I have been a gym-goer for almost 20 years, but last year, thanks to Covid, I was unable to attend my neighborhood fitness center, which was a big change. With the entire planet temporarily shut down, I began searching for the best workout equipment to maintain my weight training regimen in my isolated New York apartment.

From adjustable weights to smart shoes and even earbuds, here are five pieces of gym equipment that have become essential to my fitness journey.

I am an unabashed Android fan and have had a Samsung Galaxy phone in my pocket for over a decade. I currently own a Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, which I usually pair with my Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. The earbuds rival Apple's AirPods Plus in terms of sound quality and active noise cancellation. The earbuds stay in my ears during intense cardio and HIIT workouts, making them the ideal technology-centric running companion when it comes to true wireless earbuds.

In my metabolic multiverse, I might as well be naked if I start my workout without music. However, I love being able to control my music from my wrist with the Galaxy Watch 3. This is great for quickly checking notifications from my out-of-reach phone without interrupting the flow of my workout. I also use it to periodically measure my blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and other useful logistics during my workout. (Overall, this digital three-piece set has been the catalyst for my weekly routine, and I am constantly finding new ways that these gadgets augment my lifestyle without creating a cynical tech addiction.

Read my reviews of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus and Samsung Watch 3.

I had the opportunity to try out Under Armour's Flow Velocity Wind Running Shoes earlier this year. Since then, they've become my go-to shoe for interval training in the park; at 8.5 ounces per pair, the featherweights are noticeably lighter than my previous favorite, the Adidas Ultra Boost, and the cushioning system is refreshingly minimal. (Grip is great, too.) But the Flow Velocity Wind has an additional trick up its sleeve, or sole: Under Armour's excellent MapMyRun app pairs directly with the shoe via Bluetooth.

Once synced with your phone, this smart shoe collects your regular workout data (total distance, average speed, calories burned, etc.) with every step, while simultaneously analyzing your stride and coaching you with actionable tips. For example, if my average cadence is too high or too low, my earhole music is temporarily interrupted by verbal commands from the MapMyRun app (e.g., "Pump your arms faster without changing pace"). This is another way to gamify my running routine, making each excursion more dynamic and, needless to say, fun. I'm a fairly large guy, and I've been fine-tuning my running form since high school. I was really surprised at how helpful these tips were as I dashed through Prospect Park.

Bonus: The MapMyRun app is also compatible with Samsung Galaxy 3 watches and Apple watches (in fact, I can leave my phone behind), instantly increasing the synergy between my workout gear.

You may have already noticed that not everyone has room for a full set of dumbbells in their home, and your local gym probably uses a dedicated (meaning big and bulky) rack. My apartment is about 800 square feet, which is about right by New York standards, but the aforementioned racks take up too much space in the living room and bedroom. That's where NordicTrack's Select-A-Weight dumbbell set comes in. Each dumbbell is adjustable from 10 to 55 pounds in 2.5-, 5-, and 10-pound increments, which allows you to swap out weight plates in no time.

But the big perk of these dumbbells has nothing to do with the weights themselves. The purchase comes with a one-year iFit family membership, and NordicTrack has long partnered with iFit, working together to create a unique ecosystem of personal trainers and interconnected gym equipment. As of this writing, iFit's searchable library has at least 200 weight training classes. Whenever I'm lacking workout inspiration, I fire up the iFit app on my smart TV, select a new class, and let the personal trainer do the work.

A bit more affordable at $349, the company's SpeedWeight has a maximum weight of just 12.5 pounds instead of 55 pounds. If you have the pocketbook to spare, I'd recommend buying the Utility Bench as well. (Some of the best dumbbell exercises require a weight bench. Many can be folded flat and stored away when not in use)

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If you have at least 7 feet of clearance to use the Stamina X Power Tower, this will be a great addition to your strength training routine. It's easy to move around your apartment, and it's great as an impromptu coat rack. Push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups, tricep dips, and hanging leg raises are the main exercises. Since purchasing the Stamina X Power Tower last March, it has already paid for itself.

I discovered the joys of the Boss Ball after my first knee surgery and have been a huge fan ever since. It's like a Swiss ball cut in half, with one side soft and bouncy and the other side a flat, hard platform.

Personal trainers and physical therapists have been using these for post-operative athletes for over 20 years. For strengthening the ankles, knees, hips, back, and entire torso, this simple piece of gym equipment is great for plyometric drills, flexibility training, and strengthening those little ligaments that no one ever sees on the beach. (The Bosu ball also doubles as a makeshift meditation cushion.)