erodes trigger points, helps restore flexibility, and brings quick relief to common types of muscular pain. In other words, you’re literally getting a post-workout massage with this baby every time. I can’t recommend this roller enough!

12. SWEAT APP with Kayla Itsines

The key to working out at home is being able to keep yourself accountable. To be able to push yourself when no one is watching. Well, that’s when SWEAT comes in for me. SWEAT is a female-focused fitness app that helps facilitate one’s fitness goals and workout routines. The workouts are designed by Kayla Itsines, a personal trainer that is famous for transforming bodies and creating 6-packs with her workouts.

I love the app because it pushes me to do that one more set, to do that one last rep, when I really really don’t feel like it.

The exercises are easy to follow and can be done effectively without any fancy workout equipment. The app also keeps things interesting by offering different workout positions, so I don’t get bored with the same old routine.

13. SoulCycle Bike

Last but not least, the luxe item on the list! As much of a cliché as it sounds, discovering SoulCycle changed my life. I’ve never been big on cardio; I despise running and I kinda suck at swimming. Everything changed when I took my first SoulCycle class; I was finally getting the cardio exercise my body needs AND having fun at the same time.

While I might be too old and un-cool to hit up the clubs and listen to Top 100, I can always dance/ride my heart out during these classes.

The Variis SoulCycle Bike is hands down the best purchase we made last year. I love being able to jump on the bike whenever, especially after a stressful day working at home. In addition to the physical workout and the music, the thing I love most about SoulCycle is the positive soulful message I always take away from every class. Every time an instructor goes “YOU ARE WORTHY,” I inevitably think to myself, “YESSS I AM!! I AM WORTHY!!” For anyone else that is big on mental health as part of your overall wellness, this is definitely the workout essential for you!

13 Essential Workout Equipment for Staying Toned At Home