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Gear & finds


Helpful things for the gym bag and the kitchen—focused on what to look for, not hard sells. No affiliate links required.

Dumbbells (home or travel)

A pair you can progress with—or adjustable options if space is tight. Start lighter than you think; form first.

What to look for Comfortable grip, stable ends, weight jumps that match your strength (often 2–5 lb increments for upper body).

Lifting shoes or stable sneakers

Flat, supportive soles help you feel grounded under a squat or hinge. You don’t need specialty shoes on day one.

What to look for Firm heel, wide base, little cushion bounce. Cross-trainers often work well for mixed sessions.

Supportive lifting top / bra

Something that stays put so you can focus on the lift—not adjusting straps every set.

What to look for Medium-high support, breathable fabric, no scratchy seams under the arms or band.

Simple interval timer

Phone apps work; a dedicated timer keeps you off notifications mid-set.

What to look for Loud-enough alert, easy rest/work presets, one-button restart between sets.

Protein you actually enjoy

Food first when you can; powder is a convenient backup on busy days—not a personality.

What to look for Taste you’ll drink, ingredients you recognize, ~20g+ protein per serving if using a scoop.

Notebook or notes app

Track weights, how you felt, and prayers/intentions for the session. Progress is easier when it’s written down.

What to look for Whatever you’ll actually use—paper journal or a simple phone note titled “Train With Rhoda.”

Recommendations are general guidance, not sponsorships. Update brands anytime.