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27 Easy-To-Use Workout Tools And Equipment So You Can Exercise Whenever You Have Time
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. Exercising is hard enough, let's invest in some equipment that makes it simpler. Promising review: "I’ve been using this jump rope to start my workouts, and it’s been very effective. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and gets my heart rate up quickly." —Manuel Rivas Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in seven colors). Stakt is a woman-founded small business specializing in workout mats! Former BuzzFeeder Abby Kass: "I first came across this mat while scrolling TikTok and thought it was such a cool idea. Ever since I saw it, it has been on my wish list. Rolling up a yoga mat can be so challenging sometimes, especially when you're in the middle of the workout and need some extra support on your wrist while in plank. This mat folds up in fourths, so you can give your knees or hands some extra padding. Plus, it's way easier to store flat. It's also two times thicker than the average yoga mat." Get it from Stakt for $94 (available in six colors). Promising review: "This treadmill is ideal for a senior like me. It's reliable and easy to operate. We set it up within 30 minutes in our sunroom. It takes little space and it can easily fold up to store in a corner if necessary. I read many reviews. The price was reasonable. It's not bulky and overwhelmingly heavy. It provides us a way to exercise when we want if we want and at a speed that is agreeable to our bodies. The speed controls are easy to understand. It does have a variety of programs installed, which I have not used. I just want to walk. These were our reasons to purchase this model. Another reason we enjoy this treadmill is that it is quiet. I can easily watch and hear television, which is a plus. The treadmill reports the calories I've burned, the time and distance I've walked, and if I grip the handles in the designated area, my heart rate. I do this daily while watching cooking shows on TV. Exercising while learning new recipes... what more could I ask?" —MMCnOH Promising review: "Been using this for months. It's the perfect thickness, not too thick and not too thin. It's enough to protect from the floor and still help you feel attuned to your body. Cute pattern, too! No smell. Easy to roll up. Love it!" —Tmd28 Get it from Amazon for $21.38+ (available in 23 colors). Promising review: "My hit yoga instructor recommended getting a yoga mat towel for grip and ease of clean. It turns out I CAN do the downward dog, I just didn't have a good grip before! The towel is very good quality, has a good thickness, and it works amazingly. I haven't experienced any shrinkage and I've washed it many times over the past year. It keeps me and my mat dry and cool during my hot yoga sessions, and it's super easy to use." —Selena Rachell Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in six colors and in a smaller hand/face towel size). Quiet Punch is a small business that started to make boxing accessible for all! Promising review: "I have a really hard time self-motivating when it comes to exercising. But since I’ve gotten the Quiet Punch play system, I have felt totally excited and motivated to use it daily and have really noticed a difference in my energy, strength, and endurance. The bag is really easy to use, convenient for any space (especially small spaces like apartments), and installing it couldn’t be easier. I love being able to track my punches and the amount of content online; training videos, technique how-tos, and live classes provide so many great options for workouts. I just downloaded the app, which is amazing, and I am so happy with the positive changes in my mood as a result of this awesome product. Highly recommend!!" —Elizabeth K The bar fits in up to 35.4-inch door frames. Plus, it has three grip positions: narrow, wide, and neutral. Promising review: "The bar was easy to install and easy to use. I was skeptical about the safety and durability of the bar but it is holding up well. The design allows it to be used in any various doorways. The handles have a good grip on them, making it safe and easy to use. When not in use, the size of the bar allows it to be stored quickly away under a bed or in a closet." —Joe Bergman Get it from Amazon for $25.74 (also available in bundles). Promising review: "I purchased these a little while ago to add to my exercise routine and challenge myself. They have done just that. They are easy to use, and because I have different surfaces in my home (tile, carpet, and thicker foam squares in my workout area), I have been able to use the sliders on each surface without any problem. They also travel easily, so I can get a difficult workout in without adding any bulk to my luggage. I have since recommended them to a friend who has also purchased them. I don't think you can go wrong if you select these sliders over the many others that are offered." —INC Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in three colors). Promising review: "I love this weighted vest. I bought it in January and have been using it weekly on my treadmill, during outdoor walks, and on the days when I do housework. It is very comfortable, adjustable, [and] easy to take on and off. I am 5’5", 36D, and it fits perfectly. Highly recommend!" —CH Promising review: "Just got these cards and I love them. Very easy to understand and use. I actually prefer this method over using a video because I can go at my own pace and concentrate on getting my form right and listen to my own music. I use them at home, which is nice because they don’t take up much space, but they would be so easy to travel with or take to the gym, too. The cards come with workouts for different body parts, like today I did lower body and shoulders. I’m starting as a beginner, so I didn’t even use weights, and I still worked up a sweat. There’s also a HIIT card for a quick 15-minute all-body workout. I’m impressed with how good they are and am excited to set some goals using them!" —Rita Horst Get it from Amazon for $19.97 (available in tons of other workout formats as well). Promising review: "I am so glad I purchased this ab roller. It is easy to use and to me shows more results than my previous one. I feel the burn much more after using this one, and it is easy to use. It does give me more of a challenge, but that's what I look for in an ab roller. It's pretty durable, kind of heavy for its size. The curved handles make it easier to grip onto, and the actual roller part is curved on the sides, making it easier to move side to side. I think this is easy to use for someone using it for the first time, as my 11-year-old niece tried it too and was able to do it with no problem. I have had this for almost a year now, and it still works great." —Geraldine Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in two styles). Depending on the model you buy, the bike can come with a tablet holder or touchscreen, manual or motorized resistance, and one or two bottle holders. Many reviewers actually use it with the Peloton app, so make sure to read the reviews if you want to access that hack. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Heather Braga absolutely loves hers — read her full review in #14 here! Promising review: "This is a family bike. We have had the bike for over two years. It has stood up to adjusting between four different bikers who range from 5’5” to 6’. The bike is very easy to use and adjust. You can create a free account to track your miles and speed. It is easy to move the bike around for cleaning. The workout feels quality. The bike itself is very durable and quiet to use. I think you hear our breathing more than the bike! We bought the bike on a new years sale and got a great deal. It has been a great value for a bike for the money." —Patty G. Check out more fitness products for anyone who lives in an apartment! Promising review: "It's so easy to get in a workout without leaving home. In fact, I've been looking forward to my workouts. I watch TV or read or listen to music and the time flies. I'm an occasional bike commuter with strong legs and this machine definitely gets me a good workout." —CP Get it from Amazon for $169.99 (also available in an upright version). Promising reviews: "It's got a helpful little display screen you can keep mounted on the machine or bring up to sit on your desk that'll tell you your time, calories burned, speed, and distance. I have one and am using it right now as I type this! I had purchased a super cheap version a long time ago, but finally splurged on this one for my apartment as I work from home. This one is leaps and bounds better than the cheaper model. It's so much smoother and sturdier, and it looks better, too! The rotation is so smooth, it feels like I'm actually on a stationary bike at the gym. I definitely struggle with spending too much time sitting, since my job has me at a laptop for eight hours a day and I usually only feel up to working out in the mornings. (And on weekdays, I'd rather sleep!) This is an absolute game-changer and allows me to do what I do best — multi-task! There is some assembly required, but I, the least handy person in the world, was able to do it myself without too much trouble." —Katy Herman, BuzzFeed contributor "Very well made. Easy to set up and use. Much more substantial than other bike exercisers." —Joe P. Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in two heights and three colors). Promising review: "I love these bangles! This is the second pair I have bought. I have one set for home and one for my office. They are super soft, comfortable, and easy to use. PLUS, they stay on throughout my workout. No matter how hard it is and they never fall off." —Jann S. Get them from Bala $55+ (available in three weights and five colors). Promising reviews: "I've used this for all sorts of physical therapy exercises as well as for simple things like squats. It targets all your stabilization muscles, so it's a great way to improve balance and strength simultaneously. For anyone wanting to tone up their legs or improve their balance, I would heartily recommend this." —Mikasa L "Now that I have my balance issues under control, this device keeps me getting stronger. Easy to inflate and use. Great value. Would buy it again." —Pep Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in four colors and styles). Promising reviews: "Love this for my home gym. Dumbbells are expensive, and kettlebells are even more expensive, so I was intrigued when I saw this attachment. It's hard plastic and feels good in the hands; it's what I expected. I use this grip to do kettlebell swings, squats, Romanian and straight-leg deadlifts, and other basic exercises. Happy with my purchase and glad I can use the dumbbells I already have." —Lauren J. "Sturdy and very easy to use. This product quickly expanded my weights without having to spend hundreds of dollars or more to buy kettlebells." —Tim Lockwood Promising review: "This thing is amazing. There is a myriad of workouts online to follow along using a 'Magic Circle', aka a Pilates ring. It would easily tuck into a suitcase for workouts on the road as well! Great for tacking on to longer workouts or all on its own. You can use it for any part of your body. Why did it take me so long to discover this!?" —E. Trost "Easy to use and very durable. Love how the instructions have different ways to use for exercise!" —Kelly Walker Get it from Amazon for $23.95+ (available in five colors). Promising review: "Easy to use. Very durable. Helps with getting into and holding a stretch. I’m new to yoga, so I had to use one of their straps during my first class. Knew immediately that I would want/need my own to use at home." —sweetpea1209 Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in three sizes and 19 colors). Promising review: "This bench was one of my favorite purchases for my home gym. It is a great quality that makes it comfortable to use and easy to adjust for various exercises. Another standout point about this is how easy it was to assemble and how easy it is to put away. I am currently in a smaller space, so being able to fold this bench helps it to fit in my closet with ease, so it isn't always taking up space in my room. Would 100% recommend this bench to anyone looking for a bench, regardless of space or use of application. This one is fantastic!" —Dylan Promising review: "I bought this since I have an upcoming surgery and want to tone up to be in better shape for it. The cost for this was great, since I am not planning on joining any Olympic teams anytime soon! The assembly was simple, and it is very easy to use. I have started it on Level 4 and use it for 20 minutes at a time, as recommended by the user manual. I recently turned 75 and need some toning and cardio, and this seems to do the trick! Very pleased!" —Ruth Get it from Amazon for $119.99+ (available in two versions). Promising reviews: "I've been using this three to four times per week for over two years now. It stays together, shows no signs of wear, and I still love using it! I bought this because I wanted to tone my abs without doing crunches. Using this hoop, I saw noticeable results within the first month. It has improved my overall core strength. I started out at just a few minutes per day and did experience some bruising while I was getting used to it." —sb "My wife and I are both in our late 50s and are having a blast with this fitness hoop. It was easy to assemble, and using it reminds us of the '60s. The hoop size, weight, and foam padding make it comfortable and easy to use. I suppose it wouldn't be much exercise for a young person, but it's great for us. Although I experienced slight bruising at first, I can now easily go five minutes each direction with no problem. We're very pleased with the quality of the hoop." —Yomanne Get it from Amazon for $39.49+ (available in two weights). Promising reviews: "Getting a Stealth board was the very best thing that has happened to me during quarantine. Mixing the fun of games on your phone with the natural endorphins you get from exercising is, to put it lightly, genius. I have two in my home, and my husband and I compete daily to see who can last the longest. My favorite game is the paragliding challenge; he's into the planet-blasting space adventure. Nerd." —Mal Mower, BuzzFeed editor "I was skeptical like a lot of folks on here. I love this thing. I don’t ever write reviews, but felt the need after I got this. Had it about a week and it is sturdy, the games are fine that come with the app for free. I can feel my core getting firmer already. My wife and daughter tried it out and liked it as well. It is easy to use and a great way to get a quick core workout in." — Chris Get it from Amazon for $129+ (available in two styles). Promising review: "I'm surprised by how much I've already used it. I bought if for my desk, but I might get a second one to keep for home. Easy to assemble and use." —PuzzleGirl Promising reviews: "The first time I used them, I felt a burn (the good kind) in the back/neck area. I looked up a diagram of musculature online, and it corresponded precisely with the trapezius muscles. I know that a product can't cure laziness, but knowing that I'm doing push-ups the right way and being able to feel the results makes me want to do more push-ups." —mbca "This is a great side tool for a quick add on with any work out. It helps with form and is easy to use." —David J. Promising review: "This balance board is awesome. I bought it when I got my standing desk. This board keeps you moving so you don't have to just stand. This board is very easy to use and has great traction, so you do not slip off." —Amazon Customer Promising review: "This stuff really is awesome. It really works and I don't know where it has been all my life. I started looking for something for thigh chafing after running into a few issues (not fun). It is super easy to use, just slide it on like you'd use deodorant." —SweetPea Price: $8.99+ (available in three sizes and packs of two) The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Rachel Dunkel is a former editor and contributor to the BuzzFeed shopping team with over seven years of experience testing and recommending products that help make life a little easier, whether that’s ultralight gear, holy grail serum, jeans that fit just right, or anything in between.