Shape Editors Swear by This Lifting Gear in 2025 — Here’s Why It Works

“These leggings are a game-changer for my workouts. The waistband stays put, no matter how deep I’m squatting, and the seamless design is super comfy. The camo pattern gives me an extra boost of motivation while I’m working out, but the leggings also come in other cute colors and styles. I love that the leggings don’t show sweat and gently compress to accentuate my silhouette.” —Isabella B., NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and Shape Associate Editorial Director

“Out of the 15 pairs of shorts in my drawer, these are the very clear winners (yes, that includes Gymshark, lululemon, and Dfyne). They sculpt my glutes and compress my waist better than any other brand; they’re wildly comfortable and breathable; they look as good as new after dozens of washes; and they’re completely opaque, so there’s no stress when I squat.” —Loren B., ISSA CPT, certified personal trainer and Shape product tester

“If you like the baggy sweatpants look when you lift, these sweatpants are everything. They’re baggy in all the right places (like your glutes, so you have plenty of room to deadlift and squat), incredibly soft, and stand the test of time through multiple washes. Plus, they look super cute with a sports bra or crop top. They’re also perfect for girls who prefer to show less skin in the gym. I own four pairs and I love them all so much!” —Loren B., ISSA CPT, certified personal trainer and Shape product tester

“This sports bra is perfect for the small to medium chested girls. It keeps me locked in, it’s just as soft as any lululemon sports bra I’ve ever owned, and it’s super breathable. It also holds up well in the wash. I have it in white and it still looks brand new after a year of going through the wash.” —Loren B., ISSA CPT, certified personal trainer and Shape product tester

“This jacket looks good with everything — leggings, shorts, baggy sweatpants, you name it! It keeps me warm in my air-conditioned gym, but it’s still super breathable and sweat-wicking, so I don’t get overheated during my sessions. Most reviews say it runs small, so I ordered up, but the sleeves were still too long. Then I ordered my correct size, and it gave the perfect level of compression that made me feel snatched. I ended up buying two more in different colors. I love it so much!” —Loren B., ISSA CPT, certified personal trainer and Shape product tester

“I recently purchased these socks because the pairs I used to wear for weight lifting were always slipping down and bunching up. These are the perfect length, and I never have to stop and adjust them when lifting, which is hard to find in a pair of socks. I also love that they’re budget-friendly and come in a pack of four pairs.” —Isabella B., NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and Shape Associate Editorial Director

“I’ve been using these gloves for years to enhance my grip and keep my hands (relatively) callus-free while weightlifting. I really like the half-glove design because it allows me to fully wrap my fingers around a barbell or dumbbell while reducing the friction on the inside of my fingers and palms. I love that the silicone padding keeps my hands comfortable as I grasp the weights and keeps them from shifting when I’m doing deadlifts, pull-ups, or other high-intensity moves.” —Isabella B., NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and Shape Associate Editorial Director

“The ZELUS weighted vest is great for leveling up bodyweight strength training workouts. It fits comfortably over a t-shirt and doesn’t shift around when you’re moving, which makes it easy to (almost) forget you’re even wearing it. The weight is just enough to make exercises more effective without being overwhelming. It’s a simple way to add a little extra challenge to your routine.”  —Donna F., Shape product tester

“I bought these when I had absolutely no idea how to use weightlifting straps, and they were so easy to learn with because there’s no setup process (others require you to feed the strap through a hole, which I found confusing). They work so well for deadlifts, lunges, and even pull-ups when you want to take your arm strength out of the equation and target bigger muscles like your legs and back. They don’t dig into my wrists, they help me feel strong and secure, and they last the test of time. I’ve had mine for five years, and they look pretty beat up by now, but they still get the job done. Also, they’re cheap!”  —Loren B., ISSA CPT, certified personal trainer and Shape product tester

“I really like The Beam because it’s super intuitive — there’s no learning curve, so it’s perfect for beginners to strength training. You can easily target different muscle groups without needing a complicated routine or gym setup. The grip is solid and secure, and the design is actually cute enough to leave out. It’s a simple, effective tool that just works. And you can use it right from your bedroom.”  —Donna F., Shape product tester

“Ok, hear me out — yes, you may feel a little silly filming yourself in the gym at first, but for beginners it’s pretty crucial. If you want to avoid hurting yourself as you progress, you need to see your form, and most of the time, the mirror is either distracting or won’t let you see proper angles of your spine. This tripod is discreet, easy to open and close, and lightweight yet durable. It’ll fit in any gym bag, and the setup process is fast, so you can pop in your phone, hit record, and slip it back into your bag without fumbling around.” —Loren B., ISSA CPT, certified personal trainer and Shape product tester