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Welcome to 2025, where fitness goals are less about pushing limits and more about moving with comfort, gentleness, and joy. This year, the vibes are all about tuning into your body, embracing exercises that feel good, and creating a routine that supports your physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or leisurely walks, the key is to move in ways that bring you peace and pleasure.
Experts in This Article
vice president of education at StretchLab
a Boston-based physical therapist
senior master trainer at YogaSix
Soft workouts are exactly how they sound—low-impact and soft on your joints. The goal is “to keep the body moving without putting larger amounts of stress on it—the way that running or intense cardio can do,” Taylor Bogenschuetz, CPT, personal trainer and director of training and development at Solidcore, previously told Well+Good.
And, of course, the right gear plays a huge role—think soft, breathable fabrics, supportive shoes, and recovery accessories that make every movement feel effortless. Ready to embrace a kinder, more comfortable approach to fitness? We’re here to help you find the tools that make you feel your best.
1. Oak-Sports Stretching Strap — $6.00
“People always focus on their workouts but forget how important recovery is,” says Austin Martinez, CSCS, vice president of education at StretchLab. “My go-to recovery tool is a stretch strap. It’s great for getting deeper into stretches and is perfect for PNF stretching,” he says. (FYI: PNF stretching involves actively contracting your muscle against resistance to help trigger the muscle to relax.) Stretching straps provide great support for tons of different stretches and they’re easy to grip so you don’t lose traction, Martinez says.
The straps come in 11 different colors and is 75 inches long and 1 inch wide.
2. Bala Bands Resistance Bands — $35.00
Perfect for an on-the-go fitness moment, resistance bands are ready to work whenever you are. “Holiday travel can throw off your fitness routine, which is why I love resistance bands,” Martinez says. “They’re light, compact, and easy to pack, so you can work out anywhere. Bala Bands are my favorite—they come in different sizes and resistance levels, and you can use them to target so many muscle groups.”
These resistance bands come in two sets of colors:
- Blush, charcoal, and sage
- Sea, sage, and heather
Each band is 15 inches long and 2 millimeters wide.
3. Manduka Foam Yoga Block — $22.00
Comfort doesn’t have to be sacrificed for hard work, even during the toughest yoga session. “Manduka has so many great products, but if I had to choose one, it would be their recycled foam blocks,” Lucas says. “They strike the perfect balance of being firm and supportive while still having just enough give to feel comfortable during practice.”
These foam blocks, which come in two different colors and in packs of either one or two, can be used any time you’re looking for more support in poses or a deeper stretch.
4. Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 Massage Gun — $109.00
Give yourself an at-home massage with this massage gun, designed to bring relief with just the press of a button. “Massage guns provide percussion therapy to muscle tissues which help with recovery, and to target muscles and trigger points,” Leung says. Try using a massage gun following a workout to give your muscles some TLC before the soreness sets in.
5. Liforme Yoga Pad — $57.00
“The Liforme Yoga Pad is portable, so it’s great for travel or when you’re on the go,” says Valerie Lucas, E-RYT 500, senior master trainer at YogaSix. “It’s compact enough to fit into carry-on luggage for those times I can’t bring a full-size mat with me, and it’s made using eco-friendly materials.”
The mat, which is made of rubber for premium quality grip, comes in 12 different colors and measures 13 inches long and 25 inches wide.
6. Beyond Yoga High-Waisted Leggings — $97.00
A cozy workout calls for cozy activewear. “When it comes to buttery-soft leggings, Beyond Yoga comes to mind,” Lucas says. “Ironically, I don’t wear yoga pants very often, but Beyond Yoga leggings are the exception—they’re just that comfortable.”
These leggings, which come in sizes XS to XL, are made with lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric that moves with you. Pair your next soft workout with an equally soft outfit that keeps you snug all the way through.
7. Tavi Noir Thigh-High Leg Warmers — $40.00
Dragging yourself out of bed and into the winter chill to work out can be tough, but you can stay warm and cozy with leg warmers. “In the winter months, my go-to are the Tavi Noir thigh-high leg warmers,” Lucas says. “They’re fantastic with shorts or layering over leggings, and they keep me warm while adding a little extra flair to my outfit.” These leg warmers are made of soft knit fabric, stretch to thigh-height, and come in four different colors.
8. Hyperice Normatec 3 Compression Boots — $724.00
These compression boots are the definition of self-care—and they’re a product many trainers and physical therapists swear by. They’re great for increasing blood flow and reducing muscle soreness, helping you recover much quicker. “Compression boots improve circulation, reduce swelling, and inflammation to improve muscle recovery,” says physical therapist Jessica Leung, PT, DPT.
9. Vooray Burner Gym Duffel Bag — $45.00
A gym bag is one of those essentials every fitness enthusiast needs. This one from Vooray is a great option because it’s spacious enough to carry everything,” Martinez says. “Snacks, a change of clothes, shoes, water bottles—basically all your workout essentials. It’s functional, stylish, and definitely on my wish list.”
This duffel bag, which comes in five plain colors and eight prints, has plenty of pockets and storage, including a separate shoe compartment. It’s also machine washable so you can toss it in the washing machine when it starts to get smelly.
10. TRX Pro4 Suspension System — $203.00
Albeit a bit pricier, this piece of equipment is sure to elevate your stretching and strength in the new year. “I love using the TRX suspension system to help stretch out tight shoulder, back, and leg muscles while also building strength,” Lucas says.
A TRX system is a versatile option to have at home, especially for small spaces. Unlike weight machines at the gym, which isolate larger muscle groups, TRX workouts recruit smaller muscles that are sometimes overlooked in traditional weight training. By incorporating TRX into your fitness routine, you can achieve a well-rounded workout that boosts strength, stability, and overall athleticism in a functional way.
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