My Fitness Favorites | Home Gym Necessities • Tracy Hensel

Over the years, I’ve shared PLENTY of videos where I talk about my favorite workout equipment, my favorite athletic shoes, my favorite athletic gear, etc. However, today I’ve compiled ALL of that into one post for you! These items are my fitness favorites and home gym necessities. This post is GREAT to reference if you’re looking to amp up your home gym!

Weights + Bands and Equipment

15 lb. Dumbbells
10 lb. Dumbbells
8 lb. Dumbbells
5 lb. Dumbbells
15 lb. Kettlebell
20 lb. Kettlebell
Resistance Bands
Ankle Weights
Barbell Set w/ Weights
10 lb. Weighted Plate – I must have a plate that has an opening to hold it. I use this for various shoulder and tricep exercises
The Original Step – I use this step for many exercises and as a bench. If I will be laying on it, I put a towel down as a cushion.
The Original Step Risers – I have 4 sets
BOSU Balance Trainer

Scroll Through To Shop My Home Gym Necessities

Exercise Enhancers & Must Have Gadgets

Workout Gloves I have had several weightlifting gloves over the years, and this pair is by far my favorite.
Waist Belt – I wear this waist belt when walking or running outdoors to hold my phone and a couple of tissues. There is room for keys if needed.
Everything Belt Bag – This bag does not stay in stock at Lululemon. Sometimes available in other colors. I use this Belt Bag if I need more room. It’s like a mini-purse. When Paul and I walk in the town we live in, there is a restaurant/pub adjacent to the trail. Once in a while, we will stop in there at the end of our walk. This Belt Bag is perfect for my phone, keys, my card case for my ID and debit card, and a lip balm. Also great for travel activities like hiking or excursions. This is also a great addition to a beach bag. I packed this for a beach vacation and plan to put it to a lot of use.
Apple AirPods Pro or Here or Here
Hooks for AirPods – AirPods don’t stay in my ear, so I use these ear hooks.
Sweet Sweat Workout Enhancer – I apply this to my abdomen area prior to working out and before putting on the waist trimmer.
Vaso Burn Thermogenic Skin Gel – If I don’t use the Sweet Sweat, I use this one. You will feel the burn with this one, but not the Sweet Sweat
Sweet Sweat Waist Trimmer – I have a couple of these. I love the one in NUDE. I wear this waist trimmer for all workouts, when I go to Orange Theory and if I am doing my walk for exercise unless the outdoor temperatures are above 75 degrees. In other words, during the summer heat, I don’t wear this much outdoors.

I would not recommend the fat-burning products or waist trimmers unless you are on a clean eating plan consistently and have no off-season to your workouts. If you don’t check off those boxes, these products are not for you.

Supplements

Blender Bottle – I have 4 (2 in Black, 1 in purple, 1 in pink) – I fill these cups with 10 oz. of water and store them in the refrigerator. Prior to starting my workout, I scoop BCAA Glutamine supplement powder into the cup of water and shake. I then drink it post-workout. This cup is available in several colors and in a larger size. I have no need for a larger size. I also use this cup to mix up one of my fiber supplements
BCAA Glutamine: Several flavor options are available. I currently have Sour Green Apple but have tried them all. They all taste great.
UMP Protein Powder in Cookies & Cream– The only Protein Powder I purchase because I require two things: It must taste good and mix well. I have tried several over the years and still go back to my tried and true of 15 years. Available in other flavors and all are great. Cookies & Cream is my preference for mixing in my Post-Workout Hot Cereal. Chocolate is my preference for a shake, which I have not made a shake in several years.

I take a lot of supplements for overall health. I am not listing those here, but very little has changed since my last Vitamin and Supplement Video. If you are interested in a Sunday Newsletter with an update on what I am taking, please let me know in the comment section of my recent YouTube video on Weight Management

Extra’s to Have on Hand

Kinesiology Tape – This is great for injuries, but I use it for chafing from my diaper when doing a run for cardio.
Pain Patch – This is a great patch and is a must to have on hand. Ever get a stiff neck? Having these pain patches on hand is a lifesaver. Worth taking when traveling, as well. Sleeping with a different pillow can be a stiff-neck inducer.
Body Weight/Composition Scale – Also available in Black. This smart scale is great because it synchs to an app on your phone. I watch my body fat and muscle mass closely and this smart scale provides the information I am looking for in measuring my success. It’s great for accountability.
Planner with Habit Tracker Inserts – I use this planner for scheduling and logging my daily workouts, and walks and holding myself accountable with the Habit Tracker.

Fitness Favorites | Skincare and Bladder Supports

Sunblock for the Body also loves this Sunscreen for Body -I use one of these two days for my walks or walk/runs, sprints, or any activity outdoors. I also take this product to the beach.
Sunblock for Face This is a great product for the face. I go through SPF like crazy. I want something non-greasy, that works and is affordable. This is the one!
SPF Lipbalm
Diapers in Small – I have a compromised pelvic floor from multiple pregnancies, which results in me wearing an adult diaper when doing any workout, walking, or run.
Bladder Supports – Depending on how much jumping or pounding the pavement I will be doing, I may also need one of these in addition to the adult diaper. If vacationing and simply walking around a city or town, I will need one of these just to be safe. In that case, I do not need a diaper.

Undergarments and Sun Protection

Visor and Visor – I have both
Hair Ties in Dark Brown
Elastic Sports Headbands – I have bangs that don’t go back into my ponytail. These elastic headbands take care of that issue.
Sports Bra This is a great sports bra for ladies that need a lot of support. The bra has adjustable straps, but I would recommend ordering two, one being up one size. This bra runs small on me.
Sports Bra I love this bra. It fits true to size and is very comfortable, yet provides all the support I need/
G-String Panties – I prefer these g-strings over thongs under athletic wear.
White Footies
5-Pack Socks

Active-wear Favorites and Shoes

Tank Top + Here – My absolute FAVORITE Tank to workout in. I love how it is lightweight, wrinkle-free, and does not have a built-in bra. The built-in bra does not work well for me because I am small framed, but large busted. If I order a small workout top that has a built-in bra, the bra portion doesn’t fit. If I order for the bra portion to fit, then the top doesn’t fit. This tank checks off all the boxes for me and while I have a few ‘cute’ tops linked, and wear those occasionally to Orange theory or a walk, my go-to is these tanks. I have several in all different colors and continue to add to my fitness wardrobe.
Crop Top D-DD+ – I LOVE the looks of this beauty. Athleta is thinking about the small framed large busted ladies by offering this line of tops. This fits me in both the bust and in the top itself. I also have this top in BLACK.
Full-Length Top D-DD+ – Here’s the full-length version of the same top, if you aren’t comfortable with cropped. I have the top in a minty/aqua blue-green (see in this video), but it appears to be sold out in that color. Highly recommend this top. The other thing I like about this top and the cropped version is how it’s cut high on the chest/neckline. While I do wear sunblock when doing my outdoor walk, I like these particular tops because they cover that area. So many women neglect their sunscreen and their age really shows on the décolleté area.
Henley Cropped Tank – I have this in black and LOVE it. The style is so flattering to me. I wear it the most as athleisure with a pair of leggings or joggers. Abercrombie & Fitch has had quite the comeback and I’m here for it.
Nike Air Max 270 Athletic Shoes – Currently my most worn tennis shoe. I size up on all athletic shoes due to keeping my toenails longer. I do a lot of impact training and it can wreak havoc on the toenails. I have lost a couple in the past, especially during periods throughout my life where I’ve done a lot of running – training for a race, etc. Available in several color combinations.
Sorel Kinetic Athletic Shoes – These are fantastic shoes in looks and fit. I wear these only indoors because I don’t want them to get dirty. TIP: If you train or walk a lot, have two pairs of shoes minimum and switch out the shoes on a rotating basis. Make sure they are not the same shoe, meaning two pairs of the same shoe. This avoids blisters on the feet. I started doing this many years ago when training for a half-marathon. If you are into color, these tennis shoes are offered in some fun color options.
Brooks Ghost 13 Athletic Shoes – I will always recommend these tennis shoes. I purchase two pairs per year. These ARE my running shoe. If I am going out for a run, only as my cardio, these will be the shoes I am sporting. If you have followed me for years, you have heard me recommend these shoes over and over, and for good reason. Brooks is the BEST for me when it comes to running!
Adidas Ultraboost Athletic Shoes – These are also a LOVE of mine. They fit great, and I always get compliments on them. When my daughter, who lives in NYC, flies home, she only packs a carry-on, so she borrows my tennis shoes for her workouts. These are the shoes she always borrows.
Gym Shark Training Shorts – I have 3 pairs of these shorts and they are most often what you will find me wearing. I get too hot in leggings. I love leggings for looks and for walking in cold weather. But year-round, when working out, I need to wear shorts. I wear shorts to Orange Theory too, and it almost always is these. They are offered in a longer length if you are more comfortable, but I actually look better in the shorter length. I believe it has to do with my rectangular-shaped body frame.
YPB Training Shorts – I have 2 pairs of these and would recommend them. They are a thicker material than the Gymshark shorts, so if you want your dimply skin smoothed out, these will do the trick. They are a longer length so they are not as flattering on me, but they definitely get their use. Available in several colors and cute tanks are offered to match.
Leggings and Here, in Chambray, which are currently clearance (final sale) – These tights are my current favorites. I have several colors and continue to add to my collection. I don’t wear these leggings for home workouts. I wear them for walking and only during the colder season. I get too hot wearing leggings when training and find that it slows me down. Orange Theory workouts are debatable. It’s more convenient for me to leave the house in leggings during the winter, but during the workout, I always wish that I had shorts on.
Zipped Hoodie – I cannot live without this Hoodie. It checks off every box for me and I recommend it to everyone. I love the contrasting ties. also have this one for a stylish cropped version.