Black Friday is the peak season for fitness hype. Every brand claims their gadget will “fix your pain,” “level up your performance,” or “replace a whole gym.” Most of it isn’t worth your time—or money.
Here’s a simple, trustworthy guide to what’s actually valuable and what you can skip.
Worth Buying 💯
1. Resistance Bands 🎯
A heavy and light set covers warm-ups, mobility, strength work, and rehab. Versatile, durable, and used constantly.
2. Quality Training Shoes 🥾➡️🏋️
A stable shoe helps you lift better, move better, and reduce unnecessary stress to your joints. If you’re still training in old running shoes, this is the biggest upgrade you can make.
3. A Solid Foam Roller or Mobility Tool 🧘♂️
Skip the vibrating, flashy stuff. A dense roller or a firm lacrosse-style ball is all you need for recovery and tissue prep.
4. A Kettlebell or Pair of Dumbbells 💪
For home setups, one heavy kettlebell or a small set of dumbbells opens the door to swings, hinges, presses, carries, and conditioning work. High value, low space.
5. A Reliable Heart-Rate Monitor ❤️📊
Whether you’re a runner, HYROX athlete, or combat athlete, pacing correctly is a game-changer. A good monitor improves training quality and recovery awareness.
Not Worth Buying 🚫
• Cheap massage guns – weak amplitude, poor battery, usually break.
• “Core” gadgets and balance toys – look cool, do very little.
• Cheap cardio machines/sleds – low durability, poor mechanics.
• “Instant activation” recovery tools – good branding, bad science.
• Anything designed to replace strength training – nothing does.
How to Tell if Something Is Actually Worth It 🤔
Ask yourself:
• Will I use this weekly?
• Does it improve my training, recovery, or consistency?
• Is it the simplest tool that actually solves the problem?
If not, it’s probably hype.
Want my opinion on something before you buy? 👀
Send me a link or a screenshot. I’m happy to review it and give you a straight answer
Slight Edge Physical Therapy LLC 