10 Gym Gear Gems Every Novice and Pro Bodybuilder Should Own
Hitting the gym consistently is a great start—but it’s not the whole story. Real progress in fitness doesn’t come from brute effort alone; it comes from smart choices that support your performance, recovery, and long-term results. Too often, even the most dedicated lifters overlook key gear that could elevate their training, reduce injury risk, and make every rep more effective. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or deep into the grind of bodybuilding, the right tools can be game-changers—transforming good workouts into great ones. From gear that protects your joints to tech that tracks your gains, it’s about training with intention, not just intensity. That’s why we’ve expanded our roundup to include 10 Gym Gear Gems Every Novice and Pro Bodybuilder Should Own. These aren’t just add-ons—they’re essentials that separate the plateaus from the breakthroughs. Ready to upgrade your routine? Let’s get into it.
1. Training Shoes
It doesn’t really matter what type of workout you are doing, the appropriate foot support is still necessary. An ill-fitting or inappropriate shoe can cause intense discomfort and even injury while the right shoe reduces the impact on your feet and joints and increases longevity in any fitness program. It’s not just about having new shoes, though. Picking the right type of training shoes is important. You’ll want to select your primary trainer based on what type of activity you do most often. For example, individuals training for a marathon will need running shoes, but those more active in CrossFit will want more of a cross trainer. Getting the right fit for your training shoes is also important. Try your shoes on in the late afternoon or evening or following your workout, as this is when feet tend to be the largest. Also wear sports socks when trying on your shoes. Allow yourself plenty of 'wiggle room,' which is about half an inch from your big toe to the tip of the shoe, and check for proper flexibility in the sole by carefully bending the shoe in your hands.
2. Fitness Trackers Or A Smartwatch
Another important workout essential is a fitness tracker or smartwatch. These activity trackers are the perfect way to monitor your progress toward your fitness goals. Whether you are training for a marathon, trying to lose weight, or just keeping fit, a fitness tracker provides you with invaluable insight into your journey. These trackers are designed for everyone from newbies to experts, so they accommodate any fitness level as well. Contrary to popular belief, trackers are more than just fancy gadgets. A device like this will help keep track of your progress, find free workout tips and suggestions, monitor important components of your health, form healthier habits, and stay motivated. Plus, with most fitness trackers, users have the opportunity to connect to a great community of other health-oriented individuals, which increases a sense of belonging and further supports goal achievement.
