While the health benefits of exercise are hard to deny, staying motivated can be challenging, even when you know that it can lead to better sleep, cognitive performance, weight management, and a lower risk for certain chronic conditions and diseases. To stay the course, try to focus on the things and people that matter to you most. 

“I want to be well for as long as possible, and feel good in my skin,” said celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels, founder of The Fitness App. The wellness expert, who has partnered with iTouch Wearables, is also motivated by her future grandkids: “I want to be able to snowboard with [them] when I am 75.”

Michaels tries to work out four times a week, and knows there are things people get wrong about exercise. That being said, “the reality is that any exercise is better than none,” she emphasized. Plus, it complements other healthful behaviors. “I’m diligent on other fronts like sleep and nutrition, allowing for some leeway with my workouts,.” Michaels said.

With that in mind, we have curated a selection of accessible and user-friendly products, with input from top experts. Here are the winners of Health’s 2024 Fitness Awards.

To select our products, we assembled a panel that included a podiatrist, fitness experts, and an athlete who shared their insights based on years of experience, the advice they would give clients, and the products they themselves use. We also conducted extensive research, editor testing, and fact-checking to ensure that we’re bringing you quality items that enhance your health and wellness, with tips to help you on your fitness journey.

This rower is a top pick for Kristina Cañizares, a celebrity trainer, mobility coach, and the owner of Fit & Bendy in Los Angeles. She often uses Ergatta rowers in her clients’ home gyms, and it’s easy to see why.   There are two versions: One that’s lighter in weight, crafted from oak, and ideal for space-conscious setups, and another that’s made of cherrywood with a weight capacity of 500 lbs. and the ability to accommodate users up to 6′ 8″. The rowers are powered by water-based technology and allow for smooth, effortless movement. Pair with an Apple Watch, Polar, Garmin HRM-Dual, or Whoop device to keep tabs on your heart rate during workouts.

C3 Lifecycle Exercise Bike

Podiatrist Alissa Kuizinas exercises at least five days a week to stay fit.  “I am usually motivated by how my body feels and want to maintain that,” she explained. “I have a Life Fitness Lifecycle stationary bike that I chose based on quality and reviews that I use a few times per week.”

Peloton Bike

Being an athlete takes strength and stamina, and no one knows that better than former NASCAR driver Matt Tifft, who “loves” his Peloton Bike, which he uses four to five days a week during race season. “I will go on the treadmill, but I get bored quickly. But with the Peloton bike, I stay locked in with the classes for the entire session,” he said.

NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill

Using a treadmill is a great way to improve your cardio. When he exercises, run coach Eric Orton, author of The Cool Impossible and Born to Run 2, is always looking to enhance his performance—and he prefers a NordicTrack. “I run to compete with myself at races and complete my personal, lifelong run goals,” he said. Running also inspires him in other areas of his life: “I am an author, and I often use running to craft my writing, spark ideas, ignite creativity, and quiet my brain.”

The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 treadmill features a 22-inch HD pivot touchscreen, trainer-led workouts, and an incline that adjusts from 12 percent to -3 percent.  It folds up when you’re done.

Stakt Mat

Stakt’s The Mat can maximize your limited space. This foldable and lightweight fitness mat offers functionality and versatility for various workouts. Lie it flat on the floor when practicing Pilates or yoga, or fold it at different levels to accommodate tricep dips, planks, push-ups, and mountain climbers without sacrificing its cushy feel.

BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell

Improve your muscle strength, balance, and coordination with the BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell. Its dial-controlled weight range of 8 to 40 lbs. makes it the perfect addition to your home gym. 

Crossrope

Jumping rope, which many of us did as kids, is a good practice to continue into adulthood. It not only burns calories but also improves balance and coordination and potentially has a positive effect on bone density. Moreover, it’s an excellent option if you have limited space. “I live in a tiny cottage, so I have no home gym equipment,” said Cañizares, who uses a Crossrope. “I jump rope and do bodyweight exercises and mat Pilates at home.”

DeskCycle

Too many of us spend hours of our lives seated, plugging away in front of our computers. It’s no substitute for a brisk and refreshing walk, but the DeskCycle can add a little activity to the day. Bonus:  Its low noise level won’t interfere with those all-important Zoom calls.

Omala Reverb Block & Bands Set

Crafted from lightweight ultra-firm foam, cotton, and rubber, the pieces in the Omala Reverb Block & Bands Set can help you maintain balance and stability as you stretch and build core strength during yoga sessions. Use it to customize your practice and stay within your comfort zone while performing half moon, camel, downward dog, and fish poses.

Brooks Ghost Max

Experience the comfortable feel and rocking ability of the Brooks Ghost Max running shoe. This editor’s pick is perfect for running and walking, providing absorption and protecting heels. Certified CarbonNeutral, it boasts an upper made from over 56 percent recycled materials, and helps to divert nine plastic bottles from landfills.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13

Cañizares cites the cushiony comfort of her New Balance Fresh Foam X shoes as one of the reasons that they are among her top choices for workout footwear. This style offers a smooth transition from heel to toe, earning it the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, which recognizes its benefits for foot health.

Icebug Aura RB9X

Made to withstand rugged surfaces such as asphalt and gravel, the Icebug Aura RB9X offers a soft, bouncy interior that contours to the feet. It is ideal for those who relish the feeling of the wind hitting their face.

Nike Zoom SuperRep 4 Next Nature

Tifft opts for his Nike shoes for daily walks or running errands. Darnell Cox, a healthy aging coach and gerontologist, praises the versatility of these among her top picks: “I wear my Nike SuperRep Go for everything from long walks with the dog to strength training in the gym.” For this editor’s pick we say: Slip on the Nike Zoom SuperRep 4 Next Nature when you need stability and power during HIIT or other fast-paced workouts.

On Cloudpulse

Both Cox and Tifft are fans of On Cloud sneakers. The professional car driver says that he wears them when he plays sports, does floor work, or engages in strength training. Designed for the gym, the On Cloudpulse appeals to a wide variety of sensibilities. They’re ideal for supporting lateral movement and bolstering stability and flexibility.  

Altra Escalante 3

Our experts favored several Altra shoes, but we settled on the Escalante 3, which is a workhorse. It has a  snug fit, but its toe box is still roomy enough to let your digits move comfortably instead of jamming them against the front of the shoe (so important when you’re running or walking downhill). The shoe’s zero drop also helps you feel grounded during workouts.

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit

Maria Pro, a certified personal trainer, prefers Vivobarefoot for its greater range of motion and a more natural foot movement during training. She notes that the shoes improve her proprioception and posture while reducing the impact on her joints, thanks to their wide toe box and zero-drop shape. “I find my weightlifting form improves when I train in barefoot shoes,” she said. A great option from the brand is the Primus Lite Knit, which has a flexible upper (made from recycled plastics) and a two-millimeter outsole.

HOKA Arahi 7

Michaels and Tifft favor Hoka sneakers. He wears his for running, while she embraces a range of outdoor activities. We chose the Arahi 7 for its supportive upper and midsole, extended heel pull, and durabrasion rubber, which aids stability and traction.

Fitbit Charge 6

Keep track of your fitness goals with the easy-to-operate Fitbit Charge 6. This wearable device helps you monitor your heart rate and lets you know how long you’ve been in the target zone while on the treadmill, bike, or rower. It can also offer info on the quality of your sleep, and provide you with a stress management score (among other things), and it’s water-resistant. There’s no need to worry if you forget to charge it at night, either: Its battery life lasts up to seven days. 

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5

If you are the type that loves to hop on a bike and explore the great outdoors, the TicWatch Pro 5 can function as your guide. It comes nicely equipped with a barometer, compass, and turn-by-turn GPS navigation, and has the ability to monitor your heart and respiratory rate, blood oxygen, and stress level. It also comes with altitude calibration (vital for trail running) and more than 100 workout modes, including one for open-water swimming. At the end of a long day, you can use it to track your sleep stages.

Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor

As important as it is to work out, it is equally important to make sure that you do not push yourself to the point of exhaustion and injury. “I use a Polar Pacer watch with GPS paired with a Polar H10 chest-strap heart rate monitor so that I can keep track of my workout zone, ” said Cañizares. “This keeps me from over-training and tracks my progress.”

COROS HR Monitor

Withstanding pressures up to a depth of 50 meters, the COROS Apex 2 Pro connects to all five major satellite systems, has global offline maps and nutrition and sun alerts, and is made for extreme conditions. Orton said he loves his because it “helps me not only perform appropriately, but helps me navigate mountain trails and recover well.”

Saris H3 Direct Drive Smart Indoor Bike Trainer

Turn your outdoor bike into a stationary bike with the Saris H3. Recommended by Orton, this trainer is made with a cast aluminum frame and precision balanced flywheel, able to withstand 2000 watts and replicate a 20 percent climbing grade, aided by an internal cooling system.

Stryd Duo

If a running coach says that there is a device he uses to improve his running power, you listen— and Orton assigns that ability to the foot pods that comprise Stryd Duo. They clip to your shoes and pair with your running watch or phone to let you know when you need to slow down or speed up, which supports training and recovery.

Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70+

As crucial as it is to stay active, shielding your skin from the damaging effects of the sun when you exercise outdoors is just as vital. Neutrogena Sport Face is an oil-free broad-spectrum SPF that won’t clog your pores and is sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure and at least every two hours thereafter to remain protected.

Oars + Alps 100% Mineral Antioxidant Sunscreen Spray with SPF 30

A common complaint about mineral sunscreen is that it leaves behind a white cast—and no one wants that. Oars + Alps 100% Mineral Antioxidant Sunscreen Spray offers protection from the sun while helping to hydrate the skin with sunflower and jojoba seed oils. No chalky complexions here!

Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Antiperspirant Stick

Antiperspirants are designed to keep you dry throughout the day but they can also be drying. That’s not the case with Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Antiperspirant Stick, which combats odors during tough workouts but also contains moisturizing ingredients such as dimethicone and castor oil.

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Spot Luxe

For aluminum-free odor protection, put Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Sport Luxe at the top of your list. This lightly scented paraben- and propylene glycol-free product tamps down bacteria with its blend of lemon and tea tree oil.

Ban Thigh & Body Rub Remedy Anti-Friction Stick

Reduce the risk of chafing during long walks or runs by applying Ban Thigh & Body Rub Remedy Anti-Friction Stick to your arms, thighs, or anywhere else that can get raw. Formulated with skin-protecting ingredients  such as glycerin, aloe, and calendula, and sweat-absorbing tapioca starch, it will make your workout sesh far more comfortable. 

CastleFlexx

Proper stretching and recovery is critical after any workout, regardless of intensity. Preventing injuries and maintaining flexibility are crucial to keeping your joints moving as they should. CastleFlexx’s stretching and strength tool can help release tension in your calves, thighs, hips, back, and other areas. It also comes with a removable two-lb. magnetic weight for increasing core strength.

Breethe

Focusing on your breathwork with this app can reduce stress in just five minutes. It features nature sounds, relaxing music, sound therapy, meditations, and even bedtime stories that help you fall asleep so you can rest, restore, and heal.

Zwilling Thermo Travel Bottle

Use the Zwilling Thermo Travel Bottle to store your smoothie or protein shake for pre- or post-exercise replenishment. Its safety lock prevents spillage, and its double-walled insulation keeps your beverages cold for 12 hours.

Hydros Water Filter Bottle

Staying hydrated before, during, and after a workout is essential—and the Hydros Water Filter Bottle makes it easy to do. With its compact design, it fits nicely into the cup holder of a treadmill, bike, or elliptical and is light enough to carry if you decide to go for a walk outside instead. Its carbon filter is made of 100 percent coconut shell and housed in a BPA-free plastic bottle, providing clean, fresh-tasting water.

• Jillian Michaels, celebrity fitness trainer, health and wellness expert, author, and founder of The Fitness App
• Matt Tifft, racecar driver
• Darnell Cox, IIN, gerontologist and healthy aging coach
• Maria Pro, certified personal trainer and bodybuilder
• Kristina Cañizares, celebrity trainer, mobility coach, and founder of Fit & Bendy, a flexibility fitness company in Los Angeles
• Eric Orton, run coach and author
• Alissa Kuizinas, DPM, podiatrist with Wellness in Motion Boston