This article is part of CNN Underscored’s The Reset, an editorial package featuring all our articles aimed at giving you the information and product recommendations to help achieve any and all New Year’s resolutions.
From getting your steps in to making sure you get enough sleep, your health and wellness habits are important, but so is saving money and investing in products that will actually make a difference in your routines. So that’s why the team at CNN Underscored is always on the lookout for the best gadgets and gear that can genuinely improve your lifestyle without wasting time or money.
From a grip strength trainer that has helped our writer relieve tendinitis pain to a temperature-controlled mattress cover for a comfy night’s sleep, here’s what our editors use to keep up with their self-care habits and fitness routines.
I didn’t believe the hype until I tried this pillow myself, and I’m now a convert. This pillow is very supportive while offering just the right amount of plush for a comfortable’s night sleep. Testing it side-by-side with another pillow for side sleepers, I also see the difference — when I sleep on this one, there’s noticeably less pressure on my arm and shoulder so I don’t wake up sore in the morning. And instead of overstuffing the pillow and forcing you to take out fill to customize, Coop stuffs it just the right amount and throws in a separate bag of extra fluff instead. Brilliant! — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer
I had really bad elbow tendinitis in both elbows for months, and this little rubber stick completely cured me pretty much instantly. You just follow the instructions and twist it back and forth with both hands … and that’s it. I probably used it for a total of 10 minutes over a couple of days and never needed it again. I went from popping a dozen ibuprofens a day to completely fine almost overnight. In terms of cost:life improvement ratio, no product has come close to this thing. Truly a life-changer. — Alex Rennie, testing writer
My friend works night shifts and finds it really hard to fall asleep afterwards. I gifted these to her and she loved them so much, I bought a pair for myself. I wear them for naps and any time I get a tension headache, or if I simply want to lie down and relax for ten minutes. The heat and vibration modes are so soothing, and you can even connect your phone and listen to music, meditation or a podcast. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor
As a certified personal trainer with a specialization in orthopedic exercise and senior fitness, I can’t remember the last time I programmed a warm-up or a workout without these reliable resistance bands. I sling them around my wrists or just above the knee or ankle for a gentle muscle activation, and I also use them to help my clients reach their hypertrophy goals since they help maximize time under tension. Due to their wider-than-average size, they tend to stay fixed in place without warping longer than their narrower counterparts. For around $3 a pop, they’re a low-investment, high-reward addition to any fitness and mobility routine, no matter your fitness level or life stage. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor
I switched from cheap, bulky drugstore earplugs to the Loop Dreams almost a year ago, and I’ve used them every night since, even when traveling. I love that you can get a custom fit with the different sized tips that are so comfy, I forget I’m wearing them. Unlike the one-sized drugstore versions I used to wear, these ones never fall out because they fit perfectly. Best of all, you can buy replacement tips once yours have worn out (or let’s be honest, are really caked up with earwax). — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor
When I was 38, I got the high heart rate notifications on the Apple Watch Series 8 that would lead to making serious life changes, including getting a prediabetes diagnosis that I beat the following year. So, for anyone looking to keep track of their heart, health and sleep, especially if you’re older, I recommend either the Apple Watch Series 10 or Series 11. I was a hater for ages, didn’t like the idea of notifications on my wrist, but those can be turned off. Start paying attention before you regret missing early signs. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
The Hyperice X 2 Knee is amazing for older runners and walkers with weak knees or knee pain. I struggle with minor knee pain after every run because my knees have always been weak in general, but this hot/cold compression recovery tool helps a lot. It’s actually impressive how it immediately alleviates pain and speeds up recovery. I use this after every run! — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer
Kettlebells are the MVPs of the fitness world (in my humble opinion). You can do so many exercises with them and I try to fit in some exercises even if I have 15 minutes to spare in the morning or evening. Kettlebells can improve core stability, balance and overall fitness as well as help strengthen grip. The handles on this particular set are comfortable to use on your hands. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor
The first time I got a deep cleaning at the dentist, I asked him how I could avoid having to go through this very unpleasant process again. His answer? Invest in a water flosser. That was seven years ago and I’ve thankfully not had to suffer through a deep cleaning since. To be clear, a water flosser should be used in addition to regular flossing — you’ll be surprised by how much food debris regular flossing doesn’t reach. My teeth and gums are much healthier, and at 42 years old, I don’t have a single cavity. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor
My dad’s been on the lookout for a smartwatch that has a fitness tracker, long battery life and looks stylish — and this one from Sunkta fits the bill. A lot of fitness tracking watches have a sporty look, but my dad wanted something that looks more elegant. He loves that the battery lasts five days before having to charge it, especially since he had to charge his old smartwatch every night. He also appreciates that it’s easy to navigate and he can quickly check on his heart rate, blood oxygen level and even stress level. — Stephanie Luna, editorial coordinator
Inspired by the founder’s dad who struggles with intense muscle spasms and plantar fasciitis, the Rally Orbital Massager is the massage gun I’ve always dreamed of, and that’s not an exaggeration. I’ve used three different massage guns in the past, and honestly, none of them were as satisfying to use and effective as this. Its fast orbital action and three different unique attachments work my shoulder knots and sore leg muscles effortlessly and quickly too, providing instantaneous relief. — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer
Anyone who sits for large swaths of the day knows that lower back pain seems like something of an inevitability — but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve been sitting on the ComfiLife seat cushion for eight hours a day, five days a week for going on five years (I work a desk job after all), and it’s made the experience considerably more comfortable by taking pressure off my tailbone and promoting healthier posture. If you have no choice but to be sedentary, whether it’s for work, a commute or long-haul travel, it’s a no-brainer to have this cushion backing you up, literally. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director
I have arthritis and love to run marathons. These two things don’t pair well together. However, these recovery shoes help me post-race when my knees and hips are extra sensitive. The specially made clogs are similar to Crocs, but are constructed with specialty cushions and arch support to ensure your body is supported when you’re recovering (and even when you’re not). They’re also super convenient to wear during errands or while gardening since they’re slip-on and water resistant. — Summer Cartwright, health and fitness editor
As someone who tests products for a living, I’m often asked if anything has changed my life. The Eight Sleep Pod 4 (a smart, temperature-controlled mattress topper) is always the first product that comes to mind. A few months ago, I embarked on a sleep-improvement journey and challenged myself to improve my sleep health and former bad habits. The Eight Sleep was the most impactful product, by far. I learned that I sleep better in a heated environment and was able to track my progress through the handy app, which also helped me discover I’m an early riser. I genuinely look forward to going to sleep now and have cancelled plans to cozy up in my dreamy Eight Sleep Pod. The health stats are incredibly insightful too, from snoring time to heart rate variations. It’s like an Oura Ring, in bed form. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer
These compression boots are expensive, but they are the sole reason I’ve been able to train as a long-distance runner. The boots quickly became part of my recovery routine as I picked up my mileage during marathon training. The air compression therapy helps reduce swelling and soreness so you feel better, faster. They fold back up easily and store under my bed (a huge win for a tiny NYC apartment dweller), and I love that I can adjust the pressure and time duration based on my needs. I’ve had them for three years now with no issues and I plan on using them for all the training blocks to come. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer
It turned out all I needed to make sure I’m drinking enough water throughout the day is having the right water bottle. I love this one from Yeti (it also happens to be our favorite) because it keeps water cold for a whole day, is easy to slip into my tote bag and bring to work and is dishwasher-safe. There’s no annoying straw to clean up and the chug cap ensures I’m not spilling when I take a sip. I love that the stainless steel bottle is designed to last and is super durable. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer
I’ve had a Whoop strap for multiple years now, and it’s been my go-to device for tracking my health. I love its slim profile, because I can wear it 24/7 without ever noticing it. After trying it out, I’ve been a lot more attentive to how certain actions impact my health and it’s even helped me get a lot more sleep. I don’t use all the data, but I think the Whoop is a great way to get quick and easy snapshots of your health so you can tackle each day in the best way possible. I still have the Whoop 4.0, but the 5.0 was recently released and I’m planning to upgrade to get the better battery life soon. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor
I spend way too much time on my phone, and on days when I do, I feel so sluggish and unmotivated. I got the Brick a few weeks ago, and I’m already loving the impact it has had on my life. Whether I need to focus on work or set aside some time to read, locking certain apps on my phone has done wonders for me. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor
I cannot overstate what playing basketball has done for me both physically and mentally. I recently rediscovered my love for the sport after not playing meaningful hoops since junior high, and now I rarely go a few days without putting shots up. My current ball of choice is the Spalding Zi/O Excel, which has a grippy all-surface coating that works just as well when I’m shooting around solo at the park as it does when I bring it to indoor pickup games at the gym. From the Zen-like hours I spend practicing while listening to podcasts to the competitive drive and community I get from playing locally, I can definitively say that playing basketball has significantly improved my adult life. And it all started with finding a good ball. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
I’m unfortunately not the type of person who experiences a rush of endorphins when working out, so wanting to break a sweat is never at the top of my to-do list. Fortunately, I do like video games, and the Ring Fit Adventure has been a game changer when it comes to exercising. This game gets me moving and having fun without it feeling like a chore. I truly don’t think I’d do any cardio without it. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor
While I don’t think the Oura Ring 4 is the best tracker for fitness, it’s a game changer for sleep insights and overall health patterns. I love that it tells me when I should wind down for bed and the ideal time for me to fall asleep. I also appreciate that it lets me know when I have minor symptoms, so I can take it easy and prevent myself from ending up in urgent care. It’s also super handy when it provides insights into any health changes over time, such as HRV patterns or increased recovery time. Not to mention, as someone who stacks their fashion rings and bracelets, this stylish tracker doesn’t ruin my vibe, unlike my previous Apple watch. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor
I’ve been plagued with lower back problems for as long as I can remember, and while hot yoga and monthly trips to the chiropractor help, there are some days when the discomfort or ache keeps me from getting much done. That’s where the Venom 2 comes in. The compression belt provides three levels of heat combined with vibrations that help alleviate pain and reduce the tension in my lower back. I use this a few times a week at the end of the day and always notice I sleep better and feel less stiff the next morning. It’s expensive, but believe me, it is worth every cent. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, we rounded up the health, fitness and wellness items that have changed our overall health for the better.
