Natalie's Top 10 Picks to Make Your Home Workouts More Effective

Buying a good-quality yoga mat is most definitely key for an effective workout. Many cheap yoga mats tend to pill, wear down easily, and do not effectively get rid of germs. 

I have had my Manduka yoga mat for years without any wear and tear. Additionally, a quality yoga mat is needed for good support, especially when it comes to any balancing exercises or exercises where you are on your hands, knees, or back. 

Yoga mats are also easy to pick up and put down wherever so you can change your workout location between your bedroom, living room, outside deck, and more.

Having at least two or three different sets of dumbbells is so important. These dumbbells come in a variety of weights and colors so that you can work on progressing the weight or choose a weight depending on the kind of workout. 

I have 5 pounds, 10 pounds, and 15 pounds. This means I can use a light set for working muscles that are weaker and use the heavy for muscles that are stronger. Dumbbells are so versatile and can be incorporated in almost every home workout that you do, whether it is yoga sculpt, high-intensity interval training, or weight lifting.

Besides dumbbells, my kettlebell is by far one of my most-used equipment pieces. The difference between the kettlebell and the dumbbell is the handle. With this, you are able to do a variety of different exercises, such as kettlebell swings, bent-over rows, and goblet squats. 

Since the bulk of the weight is more compact, it makes it a lot easier to move the kettlebell compared to a dumbbell, which tends to be longer in shape. 

You do not need a high-weight kettlebell, and most workouts will be most effective with a medium weight, as many kettlebell exercises tend to be higher intensity. This 35-pound kettle is perfect! *Editor's note: the 25-pound option is listed due to the 35-pound option being unavailable

This exercise ball is perfect for anyone looking to add stability and balance training into their at-home workout regimens. Exercise balls are easily inflatable and come in a variety of sizes and colors. 

I have the 55-centimeter ball as I am shorter in height, so if you are taller, I would recommend sizing up. I love to do planks and hamstring curls with my feet on the curl or switch it around to do crunches with my back on the ball. 

You can use this exercise ball in many different types of workouts, such as pilates, weight training, or high-intensity interval training.

Resistance bands are one of the best tools to help burn out individual muscles or for a good warm-up. I have been using resistance bands since I was training as a college athlete. 

I use these Walito ones specifically because they are thick and have a grip, which are both crucial for no slipping. They come in three different strengths (light, medium, and heavy) so that you can choose one depending on the strength of the specific muscle you are working on. 

I use resistance bands in almost every leg day workout (specifically my glutes), pilates, yoga sculpt, and high-intensity interval training workout.

When it comes to working out at home, many of us do not have access to a treadmill, bike, rower, or stair stepper. Having a jump rope is an easy way to incorporate some cardio without doing burpees and can be packed away easily. 

I love to warm up or cool down with a jump rope with intervals between jumping and rest. Jump ropes are also a fun way to challenge your coordination, so if you want to try to develop any fun tricks while exercising, this is your go-to! 

I have recently been working on the criss-cross jump rope, and I have to say, it is so entertaining that you almost forget you are working out!

Whenever it comes to working out, I believe that what you put on your feet is just as important as the equipment itself. Having a good support system helps to reduce the risk of injury, discomfort, and blisters. 

These Balega socks are thin yet comforting, wick away sweat, and have the perfect cushion on the back of your heels so that there is no rubbing from your sneakers. 

These socks also last so long, and I have never had any trouble with them. I can always tell the difference when I decide to wear a thinner, more casual pair of socks compared to the Balega ones.

This 32-ounce Hydro Flask Water Bottle has been one of my best purchases yet. Hydration before, during, and after workouts is so important, and having a water bottle with a straw lid and 32 ounces of volume makes it so easy. 

The flip lid with a straw makes it easy to grab a sip of water in between the workout without having to fully remove the lid and put it back on. Since the bottle holds so much water, I tend to not only fill it up less but drink more water. 

Even better, this bottle is insulated so that your water stays at the temperature that you want! So if you put in ice-cold water, it stays ice cold, and the same as hot.

Foam rolling is one of the best forms of recovery. Myofascial release, the process used when foam rolling, helps to soothe out the worked muscles. By rolling back and forth over muscle groups, you relax the tensed-up muscles. 

There are so many spots on our body that we forget to stretch and have trouble stretching, like the IT bands and glutes. For foam rolling, you really do not need anything fancy, and this basic one does the trick! 

Add 5 to 10 minutes of foam rolling to your recovery days or after an intense workout. I would recommend 15 to20 seconds per muscle group, depending on the tightness.

Air pods are a must-have for me, whether I am jamming out to my own playlist or listening to an instructor speak while following an online class. Having cordless headphones is key because you do not have to worry about moving around and getting caught in the cord. 

Additionally, headphones are super important because in most cases, being at home means that other people may be in the room next to you or even in that room. Being able to listen to your own music, podcast, or class makes everyone happier. 

Plus, these air pods are perfect to tune everything else out so that you can jam out to your own music. It's like having your own personal party or hype-up session!