The 2026 Women’s Health Fitness Awards Winners Will Be In Your Workout Routine For The Long Haul

These cast-iron bells are smooth enough for you to rotate without losing your grip. And while most KBs are labeled only in kilograms, these are also engraved with pounds, making it quicker and easier to grab the right weight mid-sweat.

Adjustable dumbbells typically cap out at around 50 to 80 pounds, which may not cut it if you’re lifting heavier. Yes, this pick is an investment, but getting up to 200 pounds of weight in one sleek, compact set is worth every penny if you’re serious about training at home, says executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos, CPT.

This non-slip floor pad is the perfect addition to any home gym set-up, says Tina Tang, CPT, owner of Iron Strong Fitness. At 6’x4’, it rolls out and folds up easily for a variety of space-requiring workouts. “It has enough padding to be a proper exercise mat for knees and barefoot training, but not cushiony like a cheap yoga mat,” making it better than similarly sized mats out there, she says.

The new rower is “whisper-quiet,” says Andriakos—and the screen is bigger than most, making it a cinch to follow along. “It’s the only rower I’ve used that gives you real-time feedback and personalized workout recommendations.”

The latest Peloton bike features a 360-degree swivel screen so you can seamlessly jump from cardio to floor work. The star, though, is the Peloton IQ feature, which has a camera and uses AI to cue form tips, count reps, suggest heavier weights, and plan your workouts based on your exercise history. Oh, and we dare ya to find another stationary bike that lets you adjust workout speed and has voice controls so you can pause a workout without dropping your weights.

This rack is completely customizable, allowing you to tweak everything from height, depth, color, attachments (think pull-up bars, cable add-ons), safety features, and storage options—so it can fit seamlessly into any home setup. Not quite sure what your needs are? You can get guidance virtually with a team member.

This bench is a winner for the level of versatility it brings to your home gym space. Our teammates at Men’s Health love that it’s weighty to support you while you’re lifting heavy or doing step-ups, while being light enough to move around. It also can decline and has the option to add a leg roller attachment for core work and Nordic hamstring curls.

Fitness editor Cori Ritchey, CSCS, calls this her favorite piece of cardio equipment because “it’s a different low-impact way of getting your cardio in that feels a little more strength-forward.” It’s smooth, sturdy, and relatively cheap compared to other cardio equipment, and it engages the upper body more than you would with other traditional cardio methods like running and biking.

This small piece of cardio equipment packs a powerful punch. “I can get a full StairMaster routine in while watching television,” says digital designer Taryn Colbert. While other full-sized stair steppers take up lots of space, this one can easily be stored under her bed. It also tracks your steps and time, and you can adjust its levels of resistance. Best of all? It comes with resistance bands that you can attach to get your arms in on the pump too.

Fitness commerce editor Nicolette Accardi, NASM-CPT, tried many walking pads with too short of a belt—but not this one. At 42 inches, the belt is long enough to not disrupt her walking stride. Plus, “it goes up to four miles per hour, so it’s ideal whether you want to walk fast on your lunch break, jog slowly for a cardio boost, or walk slowly to laser-focus,” she says. “The motor is also impressively quiet, so no one around you will be distracted.”

Health and fitness editorial assistant Olivia Luppino and associate health and fitness editor Addison Aloian, CPT, used the roomier-than-most running belt throughout training for their first marathon, fitting over eight gels, snacks, sunscreen, protein bars, keys, AirPod cases, and more—without weighing them down. The thicker strap provides comfort and a secure fit so it doesn’t bounce with every step, and it’s easy to unzip while in motion.

The mat boasts a convenient accordion design (peep that aesthetic curved edge!) to keep it compact on the go. Available in four colors, it’s not just a mat made for stretching; it folds into a low block you can use to step, lunge, and squat, or for added padding under your wrists or knees.

This all-in-one bundle is a worthwhile investment, with everything you could possibly use for your favorite reformer or mat class (ring, soft ball, bands, weight loop, dumbbells, and grip socks). It’s designed for both pilates and resistance training, so you never need to miss a workout.

“These grippy weights set the standard for dumbbells,” with a high-performance plastic material, says Andriakos. Available in 2- to 20-lb pairs, the square heads add control, so her wrists don’t wobble during floor exercises such as renegade rows.

The original Stakt mat is a longtime favorite of WH editors. Now, the brand has launched an extra-large version of the viral pad that, at 80″ x 28″, is longer and wider than the standard Mat Pro (69″ x 24″) to give you even more comfort and space. “As a tall girl, I always wish I had extra cushioning around me during moves like bird-dogs and dead bugs, when my limbs are reaching full extension,” Andriakos says. She adds that she and her husband also both can sit or kneel comfortably on the larger size while working out together.

Resistance bands are always good to have on hand for an on-the-go workout, and at $10, this pack of five wins when it comes to function, price, and quality. They’re “simple and dynamic,” and elevate every kind of workout, whether you’re strength training, doing Pilates, or adding tension to your walks, says Ritchey.

Over her 14 years as a trainer, Tang has tried nearly every athleticwear brand and “no company has the longevity and quality like good-old Lululemon.” These leggings have lasted her over a decade and don’t pill or lose their elasticity and shape. The sweat-wicking fabric helps you stay cool and dry during even the sweatiest cardio workouts and the internal drawcord allows them to stay up.

This is the holy grail of sports bras for high-intensity workouts. “The straps are adjustable for a truly customizable fit, but there’s no annoying hardware or clasps,” Andriakos says. Plus, “the light padding is built in—so you never have to deal with shifting, scrunching, or fishing pads out of the laundry.” It even supported her through chest size changes during pregnancy and postpartum.

Luppino never gave much thought to running socks…until she tried these from Bombas. They’re lightweight and low-profile yet cushiony where you need it—in the toes, heels, and balls of the feet.

Aloian discovered this find through her mom, 63, who wears it for nearly all of her workouts. It’s one of the softest tees out there, and called featherweight for a reason—as the material is extremely lightweight and breathable—making it the perfect complement for even the sweatiest workout modalities.

The top has become the mainstay in Luppino’s athleisure drawer. “It’s long enough where it’s a proper top, yet also a sports bra,” she says. “The material is thick and supportive enough but still totally moves with you, making it functional for any workouts without compromising on style.” (We love the flattering scoop neckline!)

Andriakos calls it her “favorite outer layer, hands down,” thanks to the softest fleece fabric she’s ever felt. Despite its plush, heavier feel that holds up on walks and workouts in colder temps, the price stays surprisingly warm and fuzzy at under $100, making it a standout in both performance and value.

“As the style editor, I try a lot of leggings, but these won me over with only one wear,” says Shannen Zitz, who wears them for strength training, yoga, and bed-rotting sessions. “The high-rise waistband is super flattering on my lower belly and keeps me totally locked in during workouts. Plus, the BlissBlend fabric is so soft to the touch and lightweight that I sometimes forget I’m even wearing leggings at all.”

“This bag has space for all my essentials: workout gear, a change of clothes, water bottle, even my laptop,” says assistant social media editor Isabel McMahon. It’s way more functional than your average gym bag, with a sleek design that doubles as a travel carry-on and crossbody option.

“This workout onesie has such fun retro aerobics vibes,” Andriakos says, who gets questions about where it’s from every time she wears it. But it’s not just a fashion moment: “It’s actually compressive and high-quality for intense workouts when I don’t want to worry about readjusting leggings as I move about.”

The pair brings style and function to your every step because they’re “comfortable, flattering, and such a good price point,” says Sarita Khemani, MD, a perioperative medicine physician and associate professor of medicine at Stanford University, with a focus on resilience and longevity. And at just $20, “they’re more comfortable than many of the expensive brands I’ve tried.”

The material and cut of this tee are the stars of the show, Luppino says. Unlike other workout tops, “it’s very lightweight for a sweaty workout,” keeping her comfortable and cool during Pilates classes and even runs. Plus, the cropped hem is flattering.

The hype is real when it comes to Bandit: These shorts enhance runs and strength training sessions with three different pockets to hold your phone, keys, wallet, and gels. “These don’t ride up, and the waist stays put because of the drawstring,” says Aloian. “They’re light and breezy, yet stylish with a flattering length—which can be hard to achieve with biker shorts.”

These viral pants are seamless, breathable, and nail the trend we’re seeing away from traditional leggings and toward flowier, looser workout pants. They move beautifully, feel incredibly lightweight, and the best part—they come out of the wash without a single wrinkle.

These shoes have been strutting all over our social media feeds for months with praise from trainers—and they live up to the hype. “Not only are they super stylish, but they also really elevate my strength workouts,” says Aloian. “They have a low, stable base so I feel grounded when I’m gripping heavy weights, but they’re also more supportive than other flat lifting shoes, keeping my ankle and foot locked in during squats and deadlifts.”

“They offer just the right amount of cushioning for a bouncy step without compromising on support for my flat, wide feet,” says beauty editor Nicole Saunders.

Luppino can’t rave enough about the Vomero Plus, which helped her train for her first marathon as she came off a shin bone injury. “I wanted a shoe that was super cushioned to keep me safe during all the miles I was about to log—and I tried many,” she says. “These won because there’s plenty of room in the toe box, I haven’t gotten a single blister, and they’re breathable, secure, and somehow still speedy—the part of my running outfit I never have to worry about.”

Andriakos usually finds that so-called cross trainers aren’t as versatile as they’re marketed to be. But this trainer truly functions for hybrid workouts where she’s hopping between modalities. “The sole is flat enough to lift, but still supportive and flexible enough to jump around or even run—the perfect happy in-between shoe at under $100,” Andriakos says.

“This is my favorite running shoe yet,” says Aloian, who ran her first marathon in it in November. “It has thick cushioning, taking me through long-haul efforts pain-free, but is still light, and surprisingly durable, with its foam base. While she tends to supinate, the Triumph 23 keeps her ankles and feet in place.

Executive Editor Abby Cuffey fell in love with these shoes during NYC marathon training. She describes them as a “fast shoe that can go long,” thanks to the innovative foam technology (comfy and supportive), light weight feel (her legs feel clippy and fast, even for pace miles in the middle of long runs), and the roomy toebox (plenty of room for feet to breathe and stretch). “I’m a Rebel girl for life now,” says Cuffey, who credits her miles in the Rebels with helping her run completely pain-free for this training block—and net a 12-minute marathon PR.

This sneaker brings quickness and nimbleness to the pickleball court. “The shoe glides perfectly during lateral movements and when I’m chasing after the ball, so I trust that it will keep me injury-free,” Accardi says. “I also love the iconic gel foam base, which is found in most Asics kicks. It’s super plush for absorbing all impact during tough landings.”

Ritchey loves how flat and wide these sneakers are for lifting, which she doesn’t feel in every shoe. “I feel stable as hell doing any kind of lift, especially unilateral training,” she says. Bonus points: Their neutral design means they go with any outfit.

A favorite of multiple editors, including Luppino and Aloian, who say it’s the best tasting of the ones they’ve tried and is immediately hydrating. While other mixes sometimes make Aloian feel bloated, this one goes down easy and keeps her digestive system at bay. A bonus? No artificial or added sugars.

Ritchey has been taking this powder for over five years and still calls it the “best tasting and easiest to mix in the game.” It’s available in a ton of flavors (her favs are chocolate and Fruity Pebbles) that don’t overpower shakes, but it doesn’t leave a powdery aftertaste the way most protein supps do.

Optimum’s capsules have transformed Ritchey’s creatine intake, as most other creatine supps on the market are in powder or gummy form. “It’s so much easier to use than powder—I keep it with my medications and have been so much more consistent at taking it,” she says. We love a third-party tested brand that makes sure a product contains what it says it does.

Protein in a rice crispy treat? Groundbreaking! But actually, this snack is incredible because it “feels so much lighter and easier on the stomach for me than a traditional protein bar,” while still containing 15 grams of protein and 17 grams of carbs, says Ritchey. “I find them perfect for a pre-workout snack, because they give me the quick energy from carbs but with the addition of protein to keep my macro goals on track—all without weighing me down.”

This 27-ounce water bottle keeps you drinking throughout the day, labeled with a.m. and p.m. markings to hydrate on the hour. Available in 16 colorways, the glass helps keep the water cold and tasting delicious (as opposed to some plastic water bottles that may make the water taste a bit funky!). The silicone rubber exterior keeps the glass from shattering, but you can also remove it for the dishwasher.

Don’t sleep on your favorite childhood bev—it’s just as delicious as it is beneficial for workout fuel. “My nutritionist said that chocolate milk is the ideal thing to have after workouts because they have the perfect carbs-to-protein ratio, so that’s what I drink after every run,” says Luppino. This chocolate milk from Fairlife is delicious and contains 16 (!) grams of protein per serving.

Unlike other “tasteless” creatine supps Colbert has tried, she says this one actually fits that description. She’s been taking it for several months and feels noticeable results: She has more energy and has to take fewer rest breaks during workouts, and doesn’t feel as sore as she used to since adding the supp into her routine.

“This massage roller has been a game changer for recovery,” says Dr. Khemani. “The firmness helps me release tight spots, recover quickly after exercise, and prevent joint aches. Just a few minutes every evening helps me feel ready for the next day’s workout—and the cradle keeps it steady and easy to use.”

It offers insights on blood pressure, aging and longevity, and an ECG. “Whoop has enabled me to help my clients tailor their programs appropriately to finely balance the amount of stress (good exercise stress!) and recovery needed to continue to make gains and perform at their best,” says Heather Milton, CSCS, exercise physiologist and supervisor at NYU Langone’s Sports Performance Center. “For women, I especially like that we can compare where they are in their cycle to their RPE, recovery score, heart rate response, and strain scores.”

Luppino touts this multisport watch because the UX is intuitive to use while on runs. The 42-millimeter size is easy to click, yet not too big on her wrist. Plus, “it connects to an app on your phone where you can really dive in and geek out on a lot of data like your VO2 max, fitness age, and race time projections,” she says.

When the air compression squeezes and expands around the legs, not only does it feel like a gentle massage, but it also reduces soreness faster than other devices, Aloian says. One of her favorite parts of this athlete splurge is that you can tailor your massage zones so one part of your legs gets more compression, which has been a game-changer on her tight calves while marathon training.

The new version comes in four gorgeous hues and boasts the most updated software, like perimenopause and pregnancy symptom tracking. “I find the Oura Ring surprisingly accurate,” Dr. Khemani says. “It showed me that heavy or late dinners cut into my deep sleep. Now I eat earlier or take a short walk after dinner—a small change that’s made a big difference in how rested I feel.”

Navya Mysore, MD, a primary care physician, sexual and reproductive health expert, and WH advisor based in New York City also loves her Oura because it helps her see when she really needs more rest and recovery time. “It tracks sleep, recovery, and my cycle, giving insights into how my body changes throughout the month,” she says. “Knowing this helps me plan my day and my workouts smarter.”

No watch? No problem. The Pro 3’s in‑ear heart‑rate sensing means you can still get the HR and fitness tracking data (such as calorie burn) on your iPhone even when you don’t have an Apple watch on your wrist.

This small, wearable sensor monitors your body temperature and tells you when you’re overheating during intense endurance training or a race. It helps health director and triathlete Marty Munson see how her body responds to heat and works hard without overheating. “You can really dial into your individual performance sweet spot with this,” which is important with so many marathons having record-high temps this year, she notes.

Zitz struggles with chronic pain but likes to stay active, and this piece of recovery tech is actually worth having in her wellness toolbox. It uses infrared heat, which seems to “help my neck and back pain tremendously, improves my sleep, and even helps my post-workout muscle soreness go away faster,” Zitz says.

“Training your bare grip is important if you want to lift heavier with proper form,” Andriakos notes. But if her palms are raw and sensitive toward the end of a workout, “I grab these cheap rubber squares for a little extra reinforcement.” (She prefers to use the pads for accessory work requiring grip endurance, like hanging knee raises, as opposed to larger lifts like deadlifts, as bare grip strength provides sensory feedback for better control and helps you maintain a safer, stronger hold.)

This percussion massager has been an awesome addition to Luppino’s recovery routine because “it adds another layer for helping your muscles feel good,” she says. It heats up in just 15 seconds and is travel-sized, so it’s easier to hold and less bulky than other similar tools.

Shokz’s headphones stand out because of their open-air design, which allows you to listen to your music while hearing what’s going on around you (particularly helpful during an outdoor workout!). The OpenDots One are a smaller, more compact iteration of the OpenRun Pros (which wrap around the back of your head), and stay on just as well with a comfortable fit, says Luppino.

Chirp’s small massager blends the percussion of a massage gun with the rolling motion of a foam roller. It provides targeted relief to sore body parts and with three adjustable speeds, it’s gentler than other techy massage tools but still allows you to get meaningful relief.