Gadgets, Gifts, and Gear

One of my favorite parts of exercising is all the fun gear that comes with it! Over the years, I’ve built up a collection of my go-to gadgets and gear. While all you really need to start exercising is yourself and a good pair of shoes, I’m a bit of a data nerd and love tracking my progress.
If you’re just starting out, here’s how I’d recommend prioritizing your gear:

1. A Good Pair of Shoes
Invest in high-quality walking or running shoes. Many running specialty stores can analyze your gait and recommend the best shoes for you. Once you find the right pair, stick with them. Also, bring in your old shoes to let the experts look at the wear pattern and help you find a better fit.

2. A Watch with Heart Rate Monitoring
A watch that tracks your heart rate and syncs with your phone or computer is a great tool to monitor progress and motivate you.

3. Gym Membership with Classes
Access to a gym with exercise classes or spin sessions can be a great investment, especially if you’re training on a bike.

4. A Yoga Mat
Perfect for stretching and yoga at home.

5. A Balance Trainer
Something like a Bosu ball can be incredibly helpful for improving stability and core strength.

If you’re going to train on a bike, consider a gym membership with access to spin classes or stationary bikes. I’ve used both Peloton and the Wahoo Kickr:

Peloton: I enjoyed using Peloton, especially the ability to compete with others in real-time. The display tracks power and cadence, but some of the loud coaches weren’t for me, so I’d listen to my own music.
Wahoo Kickr: This is perfect if you already have a good bike. I love training on the same bike I ride outside. Using the Zwift app, you can race others or customize your workout intensity via your phone. The rear drivetrain setup gives it a more natural outdoor riding feel.
Additional Tools I Love:
Compression Socks: These help prevent tightness in my calves and Achilles. They’re great for recovery and long trips.
Toe Spacers: Helpful if your toes tend to curl—a common issue with Parkinson’s.
Massage Gun: I use a Hyperice Hypervolt massage gun to relieve sore muscles. It’s great for recovery after workouts and even fits in my transition bag during triathlons to loosen up muscles before running.

PRODUCT REVIEWS
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Note: Some of the links to products may earn me a small commission, and they are here because I’ve found them useful. Just remember, if you’re on dopamine agonists, watch out for impulse buying! Stick to gear that truly helps keep you active and feeling your best.