Best Fitness Products May 2015
Brighten Up and Get Outside With Our May Must Haves
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
Warmer temperatures have finally arrived all over the country, making it the best time to transition your workout routine to the outdoors so you can start enjoying the sunshine! We're kicking off our Better-Body Challenge to get you strong, toned, and lean in just 31 days, while gearing up with new, fresh goods to make this month our healthiest yet. Check out all the new fitness and healthy-living products we're excited about this May.
Otterbox Resurgence Power Case
If you prefer using the GPS in your iPhone to track your long runs or rides but hate that it completely drains your battery, you're going to love this sleek Otterbox Resurgence Power Case ($100) as much as I do. It more than doubles your battery capacity! All you need to do is plug in the USB cable, and it'll charge your phone first and then the case's battery. If you want to know how much battery life you have left, just tap the button on the back and each light section represents 25 percent of case power. And because it's an Otterbox, your phone is protected against bumps and drops.
— Jenny Sugar, contributing editor
Ready Set Short by Athleta
When I'm doing a WOD or out searching for a runner's high, the last thing I want is to be bothered by barely there shorts that ride up with every rep or step. The Athleta Ready Set Short ($49) has me covered — literally. With a more "generous" fit, four-inch inseam, and built-in liner, I never feel overexposed, even if I'm doing squats, handstand push-ups, or deadlifts. The buttery-soft performance fabric is stretchy and comfy and will also keep you cool — no matter how much you sweat. I also like the slimming waistband with drawstring and zippered back pocket.
— Julie Upton, guest contributor
Nike Free Training Shoes
My current shoe obsession is the latest iteration of the Nike Free training shoes — looking at the design up close, it's almost as if they were made by Missoni. Beyond being stylish, the Nike Free TR 5 Flyknit ($130) is a solid workout shoe. I've worn these to strength-training classes and dance cardio workouts and even performed running drills in them. For each and every workout, I felt supported, but with enough freedom and flexibility to feel connected to the natural movement of my feet. They are also lightweight, making it a perfect shoe to throw in my office bag when I have an evening workout planned.
— Michele Foley, senior editor
Splits 59 Capris
From the very first time I slipped on these Nova Circuit Performance Capris ($108) from Splits 59, I knew I had found a new staple in my Spring workout wardrobe. Trendy mesh panels and gorgeous blue hue aside, these pants stay dry, and I get really, really sweaty when I work out. I've rocked them in Orangetheory Fitness, SoulCycle, a strength-training workout with Holly Perkins, and a four-mile run; every time, I can't believe how comfortable, flattering, and breathable the material is and just how dry they stay when the rest of me is dripping with sweat. As soon as I take them off, they go straight into the wash, so I can rock them ASAP.
— Lizzie Fuhr, associate editor
Bern Melrose Helmet
When I first started city biking a few years ago, it took just one near fall after getting my tires caught in cable-car tracks to convince me to be a diligent helmet-wearing cyclist. None have exactly been flattering headwear, but some have done a better job than others at not making me look like a bobble head. The Melrose helmet ($90), one of Bern's two new bike helmets specifically designed for women, is one of them. The Melrose and the Prescott (made for mountain bikers) both have a slimmer design and are lighter than their unisex counterparts and also are cut higher in the back to accommodate a ponytail. I'll be sporting this helmet all throughout National Bike Month (this month!) and beyond.
— Leta Shy, editor
Rollerblade Inline Skates
It's so beneficial to add variety and different modes of exercise, since performing the same type of exercise every day can lead to overuse injuries or plateau. Recently, I've been mixing things up by rollerblading. It offers a similar cardio experience to running but with the addition of lateral movement training you don't get with running and less impact on the joints. I rollerblade using the Rollerblade Macroblade 100 Inline Skates ($350) once a week for a lighter cardio day to strengthen my legs and feel like a speed demon.
I love these rollerblades because they offer a ton of support around the foot and calf; it's like stepping into a new pair of running shoes with extra cushion. The wheels offer a smooth ride and don't allow you to feel every pebble in the road — great for anyone who is blading on the side streets!
— Anna Renderer, fitness host
Nourish Snacks
It was during a recent flight to Los Angeles that I discovered the joy of Nourish Snacks ($10 for a five-pack). I was feeling hungry and needed a little something to hold me over until dinner — the "Menage-a-Mix" of crunchy corn, BBQ chickpeas, and roasted edamame did the trick. Since then, I've tried several other flavor combinations — all of which are around 150 calories and a good mix of protein and fiber (they're also gluten-free).
— MF
Lululemon Wild Tank
It's that time of year when hot and sweaty yoga classes get even hotter. Since I'm not one to practice in just a sports bra, I love light and airy tanks that feel like I'm wearing hardly anything but keep my belly covered. This Wild Tank ($64) has become my absolute favorite top! It's basically a sports bra with a superthin lightweight tank attached. The bra offers medium support, and the pads included prevent anything from showing (I know you know what I'm talking about!). Aside from the open back and sweat-wicking fabric keeping me cool, I love the sexy, feminine detail of the crisscrossing straps in the back. I'm off to order another one!
— JS
Sklz Cold Roller Ball
My weekly Barry's Bootcamp addiction means I'm nursing sore muscles a lot, so the Sklz Cold Roller Ball ($40) has become a welcome addition on my desk. The ball glides easily over my sorest spots, and it's small and portable, which means I can throw it in my bag to take with me anywhere. Bonus: the roller ball contains an insulating gel that holds a cold temperature for hours, so I can pop it in my freezer, go out for a long run, and come back home for some much-needed recovery that helps my muscles stay loose and keeps injuries at bay.
— LS
