If there’s one thing you can count on every January, it’s the influx of new gym members who are determined to get in shape “this time.” Of course, many of those well-intentioned new members will end up quitting before Spring, but those of us that actually stick with it are the ones that understand it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

It’s a hobby and a lifestyle choice and a hobby that’s easier to personalise and engage with if you do it your way in a manner that suits your lifestyle and your needs. A big part of that is ensuring you have the right accessories to help make your fitness journey feel like less of a slog.

Here, we’ll be putting the spotlight on the five accessories we think all new gym bunnies should pop on their wish lists.

Dumbbells and kettlebells

While you’re likely to begin your gym journey going for the cardio machines, eventually you’re going to want to supplement your cardio work with some weightlifting. Now, weightlifting doesn’t need to be deadlifts and lots of sweaty grunting. Kettlebells and dumbbells can be used to give you a full-body workout that combines cardio and body sculpting and can be used both at the gym and at home. A versatile accessory that every gym goer should invest in.

Water bottle

While every sports drink under the sun (we’re looking at you Prime) will tell you that chemicals and electrolytes are key when it comes to proper workout hydration, in truth, there is no proper alternative to cold, filtered water. A decent-sized and secure water bottle full of fresh, filtered tap water should be top of your gym accessories wish list.

Resistance bands

Another affordable and practical accessory that allows you to work out almost anywhere and add an extra level to existing workouts, resistance bands can be used to strengthen muscles just as effectively as conventional weights. Loop resistance bands are the best place to start as they’re light, affordable, and can be used for everything from squats and chest presses to bicep curls and plenty more besides.

FitBit

While the Apple Watch might be the more luxurious and desirable option for those that want to track their heart rates, temperatures and more while they work out, FitBit is a company that produces dozens of comparable options for a fraction of the price. These are also devices developed specifically to be used for fitness, so you’re not paying a premium for a lot of features you’ll never use.

Gym gloves

One of the things so many people heading to the gym for the first time fail to understand is how much damage weightlifting does to your hands if you’re not properly protected. Anyone looking to do weight work should invest in a decent pair of engineered gloves. Not only will the gloves improve grip stability, allowing you to hold onto the weights for longer, but you will come away from the gym feeling less like you’ve been rubbing your palms over cheese graters.