We all need a little more motivation to hit the gym, and sometimes, fun accessories and gadgets might help give us a little extra oomph. I’ve organized my top 10 favorite workout accessories that keep me going, especially after reaching that always-annoying burnt-out point.

1. Polar FT4 watch

This is probably my favorite, favorite accessory to my workouts. I bought it for about $62.99 at Best Buy, and it was worth every penny. After purchase, you program your age, weight, height and gender so that the watch can accurately monitor your heart rate and calculate the amount of calories you burn after a workout.

2. Good headphones and armband for iPod

Some people go all out and buy the popular — and expensive — Beats or Bose headphones, but I get by with the factory iPhone headphones just fine. But more importantly, have an armband to carefully place your iPod or other music-playing device in a safe location while on the treadmill or going HAM on the weights.

3. Upbeat workout playlist

A good workout isn’t complete without a good playlist. Make a playlist before your next gym visit, give it a fun title — like “work it girl” or “you got this” — and you’ll be pumped for the weights. Try a little Jessie J, Lady Gaga, Eminem and Fall Out Boy. Or Google “workout playlists” to get some ideas.

4. Towel

Let the sweat begin. If you don’t need a towel during your workout, you’re doing something wrong. And if you go to the gym, don’t mix the sweat towels with the cleaning towels that wipe down machines. That’s gross. I mean, you’re wiping your face with it, and unless you want athlete’s foot or some other infection on your face, use a good, clean towel.

5. Insulated water bottle

The towel premise also applies here. You absolutely need to bring some water with you to the gym. I prefer Camelback, and insulated ones are great in the heat. Find the ones that are tall and thin so it will fit in the side of a backpack. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

6. Weight lifting gloves

Unless you want to get blisters on your hands, get some weight lifting gloves. Now, you don’t need this if you don’t plan on lifting weights, otherwise you’ll look like a fool on the elliptical. But really, serious weight lifters need a pair of these bad boys. Plus they come in fun colors, like pink.

7. Workout “tip jar”

Here’s a technique I just started using, but have always seen on Pinterest. Every time you work out, put a dollar in a jar. Once the jar reaches $20 or $30, treat yourself. But don’t go buy $20 worth of Oreos, but instead go buy a new workout outfit. I’m always excited to work out if I have new clothes to wear at the gym.

8. Yoga mat

Good yoga mats are worth the money. You’ll need one to do bodyweight exercises, such as sit-ups, planks and push-ups. And maybe one day you’ll try yoga — which is a wonderful idea on your days off or after a big weight lifting session — and lookie there, you already have a yoga mat.

9. Protein snacks

This is a good idea if you hit the gym on the way to work or class. Put a protein bar, some low-fat Greek yogurt or a handful of almonds in your gym bag or purse to snack on after a workout. Having protein after a workout — and probiotics found in Greek yogurt — is important for muscle recovery and growth. If you’re really serious, try protein shakes or smoothies.

10. Calorie counting app

This is a great idea if you’re just starting out and need to monitor your caloric intake. I’ve tried the MyFitnessPal app, which is free on the Android and Apple app stores. You search for foods in the app’s database, and it tallies up the amount of calories you’ve consumed for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. The drawback, though, is if you cook your own food. It’s not practical to enter in all the ingredients you used to put together a meal. But, like I said, it’s a good starter.