Recommended Tools
The Tools I Actually Use
Everything on this page is something I use myself. No trendy gadgets I tried once, no products I have never touched. This is what is actually in my kitchen, my gym bag, and my bathroom cabinet.
Curated by Brenda Chabot — M.Ed., Certified Nutrition Coach, ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, Menopause Coaching Specialist
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you buy through a link on this page, Thrive+40 may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use and like.
Daily Nutrition & Supplements
If you have read the High-Protein Handbook, you know that protein, hydration, and a few well-chosen supplements do most of the heavy lifting after 40. Here is my daily lineup.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
The gold standard for a reason. 24g of protein per scoop, mixes into anything. I linked the strawberry, but you can pick any flavor from the same page.
FITCRUNCH Protein Bars (Chocolate Peanut Butter)
My grab-and-go option for busy days. Tastes like a candy bar, works like a protein bar.
3-in-1 Protein Gummies
A fun way to sneak in a little extra on busy days. These do not replace your protein scoop or your full creatine dose, but I genuinely enjoy them as part of my routine.
Pure Encapsulations Creatine Monohydrate
If I could only recommend one supplement to women over 40, this is it. One of the most researched supplements in existence for strength and muscle retention. 5g a day, that is it. Practitioner-grade brand.
AG1 Starter Kit
My daily greens. One scoop covers a lot of nutritional bases, and the starter kit comes with the canister and shaker.
Thorne FiberMend
Fiber is the most overlooked piece of a high-protein diet. This one dissolves clean with no grit and no flavor.
TruLabs Hydrate Electrolytes
I train hard and sweat plenty. These packets go straight into my water bottle before workouts.
📘 Want the full plan? The High-Protein Handbook ($27) gives you the exact protein targets, food lists, and 40+ recipes to hit your goal every single day.
Hydration
Owala FreeSip 32 oz Water Bottle
The bottle that goes everywhere with me. The FreeSip lid lets you sip or swig, it does not leak in your bag, and it keeps water cold all day. Drop a TruLabs packet in before your workout.
What I Train In
I am at Burn Boot Camp most mornings (and plenty of afternoons). This is what I actually wear and use.
Flux Footwear Trainers
My training shoes. Lightweight, flexible, and they hold up to daily workouts. I have the white and the pink, so I linked both.
Gym People High-Waist Leggings with Pockets
One of the best-selling leggings on Amazon and worth the hype. Thick fabric, real pockets, stays put through burpees.
Gym People Ice Silk Sleeveless Top
Quick-dry and light. My go-to top for sweaty sessions.
Nikuja Criss-Cross Padded Sports Bra
Supportive without being a wrestling match to get on. The strappy back is a bonus.
Suaskk Cushioned Athletic Socks
Unglamorous and essential. Cushioned where it counts.
💪 Not sure what to do at the gym or at home? Strong After 40 ($37) is the complete strength program built for women in midlife.
Home Gym Essentials
You do not need a garage full of equipment. These four items cover almost everything in Strong After 40.
Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Set
Color-coded, easy to grip, and perfect for getting started with strength work at home.
Henkelion Adjustable Weighted Vest
The easiest strength upgrade there is. Wear it on walks or during bodyweight workouts. Weighted walking is one of the best things you can do for bone density after 40.
Walking Pad Treadmill
My answer to Texas summers and busy days. Steps happen while emails happen. Pair it with the weighted vest and you have a legitimate workout without leaving the house.
Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat
Your knees and spine will thank you on floor work. Extra thick is the way to go.
Recovery & Sleep
After 40, recovery is not optional. It is where the results actually happen. Training breaks you down; sleep and recovery build you back up.
Tone Fitness Foam Roller
I use this constantly. Five minutes on your quads and upper back after training does more than most expensive recovery gadgets.
TOLOCO Percussion Massage Gun
For the stubborn spots the roller cannot reach. One of the best-reviewed massage guns at its price.
BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough
My nighttime staple. Multiple forms of magnesium in one capsule, including glycinate for sleep support. As with any supplement, check with your doctor first.
Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Sleep quality drives everything: hormones, appetite, recovery, mood. A good pillow is the cheapest sleep upgrade there is.
Tracking
Oura Ring
I am a big believer in watching trends, not obsessing over daily numbers. The Oura tracks sleep, recovery, and activity without a screen on your wrist, and it is the tracker I recommend most for women who want to understand their sleep and recovery patterns.
Skin & Self-Care
Wellness after 40 does not stop at the gym. Here is my actual skincare routine, in the order I use it.
Medicube Red Toner Pads
Step one. Gentle exfoliation with niacinamide. One swipe and done.
Collagen Face Moisturizer
Step three. Seals everything in. Simple, rich, effective.
Ready for the full roadmap?
The tools help, but the plan is what changes everything. Get both Thrive+40 guides together and save.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on personal experience and professional judgment; individual results vary. This content is educational and is not medical advice. Consult your physician before beginning any supplement or exercise program.