>U Mom Knows Best: 8 Fitness Items You Need to Know About

8 Fitness Items You Need to Know About

Are you looking for the best fitness products? Keep reading to discover some of my favorite products for fitness. Many of these workout products are affordable.


 As a fitness buff, I am always excited about checking out new workout equipment and products for fitness. I am always seeking out products like supplements that can help with my exercise and recovery. When I find an affordable product, that is a plus.

As a person who writes about fitness, I get many offers to try things, but I don't say yes until I see that the product meets my needs. Since I have multiple food allergies, I have to be careful about the supplements that I use. I also avoid food dyes and artificial flavors as they are not good for the body.

 Other factors that influence my decision on which products to review are price and quality, along with whether the product will be beneficial for my fitness routine. So you can be reassured that I am not going to promote a product to you that is not a good one.

 Last month, I was able to attend the biggest natural product expo to learn about the newest supplements and protein bars. This event is a great way for me to sample products and learn about new health-related things. I always leave the event inspired to do the best for my body. It puts me in the mood to share all things health-related, and this inspired me to share my favorite fitness items. 

8 Fitness Items You Need to Know About

1. Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat

While the name of this product implies that one must use this mat for yoga, that is not the case for me. I use this mat for everything but yoga. I love using yoga mats for my strength training exercises and for floor exercises like sit-ups. 


The Para Rubber Yoga Mat is an eco-friendly mat that gives me the cushion I need for my floor exercises. The non-slip texture also helps keep my feet from slipping while lifting my weights and eliminates the need for me to use a workout bench. Workout benches take up space, while this yoga mat can be rolled up for storage. 

A key feature of the Para Rubber Yoga Mat is its dense rubber cushioning. With a 5mm thickness, this mat is stable and sturdy, and feels amazing under sensitive knees and wrists. The yoga mat comes in 5 different colors and is made from natural, sustainable rubber.

2. Affordable Quality Made Exercise Equipment

 I love being able to exercise at home on days that I can't get to the gym for reasons, like being short on time or the gym being too crowded. Lately, I have been working out at home due to my boys needing a ride to school. So I am thankful that I have a rowing machine and an exercise cycle upstairs to get my workout in. 


 My favorite company for exercise equipment is Yosuda Bikes. This company has affordable workout machines that are also durable. I have owned my rower from Yosuda for three years, and it is still in great shape. I have used this rower several times a week, and it still performs like it is new. This machine has also held up to my teen son using it for his strength training exercises. Yosuda has many exercise machines to choose from, and they are also easy to assemble. From bikes to treadmills, this is the place for affordable home gym equipment.

3. Enzyme Hydration Drink Mix

  I used to think that I only needed a hydration drink on days that I had excessive sweat, but now I realize that hydration drinks are for more than replacing electrolytes from sweating. Hydration drinks aid in exercise recovery beyond sweating. When you exercise, you lose minerals beyond salt, and one of those minerals is magnesium. Magnesium is important for muscle recovery, and it also helps with sleep. I used to have trouble sleeping before I discovered magnesium supplements. On days that I forget to take my magnesium supplements, I struggle with falling asleep.


 Bala is a hydration drink that is packed with essential hydration-focused electrolytes like magnesium, chloride, potassium, and sodium. This hydration drink mix also contains turmeric, bromelain, and papain to help with digestion & gut health. Turmeric is also great for muscle pain. If you like variety, you will like that this drink mix comes in Pineapple, Berry, and Lime Flavors.

4. Vegan Protein Bars

 I love protein bars for snacks and for after the gym. I always pack protein bars in my carry-on bag when I travel to avoid expensive airport food. Since I eat a plant-based diet, I always select vegan protein bars. Other factors that influence my protein bar purchase are my food allergies, and I need a bar that is gluten-free. Once all of these needs are met, then taste is a huge factor of when protein bar I buy.


 My favorite vegan protein bar is Nugo Nutrition bars. This protein bar is covered in dark chocolate and tastes so delicious. Nugo bars are made with plant-based ingredients and are gluten-free. They have plenty of protein for after the gym recovery and will satisfy your hunger. Nugo Bars come in so many delicious flavors like chocolate mint, chocolate pretzel, peanut butter chocolate, and so many more. 

The chocolate mint bar tastes like a popular cookie, but is so much healthier and cheaper. Want to try Nugo Nutrition Bars? Get a variety box of 12 bars for $15 - https://nugonutrition.com/momknowsbest

5. Vegan Protein Powder

 Protein powder is a product that I use after my workout to help with my muscle recovery. I love adding fruit and flaxmeal to my protein powder to make it a nutritious meal option. I also love adding protein powder to my oatmeal and many recipes. Since I have a dairy allergy, I use a plant-based protein powder.

My favorite protein powder is an unflavored organic pea protein from Swanson. If you're looking for a premium quality, non-GMO pea protein powder that is affordable, you are going to love Swanson 100% Certified Organic Pea Protein Powder. This protein powder has 16 grams of protein per scoop and is under $14 for 22 servings. Since this is an unflavored protein, it can be easily used in recipes and in oatmeal.


6. Organic Coffee

You are probably wondering why coffee is on my list for a fitness roundup. Coffee is my favorite after-workout drink, but it is also great to drink before the gym. Coffee contains caffeine. Caffeine is the main ingredient in energy drinks. Drinking a cup of coffee before the gym can give you the energy to get your workout in.

Swanson Vitamins has the best price for organic coffee. Swanson French Roast Whole Bean Coffee contains the most highly controlled and quality-assured beans in every bag. This is high-quality 100% Arabica coffee that is certified organic. My favorite coffee from Swanson is their organic French blend. This dark roast has a nice, bold flavor.

Fitness Products That I Use For Performance

7. Hydration Drink

 Replenishing your electrolytes is important after you exercise, especially on a hot day. When you exercise, your body loses sodium and other minerals through sweat. Drinking just water may not be enough to replenish your minerals, and you may experience some bad side effects from a lack of hydration.  If you experience a headache or can't seem to quench your thirst, this is a sign that your electrolytes are out of balance.

Hydration drinks do not have to be expensive to be effective. The brand that I like for hydration is Swanson Simply Hydrate Electrolyte Hydration Mix. This hydration drink mix has more than electrolytes at an affordable price. This electrolyte blend also includes vitamin B12 and taurine to increase energy and reduce exercise-induced muscle cramping. The sugar-free formula comes in convenient packets that are perfect for on-the-go.

8.  Total Bone Support

 As an athlete, you need to keep your bones strong, especially if you are over 35. Healthy bones need more than calcium to improve bone density and strength. Strong bones will help you be active as you age.

 I discovered a plant-based bone support formula from Ocean Essence. This unique formula has the power of algae-based calcium and 9 clinically-studied nutrients to create a breakthrough formula that stops bone loss and supports bone health. Included in Ocean Essence is highly absorbable Calcium & Magnesium from red marine algae. Along with Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Vitamin C, and trace minerals boron, copper, silica (from bamboo), and Manganese.

Do you have a Favorite Fitness Product?

Do you have a favorite product for your fitness routine? I would love to hear about it. Tell me all about a must-have product that you love to buy for the gym or for any other fitness activity that you do.

Check out this fitness deal for National Exercise Day 




6 comments:

AiringMyLaundry said...

I need to grab some of this. Those protein bars sound tasty! I have been wanting to work out more.

Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place said...

I want to try the organic coffee and I definitely need a new yoga mat. Thanks for all the recommendations!

Msjane90 said...

I'm into weight loss right now. Doing proper diet and exercise. I got the same shoes! lol. Very comfy to wear.

melissa cushing said...

I am loving all of the workout essentials and I especially want to get one of the eco friendly Yoga mats! I need one of those and I love the design of yours!

Kristy Bullard said...

Love all of your suggestions! Hydration drinks are a must for me when I am exercising!

booksbyjlbooks said...

These are great suggestions, I have to put up some of the protien bars they look delicous

data-matched-content-rows-num="2" data-matched-content-columns-num="2"
Mom knows best