Regardless of what goals you have set for 2025, the new year is the perfect time to set new intentions. But before you lace up your running shoes, it’s important to make sure you have the right gear to help you succeed.
The health equipment market is flooded with devices and tools that promise to help you achieve your fitness goals, but not every product lives up to its claims. Luckily, PEOPLE Tested tries out the latest health gear all year long, and we have tons of products that we genuinely love and recommend. Our team of marathon runners, yoga practitioners and Pilates regulars have personally tested everything from comfortable sneakers to smart rings and headphones.
Ahead, you’ll find top sneakers, leggings, massage guns, and more from the best health and fitness gear we’ve tested this year, starting at $16.
The best fitness equipment we’ve tested
- Hoka Bondi 8, HRK 132 (orig. HRK 165); zappos.com
- Theragun Relief Massage Gun, $149; amazon.com
- Lululemon Align high pants, HRK 128; shop.lululemon.com
- Oura ring 4, HRK 349; amazon.com
- Under Armor Crossback Mid-Impact Sports Bra, $25 (orig. $35); amazon.com
- Apple AirPods Pro 2, $190 (orig. $249); amazon.com
- Hoka Arahi 7, HRK 145; zappos.com
- Sperax walking mat, HRK 82 with coupon (orig. HRK 180); amazon.com
- Spanx Spanxshape Booty Boost Flare Pant, $108; spanx.com
- Saucony Cohesion 13 Running Shoe, $55 (orig. $75); amazon.com
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Hoka Bondi 8
People / Kayla Kitts
$165 $132 at Zappos
We tested Hoka shoes in not one but four tests last year, and the Bondi 8 was better several times. It topped our list of the best Hoka shoes and earned its place as one of the most comfortable sneakers for seniors. It’s popular for its ultra-sanded outsole, instant comfort and support for low- and high-impact activities.
Theragun embossed massage gun
People / Joy Kim
$149 on Amazon
When we compared the best Theragun devices, this handheld massage gun impressed us the most thanks to its comfortable, ergonomic design, multiple settings and compact size. In addition, it helped relieve our examiner’s pain, tension, and stiffness.
Lululemon Align High Pants
Lululemon
$128 at Lululemon
The competition may be fierce, but these have earned the title of our favorite Lululemon tights. They are soft as butter and provide enough compression for any activity. When we tested these tights, we realized they never sagged or needed adjusting. In addition, they have practical side pockets where you can keep your keys and phone.
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Oura ring 4
Amazon
$349 on Amazon
Senior shopping editor at PEOPLE, Nicola Fumo, has been wearing the Oura ring for more than five years, and the ring has helped her stay motivated over time. It tracks heart rate, breathing, temperature and more to provide daily results that allow you to monitor your health. Whether you want to improve your sleep or activity level, this wellness tracker will help you build healthy habits.
Under Armor Crossback medium sports bra
People
$35 $25 on Amazon
This sports bra provides ample support for larger breasts, and costs significantly less than many other high-end sports bras. During testing, it held everything in place during HIIT workouts, providing a comfortable fit and worry-free sweating.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
PEOPLE Tester wearing Apple Airpods Pro 2 while exercising.
People / Erin Johnson
$249 $190 on Amazon
These wireless headphones are great for working out as the comfortable and secure fit ensures they’ll stay in no matter what your workout involves. They’re the best wireless headphones we’ve tested, and they impressed us with their sound quality, noise cancellation, and ease of setup.
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Hoka Arahi 7
People / Betsy Mann
$145 at Zappos
One of our editors walks with overpronation and has found that this Hoka shoe relieves all the pain associated with that type of gait. The Arahi shoe actively pushes the inner wall of your foot to improve its alignment during stride. Additionally, it showed little wear and tear after a year of regular use.
Whatever your fitness goals are for 2025, the right clothes, tech gadgets and sneakers can motivate you to get started. Keep scrolling for more fitness equipment we’ve tried and enthusiastically recommend.
Sperax Walking Pad, $82 with coupon
People / Stephanie Petit
$180 $82 on Amazon
Spanx Spanxshape Booty Boost Flare Pants
People / Erin Johnson
$108 at Spanx
Saucony Cohesion 13 running shoes
Amazon
$75 $55 on Amazon
90 Degree by Reflex Leggings with fleece lining
People / Dera Burreson
$28 on Amazon
All In Motion Cami Medium Support Seamless Sports Bra
Goal
$16 at Target
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education