New Year exercise gear: Fitness experts on what you need and what you don't

A woman on a road with the words 'Start 2026' written on the road surface

The experts:

Sally Gunnnell, Olympic 400m hurdles gold medallist and founder of coaching platform Life’s Hurdle
Sarah Campus, personal trainer and founder of LDN Mums Fitness,
Louise Whitting, Team GB triathlete and triathlon coach
Lotty Campbell Bird, yoga, Pilates and barre teacher

New Year, new you? Are you making resolutions or promising yourself you’ll embrace a healthier lifestyle for 2026?

One of the biggest obstacles to getting started with Couch to 5K, yoga or lifting weights is not having the right kit. So we’ve asked the experts exactly what you need to get your health kick started.

Running

Running is the ultimate no-fuss way to get fit. After all, you just pull on your shoes and get out of the door.

But even if you’re starting off gently, you may need new shoes. “Running is a very high-impact sport and old, worn-out running shoes are a major cause of shin splints,” says Louise Whitting (louisewhitting.com), a Team GB triathlete and triathlon coach.

She suggests having your gait analysed before buying new footwear. “Your shoes need to be supportive, comfortable and fit you well. You can expect to spend £100 to £130 on a mid-range pair of trainers,” she says.

Sports bras are a must (“they should be a little bit tight but they shouldn’t chafe”). And while you might like jogging in tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt, specialist clothing can improve comfort and performance.

“I encourage people to experiment with what works for them, but when I run in winter, I wear a long-sleeved top, preferably reflective or brightly coloured, with running leggings and gloves.”

For runners training for longer distances, a GPS sports watch can help track routes and running times. Louise uses a Garmin Forerunner, which she bought on sale.

Because conventional earphones are banned at many races, Louise recommends bone-conducting headphones, like Shokz, which allow runners to hear what’s happening around them.

Swimming

A comfortable swimming costume that provides support and doesn’t chafe is all you need for doing laps at your local pool, says Louise. She also recommends goggles with anti-fog technology.

But if you want to get more serious, particularly if you’re considering a triathlon, then fins, a pull buoy (a float placed between the legs) and swim paddles are useful equipment for drills that will improve your stroke.

Cycling

Enjoy the few hours of winter daylight while whizzing through the streets or countryside on your bike – just ensure you don’t get cold.

Louise advises wearing a long-sleeved base layer (avoid cotton, which absorbs sweat, becoming cold and clammy), topped with a long-sleeved cycling jersey.

A wind- and water-resistant jacket and gloves from a specialist brand such as Castelli will keep you warm and dry. Add thick winter cycling leggings and neoprene shoe covers to protect feet from the elements.

Helmets are essential but don’t need to be expensive. For serious cyclists, a GPS bike computer can help map routes and monitor performance.

Gym classes

So you’re ready to try fitness classes, from circuits and body conditioning to boxercise, but unsure what to wear?

“Leggings and tracksuit bottoms are fine as long as you can move easily,” says personal trainer and founder of LDN Mums Fitness, Sarah Campus (@sarahcampus).

“Old T-shirts are also acceptable,” she says, although she notes that moisture-wicking tops made from polyester will dry faster than cotton.

The right shoes are essential. “Look for general training or cross-trainer shoes designed for mixed gym use, including treadmills, classes and light lifting.”

Women will need a sports bra (“It doesn’t need to be expensive, just supportive”), plus a water bottle, small towel and a lock for the lockers. Headphones and wipes can also be useful.

But forget the protein bars and powders. “For most people, water and a balanced meal after a workout is enough,” she says.

And don’t make her mistake of buying an ab crunch machine. “It’s simply not necessary!”

Padel

It’s been one of the hottest sport trends of 2025, and the popularity of Spanish racquet game padel shows no sign of declining.

But be prepared to spend a little to get started. “You need a padel racket, which typically costs between £50 and £120,” says Sarah, a regular padel player.

Specialist balls also cost around £10 for a pack of three. Trainers should be court-appropriate, rather than running shoes, with good grip and lateral support.

Yoga

Yoga is an ever-popular way for even the most exercise-phobic to stretch, strengthen and improve flexibility and balance.

Lotty Campbell Bird (@collectivefitnessbylotty) a yoga, Pilates and barre teacher, advises buying a mat before starting.

“It will cost around £30 or £40. You want good grip as it enhances your practice, and cheaper mats can be slippery. Look out for one that specifically mentions stability – cork is a great material.” (Lotty’s own Myga cork and rubber mat is £29.99)

A yoga block and strap are also useful props, says Lotty. As for clothes, “you can wear tracksuit bottoms or pyjamas at home,” she says, but if buying leggings, choose pairs without zips, seams or pockets that can dig in. Her go-to is a pair of Lululemon Align leggings and a Sweaty Betty Stamina sports bra for medium support.

Pilates

While you may be able to use your yoga mat to start doing Pilates at home, Pilates mats are “thicker and more cushioned than yoga mats to support your spine,” Lotty says.

She suggests picking up a Pilates ball (£7.99), resistance bands (from £7) and some light weights such as 1kg and 2kg dumbbells. She also recommends weighted Bala bangles, which can be worn on the ankles and wrists.

Grip socks are also useful if you’re trying reformer Pilates. “They give added stability when your feet are pressing into the bed,” she says.

Strength training

A woman in her living room with small dumbbells

Getting stronger doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, says Sally Gunnell, Olympic 400m hurdles gold medallist and founder of coaching platform Life’s Hurdle (lifeshurdle.com)

“Just 10 minutes a day can be enough to begin with: do some squats or assisted press-ups on the sofa,” she says. “You don’t need special clothing, but smooth, flat shoes or going barefoot work best for strength training. With squats and balance work, I often take my shoes off for stability,” says Sally.

She then recommends progressing to light weights. “Buy a set with 2kg, 4kg and 6kg weights,” she says.

If training at home, an online programme can help prevent injury. “Find someone accountable. I still have a coach,” she says. “If I start thinking too much about working out, I can talk myself out of it.”

She suggests investing in your own gym kit. “I like to put nice clothes on as it makes me feel confident going into the gym. I get my kit out the night before so I don’t have to think about it too much. And I take a water bottle, as none of us drink enough.”

So what is her worst fitness buy? “I’ve had some fancy watches in my time but I don’t run in my glasses and I couldn’t even read them!”

New Year exercise gear: fitness experts on what you need and what you don't

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