4 Fitness Mistakes to Ditch in 2026, and the Goals We’re Prioritizing Instead

These are our 2026 fitness resolutions.

Key Points

• We’re grabbing Stanley tumblers, Pvolve Booty Bands, Brooks Glycerin Max Shoesand more gear to help achieve our fitness resolutions.
• Our goals are to drink more water, move more, prioritize strength training and stock our kitchen with healthy gear.
• Our picks start at $18.

We’re always jazzed about health. A broad term, healthy looks different for everyone. Each of us has individual goals, and this time of year makes those especially apparent. A new year can signify a fresh start, providing motivation and determination to get things done.

For us, fitness is at the top of the list. Getting exercise and eating well (pun intended) are both connected to create one whole lifestyle. I know we’re not alone—meeting those resolutions can be hard. That’s why we’re opening up and sharing the tips and tricks we’re using to accomplish our goals, whether a Stanley tumbler that actually gets us to drink more water or a pair of Reebok shoes specifically for strength training. This is what we’re using to build strength in 2026, and what we’re avoiding.

Best Products for Our Fitness Goals Overall

• Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw$40
• Pvolve Booty Bands Set$32
• Brooks Glycerin Max Shoe$150 (was $200)
• Calphalon Premier Brushed 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set$180
• PrepWorks Berry Keeper$17

Don’t: Overlook Hydration

Do: Find Ways to Make Drinking Water Easier

Staying hydrated helps with so many body and brain functions, and it’s equally as important for nutrition as it is for fitness. In a fitness capacity, not drinking enough water can lead to lower energy levels, a slower metabolism, weaker workouts and even unwanted weight gain. Women should drink around 91 ounces per day, while men should drink 125 ounces per day. If you’re exercising, make sure you stay hydrated, since it helps boost performance and aid muscle recovery. Even as a team of dietitians and health-conscious people, we can, of course, struggle with water intake.

Our tips and tricks to drink more water this year? Get a water bottle that makes it easy to take water with you everywhere for easy sipping. It also helps you keep track of how much water you are drinking. Editorial Director Carolyn Malcoun plans to buy a second Stanley tumbler because she loves how much it helps her hydrate, and always wants to have one on hand while the other is being cleaned. My dietitian loves a measurement-marked bottle like this Sierozur because it makes it easy to set an alarm for tracking and to visualize your goal.

You can also add flavorful electrolytes, like the Lmnt zero-sugar ones Senior Editor Brierley Horton, M.S., RD swears by, or make some fun flavor ice cubes or flavor boosters in the Dinner Cubes molds.

• Team Favorite: Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle$35
• Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw$40
• Dietitian Hack: Sierozur 64-Ounce Glass Water Bottle with Time Markers$30
• Lmnt Zero Sugar Electrolytes, Orange Salt$45
• Make Fun Ice Cubes: Souper Cubes 2-Tablespoon Silicone Freezer Molds$35

Don’t: Skip Your Steps

Do: Find the Right Gear to Encourage Movement

All of us are trying to walk more, and while dedication is a key element to actually meet those goals, having handy gear to encourage more walking is helpful. Walking’s benefits far outweigh the output too, if you ask me: It can improve blood sugar, aid heart health, promote weight loss, boost mood and extend your lifespan.

For this, we’re ensuring our feet are supported with the right shoes. At the end of the day, that’s the main item that matters—you can wear whatever clothes and accessories you want, but a bad pair of shoes can ruin a walk instantly. If you want something with cushion, many of us love the Brooks Ghost Max and the Brooks Glycerin Max shoes. For more support, the Adrenaline GTS line from Brooks is a model we’ve relied on for foot pain. Another tip, Penelope Wall, assistant general manager, recommends is to simply walk your dog all year round. She loves the Canada Pooch products, namely these winter bootsto protect her dog’s feet from ice, water and salt. Additionally, Malcoun mentioned that she swears by a 12-month life planner to work time into her busy schedule for both walks and meal planning.

• Tried-and-Tested: Brooks Ghost Max 2$121 (was $150)
• Take Your Dog Walks All Year Round: Canada Pooch Dog Winter Boots$60
• Brooks Glycerin Max Shoe$150 (was $200)
• Plan Out Movement and Meals: Erin Condren 2026 Life Planner$48 (was $63)
• Good for Foot Pain: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Shoe$100 (was $140)
• My Walking Essential: Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds$299

Don’t: Skip Strength Training

Do: Push Yourself to Try Something New

So you’ve got your steps in, drank your water and secured your meal plan—but what about your strength training? Building muscle is a long-game fitness ritual, meaning you’ll be glad you’ve done it 20, 30 and 40 years from now.  It aids with mobility, reduces injury risk, helps with blood sugar and metabolism and leads to stronger bones—all of which are key for retaining resilience as you age. To support my strength training journey, I’m prioritizing protein with our favorite protein powder, along with whole foods. My colleague Malcoun is investing in more Pvolve tools, like the brand’s booty bands. And Horton’s goals this year are to do an unassisted pull-up and to bench press her body weight. To help, she’s investing in Con-Cret creatine for muscle growth, hand grips for her pull-ups and her favorite strength-training sneakers from Reebok.

• Editor-Loved Creatine: Con-Cret Creatine HCl Powder$25 (was $30)
• For Training: Reebok Nano X5 Sneakers$96 (was $140)
• Klean Athlete Klean Isolate Protein$60
• Pull-Up Essential: Picsil Condor Grips$43 (was $48)
• Pvolve Booty Bands Set$32
• Pvolve P.Band Exercise Resistance Band$44

Don’t: Forget to Make Balanced Choices in the Kitchen

Do: Equip Your Space with Healthy, Handy Gear to Make Cooking Easier

We preach it daily, but what you eat plays a direct role in your fitness routine. While everyone’s perfect diet is different, we know that building balanced meals in your own kitchen can go a long way toward a fitness journey.

I am stocking up my produce container collection in an effort to keep more fruits and vegetables on hand for longer, whether with these Rubbermaid containers or a Prepworks berry keeper for storing blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. This extends to our prep tools, too—no more plastic cutting boards for me. Instead, I’m stocking my collection with wooden alternatives. This Totally Bamboo set is a tested favorite of ours and comes with three boards for just $20. We also gathered a couple of great cookware staples, like our favorite non-toxic stainless steel cookware set from Calphalon and a Lodge cast-iron pan that will last for decades.

• Keep a Variety of Produce Fresh: Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver Set$30
• Great for Leafy Greens: OXO Good Grips 8-Cup Smart Seal Airtight Glass Rectangle Container$20
• Totally Bamboo 3-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set$20
• Berries Stay Fresh for Twice as Long: PrepWorks Berry Keeper$17
• Best Stainless Steel Cookware: Calphalon Premier Brushed 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set$180
• Lodge 12-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet with Hot Handle Holder$35
• One-Pan Dinners: USA Pan Bakeware Nonstick Extra-Large Baking Sheet$28
• OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Utensil Set$20

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