THE IDEAL GYM experience has always been pretty simple: It’s whatever works for you and your lifestyle, because that’s what will keep you coming back to sweat and lift heavy things day after day after day.
For some people, that means building a gym in their garage (or basement or backyard barn). For others, that means donning their favorite apparel and heading to the gym down the block. No matter what your fitness flavor, though, we’ve got you covered in our 2024 Fitness Awards, which are overflowing with home gym goodness but still include the perfect gear to take with you when you train away from home, too.
Check out the list, and let the gains begin!
This collaboration between Hammer Strength and adjustable dumbbells veteran PowerBlocks goes up to 100 pounds and is tough enough to be dropped.
The Nüobell manages to feel almost exactly like a classic dumbbell in your hand, making it perfect for biceps curls, triceps skullcrushers, and most dumbbell exercises.
With a host of adjustable back pad positions between 5 and 85 degrees, a decline attachment, and gym-level stability, you have a home bench that rivals anything you’ve seen in your local big box.
Onnit’s unique spin on the kettlebell still delivers the balance you need for a good swing while adding visual flair: Each bell looks like a primate head.
Aviron’s latest rower is as user-friendly as they come, with an iPad dock (for checking out Aviron app workouts or catching up on Netflix while training) and a whisper-quiet nylon belt.
The finest workout earbuds out there, Beats’ Fit Pros stay secure in your ear in all situations, while delivering solid and detailed all-around sound, too.
A cambered, neutral-grip barbell that features three different grip positions so you can comfortably challenge chest, triceps, and shoulders (and more!).
This cutting-edge massage gun provides not only percussive therapy but also hot and cold settings and LED light therapy as options for post-workout recovery bliss.
Kane’s recovery shoe gets a style boost in 2024, thanks to partnerships with a host of major colleges, including Florida State, USC, and Clemson.
A soft, warm jogger that fits perfectly whether you’re going for a light run, a weight room session, or an easy evening walk.
This breathable performance training tank has wide armholes (essential for snatches and overhead presses) and a relaxed fit that works whether you’re running or lifting.
Some things never change: Lululemon’s venerable training tee continues to fit like a dream while offering premium sweat-wicking tech, too.
These super-comfortable training shorts are built from fast-drying material and include a no-pinch, no-bunch waistband.
A supremely reliable trail shoe that provides responsive cushioning no matter what’s under foot.
A low-cut basketball shoe that’s built for slashers and defenders, allowing you to change direction, leap, and start and stop on a dime.
The Dutch brand that made the road bikes for Tour de France–winning Team Jumbo-Visma drops an e-bike with a carbon-fiber racing frame and a 432wH battery for a longer, faster ride.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men’s Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He’s logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men’s Health in 2017, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.
