Fitness essentials to get your gear on

You may be a regular on the bench press, an occasional visitor that enjoys a free pass to extreme cycling sessions, or a free speed walker who likes to cover the nice jogging tracks across the city. Regardless of your workout style, there are a number of essentials to make your efforts count.

Foam rollers

Pain is something we're all too familiar with whenever we exert ourselves during our workout sessions. To ease out pre- and post-workout dilemmas, invest in a foam roller. These give the body incredible relief from muscle tightness and soreness, decreases muscle inflammation, and increases flexibility.

Wireless earphones

Reps can get boring if you don't have good music motivation. Skip the hassle of cables and wires and lookout for Bluetooth headphones. Take your pick between in-ear buds and over the ear covers. The connectivity is synonymous to workout freedom.

Body support

Protecting your body is one of the first steps you need to take in order to make progress in your fitness routine. This means you do need to get hold of internal and external protection, ranging from health supplements to bands for joint support. In terms of supplements, consult a sports nutritionist first to identify your blood type and other conditions first. From a physical aspect, pick out breathable grips and braces for freedom of movement.

Fitness trackers

There's more to these babies than counting how many steps you've taken or the calories you've burned in 24 hours. Activity trackers are a complementary assistant to staying on the right road towards long-term fitness goals. They sync easily to apps and measure your vitals for an effective workout.

Blender bottles

A water bottle is a great idea to carry with you on your way to the gym, because staying hydrated is, and should be, an essential part of your lifestyle. Additionally, you may want to invest in a specialised bottle to whip up protein shakes on the go. A blender bottle comes with a wiry ball that helps mix your protein concoction without leaving behind those unappetising lumps.

Durable shoes

The sneakers you wear for daily walks are not meant for gym wear, or the sports you intend to play. Step into a specialist shop to find fitness footwear that's right for you. Durable shoes help avoid injuries such as joint and ankle pain to long-term complications such as stress fractures and tendonitis.

Jump rope

Everyone raves about dumbbells and weights, but there is one magical item that is cost-effective and keeps you in great shape no matter where you are: A jump rope. Hop, skip or jump to get a hearty dose of fitness. Fifteen minutes alone gives you an effective workout and contributes to your overall cardiovascular fitness. Depending on your style, you can use it for simple aerobic workouts, or increase the intensity for a cardio-heavy experience.

Gym and fitness mats

The right base will be your best friend during workouts - whether your journey involves pilates, yoga or even strength training. A good mat will cushion your joints and protect them from injuries. These come in different sizes, thickness and materials. Ensure that the mat you choose is just as tall as you are, with the appropriate suction base to keep you stable. The texture too matters so you can maintain balance and proper alignment.