Ultimate Workout Essentials for the New Year

Starting a new workout routine for the new year? Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or a novice taking those first steps toward a healthier lifestyle, it’s the perfect time to make sure you have what you need to crush your fitness goals in 2024.

Kick the year off right with the gear, clothing, nutrition, and fitness accessories you need to put yourself on the road to being in the greatest shape of your life.

Clothing & Footwear

There’s no shame in throwing on any old sweatpants to head to the gym, but your clothing can impact your workout more than you think. From moisture-wicking fabrics to supportive footwear, the choices we make in our workout wardrobe contribute to a more effective and enjoyable exercise experience. Here’s what to look for when choosing your workout clothes.

♦ Breathability & moisture wicking. Make sure your clothing is breathable so air can flow through the fabric and help your body regulate temperature while working out. Choose lightweight and moisture-wicking fabrics so you don’t get weighed down or feel uncomfortable when you sweat.

♦ Stretchability. Whether you’re lunging, squatting, or lifting, having stretchable clothes will let you move freely without restriction or chafing.

♦ Durability. Buy to last. Sometimes, it’s worth it to pay a little more for high-quality gym-wear to make sure your shoes or clothing can take the beating you're about to give them.

♦ Style. For some people, looking good during a workout can add extra motivation and confidence. Choose something that you feel good in, but keep it comfortable, and don’t sacrifice performance for looks alone.

♦ Versatility vs. activity specific. It’s great to have versatile, all-purpose workout wear so you can engage in a variety of exercises, but you may also need specific attire — including footwear — for certain activities. If you're prioritizing weightlifting, running, or a particular sport, make sure to invest in the appropriate clothing and footwear to optimize your performance.AccessoriesSimple additions to your workout bag can make a huge difference in your athletic experiences and even your results. Even if you have a home gym, it’s a great idea to gather your gadgets and accessories and have everything within reach for a smooth exercise routine.

♦ Wireless headphones. Drown out the noise of the gym (or your home) with Bluetooth headphones. Invest in a pair that will stay in place during rigorous activities like running, boxing, etc. 

♦ Workout playlist. Never underestimate the power of a good playlist to get you pumped up and motivated! Spend some time curating the perfect soundtrack for different activities in your workout routine, and you won’t regret it. 

♦ Fitness tracker/smartwatch. Get yourself a device to track calories, distance, and heart rate and possibly sync with machines at the gym. 

♦ Bottle blender/shaker bottle. This simple but effective addition makes mixing protein drinks or your pre-workout a no-fuss process that you can take anywhere. Look for something with a leak-proof lid, uses BPA-free plastic, and has a wide-mouth design for easy cleaning. 

♦ Weight lifting belt. Stabilize your lifts with a weight belt designed to support your back during heavy lifting sessions.

♦ Wrist straps. A good pair of wrist straps can help protect your wrists when lifting weights or using kettlebells, reduce added strain on your forearms when doing bicep curls, and help support your grip strength for various exercises.

♦ Sneaker deodorizer balls. Remove the smelly remains of your workout along with additional moisture to keep your shoes funk-free.Workout EquipmentCan’t make it to the gym? Level up your home workout with our top picks for gear to have around for an effective and convenient exercise routine. 

♦ Dumbbells. Whether you’re aiming for healthy muscle growth, toning, or overall strength, dumbbells offer a variety of options to sculpt and strengthen. Choose a loadable plate set or weight increments that fit your strength levels.

♦ Resistance bands. Great for all levels of fitness, these stretchy bands provide resistance for strength training and typically come in a variety of resistance levels. They’re an affordable way to target specific muscle groups and the low-impact nature is easy on your joints. They’re also lightweight and compact so you can use them just about anywhere.

♦ Jump rope. Not just for recess! Jump ropes and speed ropes offer a full-body workout that supports cardio endurance, agility, and footwork. 

♦ Doorway pull-up bar. This is an ideal choice if you are trying to squeeze in a workout at home. This simple piece of equipment offers an efficient solution to enhance your upper body strength and overall fitness. 

♦ Kettlebells. Compact and versatile, working with kettlebells combines strength training, cardio, mobility, and flexibility all in one seamless routine. They are especially good for strengthening your core and spine, which are essential for maintaining a strong foundation. 

♦ Row machine. Offers a low-impact, high-intensity form of exercise that engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously. The user-friendly design makes it a good choice for all fitness levels. Exercise RecoveryThe muscle recovery period is often overlooked, but it’s an essential part of your fitness routine. Prioritizing healthy recovery helps you maintain your goals without getting sidetracked by common injuries or typical muscle or joint discomfort that can happen from overtraining.

♦ Stick roller/foam roller/foot roller. Use these tools for myofascial release to soothe mild muscle soreness, reduce muscle knots and tension, and promote blood flow so you can maintain muscle integrity and range of motion. 

♦ Massage gun. Harnessing the power of percussive therapy technology, these massagers deliver rapid, targeted pulses to your muscles, melting away tension and supporting muscle recovery.

♦ Red light therapy device. Many trainers and athletes use red light therapy sessions to reduce exercise-related inflammation and to help ease occasional muscle soreness after a workout. 

♦ Inversion table. Use gravity to ease your back muscles, decompress your spine, and promote circulation to muscles in an ultra-satisfying and relaxing way. 
Nutrition & Supplement Essentials Make sure you are fueling your body with the right nutrients to stay on track with your fitness goals, keep up your metabolism, recover after your workout, and give your muscle cells what they need to build new tissues.

♦ Protein powder. Make sure your muscles have plenty of amino acids for building and repair before or after a workout. Choose a whey or plant-based protein powder that has minimal or no sugar to keep your appetite satisfied and your metabolism fired up.

♦ Creatine. Give your cells a quick burst of energy for high-intensity workouts and fuel your muscles on a cellular level.

♦ Pre-workout. Support your performance with a pre-workout supplement to promote focus and endurance. Our PreWorkout with ACV formula uses a tri-energy caffeine blend derived from coffee beans, green tea, and yerba mate, beetroot for naturally sourced nitrates, and apple cider vinegar for healthy metabolism. 

♦ BCAAs. Branched-chain amino acids provide specific amino acids that are beneficial for endurance, building new muscle tissue, and assisting with workout recovery. These won’t take the place of your protein powder, but they can provide quick fuel to your muscles during prolonged or intense exercise.

♦ Electrolytes. Make it easy for yourself and throw a few Hydration stick packs in your gym bag, or keep them on hand at home for quick rehydration. Many people don’t think about staying hydrated until it’s too late, but make sure you always replenish electrolytes lost through sweat before, during, or after workouts. Testosterone SupportHealthy testosterone levels are essential for reaching your fitness goals and maintaining overall health. Make sure you are getting enough of the specific nutrients that are necessary for T-health maintenance. 

Testosterone-supportive nutrients:

♦ Magnesium. Magnesium supports the processes that produce testosterone and is necessary for it to be converted from other hormones.

♦ Vitamin D3. D3 helps to regulate testosterone production and supports testicular function in a variety of ways.

♦ Zinc. Zinc is a vital building block for many aspects of testosterone health and helps to keep testosterone and estrogen in an optimal balance.

♦ Boron. An essential mineral for maintaining testosterone levels, boron assists in keeping sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels in healthy ranges, which helps maintain your circulating testosterone levels.

If you’re looking for more targeted male health and testosterone support, we’ve also got you covered. 

Comprehensive testosterone support:

♦ T-hero®. Maintaining healthy testosterone is essential for fueling stamina and exercise endurance. T-hero® helps you promote muscle gains, invigorate workout performance, reinforce your sex drive, and maintain a healthy weight.

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The Essential Element

Committing to a more active lifestyle in the new year involves more than just resolutions — it requires the right tools and mindset. Even with all the gadgets and equipment you’ll ever need, you may be surprised at how simple solutions and essential nutrients can make a  noticeable difference in your workout performance. Whether it’s a protein powder or comprehensive testosterone support, ensuring your body (and your gym bag) has what it needs can make a huge difference in your success with all of your New Year’s fitness goals.

*Shoden® is a registered trademark of Arjuna Natural Pvt. Ltd.