Here we are, a week into the new year. What do you have to show for it? If you took our advice, perhaps you have a dozen — or maybe just one or two — reasonable, easy resolutions to better yourself in healthy, holistic fashion. Or maybe, like you do every year, you went balls-to-the-wall crazy and decided that this year is the year your abs are going to have abs (last year was just a practice round).
Want Your New Year’s Resolution to Stick? These Products Will Probably Help.
The best way to commit? Invest in some quality gear.We, too, understand the pressures of a new calendar year, and, even though winters should be for learning exactly how much Haagen Dazs makes you ill, we’ve decided to help you with a quick primer on the kit you’ll need if you’re back pumping iron.
Gym Back Checklist
- A Quality Carry-All: Lululemon 3-In-1 Gym Duffle Bag, $158
- Gym-Specific Headphones: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, $299
- The Serious Hydrator: Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler, $40
- The Tiny Recovery Tool: Pro-Tec Spiky Ball Massage Ball, $10
- The Grooming Game-Changer: Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant Trio,
$60$54
A Gym Bag That Doesn’t Suck
First and foremost, you’re going to need a dedicated gym bag to tote around all your new stuff. Avoid the common pitfalls of a) buying a behemoth of a duffle and b) limiting your crating capacity to trips from home to the gym and back only. A discrete, multi-pocketed carry-all that you feel good about schlepping to work is the only way to go here. Gym bags have come a long way — the best now have space for your sweaty gear, shoes and pocket stuff.
The Necessary Tech
We live in the golden age of data collection when it comes to workouts, with high-tech trackers and apps allowing for all sorts of metrics and instruction. That being said, most of it is superfluous to getting in, lifting heavy things and getting out. If your pursuits lay adjacent to the free weights or under the squat rack, we suggest keeping the electronics to a minimum — just enough to grab the stats you actually need and to keep you fired up for when you attempt that PR.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
If you really want to get jacked this year (or just take control of your health), we suggest you start by putting down the weights and picking up the hot girl Stanley. That’s right — water is king when it comes to performance, recovery and general wellness, and it should be a no-brainer for your gym EDC. Ditch the plastic, please.
For the Expert: Workout Accoutrement
Bringing a gym to the gym? Now that’s hardcore. Maybe you will stick with your goal to put on 25 pounds of pure, lean, non-HGH-induced muscle. All jokes aside, certain tools — we’re looking at you, jump rope — overlap perfectly in the fits-in-a-gym-bag and acceptable-to-use-at-equinox subcategories. Be realistic (read: check if they already have it at your local Blink) but don’t be afraid to tote around whatever will best help you conquer your lofty resolutions, so long as it’s not a 45 lb. kettlebell.
How to Get a Legitimate Endurance Workout From a Jump Rope
We talked to a former pro boxer who’s trained Will Smith and Adriana LimaNon-Woowoo Recovery Gear
Out for 2026: healing crystals. In for 2026: taking care of your body. There are tons of fitness “hacks” that are total BS, but the cornerstones of recovery — tools that reduce bad inflammation and stimulate recovery and growth — are more important than ever if you want to see actual results…or live to see 100.
Quick HIIT Grooming
Hitting the communal showers after a particularly sweaty sesh might not be every guy’s cup of tea, but keeping some basic hygiene at arm’s length is never a bad idea. Forego the 2-in-1 shampoos (ever heard of cowashing, my guy?) and stick to the essentials — products that will fight the immediate odors and breakout incubators that come standard with your new standard of movement.
6 Grooming Essentials You Should Keep in Your Gym Bag
So you can look (and smell) as good as you feelThe Unmentionables
Wipes? An extra pair of underwear? Whatever could I need that for? Just…trust us, okay? Better safe than sorry.
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