10 Gym Gear Gems Every Novice and Pro Bodybuilder Should Own

5. Protein Powder

If you have been skipping out on the protein powder too, you’re doing your body and workout plan another disservice. When you’re regularly pushing your body to complete tough workouts, you are challenging your body and breaking down the muscle fibers. To be able to repair, rebuild, and synthesize new muscle fiber, your body needs the right mix of amino acids from protein. While it is possible to get protein from other healthy sources, one of the fastest and easiest options is a good protein blend. The big payoff with protein powder is it packs a serious amount of nutrition in a controlled amount of calories, meaning it gives the body everything it needs without any of the extras it doesn’t need to maximize your results. Likewise, getting the right combination of protein and carbs, found in most high-quality powders, within the thirty-minute window after your workout will help you recover quickly and gain more strength.

6. Foam Roller

A foam roller might not look like much, but it’s one of the most effective tools for post-workout recovery. Think of it as your personal masseuse—rolling out tight muscles, breaking up adhesions, and increasing blood flow to speed up recovery. Whether you’ve just crushed leg day or gone hard on HIIT, spending 10–15 minutes on a roller can drastically reduce soreness and improve mobility. It also enhances flexibility over time, helping you move more efficiently and avoid injury. Choose a medium-density roller to start, and focus on major muscle groups like quads, hamstrings, calves, and lats. The payoff? Less downtime, better performance, and a body that actually wants to show up again tomorrow.