Best Fitness Gear | March 2017
The Must-Have, Newest, Freshest Fitness Gear For March
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.
This month, we're welcoming Spring with open arms but staying cozy while we do. We're gearing up with fun leggings and long-sleeved shirts to layer up during our workouts, then taking in our outdoor runs that celebrate the season. Check out our must haves for March!
Nike Zonal Strength Tights
"I have a lot of workout leggings. Most are really great, but outside of how they look, there isn't much separating the brands I love. Simply put, it's been a long time since I've put on a pair of workout leggings and felt excited. That all changed when I got a pair of Nike Zonal Strength Tights ($150) from Bandier.
I was immediately struck at how good they felt when I put them on. The cut is extremely flattering, the leggings offer the perfect amount of compression in all the right places, and the stretch and flat seams helped me get through a strength-training session without ever being distracted by what I am wearing. It sounds a little silly, but I always feel like a total badass working out in these, and that extra boost of confidence pushes me go harder in my workouts." — Michele Foley, director, Fitness
Manduka X Mat
"I literally got this today, and I'm already freaking out. Manduka is an editor favorite at POPSUGAR (all four of the Fitness editors here have one!), and this addition to its lineup is a great option for nonyoga workouts. Think: outside in the park, in your living room on hardwood floors, at your friend's apartment . . . possibilities are endless. Here's what makes the Manduka X ($58) different from a regular ol' yoga mat: 1. Super cushioned, which is great for shock-absorption joint protection. 2. A grippier, rougher surface (still soft to the touch) that keeps you from slipping and also allows you to wear your sneakers on it without messing up your beloved mat. It's also less expensive than your average Manduka mat, has more hygienic construction, and plays double duty for an excellent nonslip hot-yoga mat. I know, I'm excited too." — Dominique Astorino, assistant editor, Fitness
Nomva Kale Yeah Probiotic Super Smoothie
"I've always loved smoothies more than juice and was so excited to discover Nomva, the perfect on-the-go smoothie that comes in a very mobile pouch. My favorite flavor is Kale Yeah! ($58 for 2-week pack), which contains probiotics to improve digestion and four grams of filing fiber. It is a delicious way to nourish your body during a busy day." — Genevieve Farrell, producer, Fitness and Healthy Living
Thistle Meal Delivery
"Meal prepping is not easy, at least not for me. Between the shopping, prepping, cooking, and packing, it can often take up an entire afternoon. As someone who loves to relax on the weekend, it's not a great way to spend a Sunday. That's why I am so thankful that I found Thistle (prices vary depending on plan). It's a meal delivery service that offers healthy, plant-focused options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and even dessert.
What I love about Thistle besides the healthy and tasty meals (duh!) is that you can customize your orders. Only want breakfast delivered? No problem! All lunches? Done! Four breakfasts and two lunches? Also OK. While it's more expensive than meal prepping, the price per meal is much cheaper than takeout (which really is what I do for most lunches at work). Some of my favorite meals have included a pumpkin chia seed breakfast pudding, citrus arugula salad with tahini-marinated chicken, and a sweet potato chickpea bowl. There's a new menu to choose from each week, and you can choose a three-, four-, or five-day delivery plan." — MF
New Balance For J.Crew In-Transit Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
"This is the transitional piece my Spring wardrobe needs. Well, my everyday wardrobe needs it because San Francisco weather is eternally brisk. I've been wearing this New Balance for J.Crew Tee ($65) as my tank top or sports bra cover-up when I go to and from classes, and it's unbelievably soft and flattering. Plus that perfect pastel blush color — come on." — DA
The Nue Co Glowing Skin Food
"I'm not usually one for supplements, but adding The Nue Co's Glowing Skin Food ($75) to my morning routine has been so easy. It doesn't taste chemical because it's made with natural ingredients like lucuma, baobab, camu camu, and brown rice protein, and I've already noticed a difference in my skin. I mix it in with warm almond milk and honey, so my complexion, guts, and my taste buds all reap the benefits." — Brinton Parker, assistant editor, Trending and Viral Features
Bogs Crandall Tall Boots
"March brings with it some unpredictable weather, especially where I live in Vermont. These Bogs Crandall Tall Boots ($140) have been perfect for everything nature throws at me. Whether there's snow, rain, or mud, these waterproof boots are insulated to keep me warm in negative-degree weather and tall enough to keep me dry and protected. My favorite part is the soft and fuzzy interior and the fact that they can slip on so easily. I have them in black, but they also come in brown." — Jenny Sugar, editor, Fitness
AES Beauty Skincare
"When it came to my post-workout shower routine, I didn't really have one. I worked out and showered using whatever products were at the studio or gym I was visiting. It was around this same time that I started breaking out a lot. Convinced my breakouts were directly related to my sweat, I started washing my face before my workouts, again with whatever product was at the studio. My skin only got worse.
Today I owe my acne-free face to skin guru Kimmy Pigliucci and her AES Beauty Skincare line (prices start at $18). Kimmy taught me that sweat wasn't the cause of my breakouts; it was all the random products I was using and the inflammatory ingredients they were made from. Kimmy's line is made from safe anti-inflammatory ingredients that don't aggravate the face. I never shower at the gym now unless I have the AES toolkit with me and am proud to say my skin is totally clear!" — MF
Harmless Harvest Coconut Probiotics
"Harmless Harvest has laid claim to a section in my refrigerator — it's my favorite 'splurge treat' when I'm at Whole Foods, and I recently discovered the brand has small cases at Costco (game over, amirite?). When I found out they were releasing probiotic drinks ($5), I totally lost it (I'm a major probiotics consumer and possibly evangelist). These drinks are thicker but not too thick and feel substantial (like a smoothie) while still being refreshing. And the flavors are delicious — mango acerola, blueberry acai, strawberries, and original (which is probably my favorite)." — DA
Freaky Health Chocolate's Immunity Bar
"My nightly ritual consists of sneaking in one last bite (or two!) of dark chocolate before brushing my teeth and going to bed. But I recently started indulging myself with Freaky Health Chocolate's Immunity Bar ($8), which is a healthier alternative to your average chocolate bar. The bar consists of 79 percent cocoa and is slightly sweetened with crushed mulberries. It's also packed with tons of adaptogenic goodness like reishi to combat fatigue, ashwagandha to help reduce stress, and chaga to boost your immune system and normalize blood pressure." — Victor Verdugo, editorial assistant, Social Media
Adidas UltraBoost X Running Shoes
"To say I am obsessed with the entire Adidas Boost line is a huge understatement. Last month, Adidas debuted the UltraBoost X Running Shoe ($180), and I kind of lost it — the design is a perfect marriage of my two favorite Boost running shoes: UltraBoost and PureBoost X. It's almost as if someone working at the Germany headquarters knew exactly what I wanted. Shout out to whoever you are, Adidas mind reader!
The fit seems tailor-made for my feet, and the aesthetic is so spot-on that I can't help but wear them everywhere. Bonus: after taking a yearlong running hiatus, I took these out for a few short runs and suffered absolutely zero pain or discomfort." — MF
Zarbee's Elderberry Gummy Immune Support
"Big fan of gummies, big fan of elderberry, even bigger fan of not getting sick. These sweet chews from Zarbee's ($17) are so delicious, I actually have to stop myself from eating more than the recommended daily dose. The combo of vitamin C and antioxidants from the elderberry will help keep you feeling healthy through cold and flu season, and you won't even feel like you're taking vitamins because they're seriously so good." — DA
TRX Duo
"If you're familiar with the TRX, you'll love the new TRX Duo Trainer ($200). It features two separate straps you can attach to a bar or ceiling anchors so you can do a wide variety of strength-training moves including pull-ups, dips, muscle ups, lower body work, and core-strengthening exercises. The wooden handles allow for more stability, and the best part is that having this hanging up at home inspires me to do some pull-up practice whenever I see it. I can do three pull-ups now! A few months ago I couldn't even do one!" — JS
K'ul Superfood Dark Chocolate Endurance Bar
"I have a major sweet tooth and am always on the lookout for healthier ways to satisfy it. I'm currently obsessed with K'ul Superfood Dark Chocolate Bar Endurance Flavor ($25 for pack of 8.) This bar is 70 percent dark chocolate and contains a delicious combination of pumpkin seeds and cranberries, not to mention eight grams of protein." — GF
Dagne Dover Backpack
"While I have a very minimal aesthetic, I have to admit that my schedule isn't very minimal. Between workouts, work, and commutes, it's important that I can carry all my essentials in a convenient way without sacrificing my personal style. Not being a big fan of bulky gym bags, I was super excited to discover this Dagne Dover backpack ($175). The lightweight neoprene material makes it easy to carry around all day, while the equally distributed compartments allow me to pack an extra pair gym clothes, barre socks, and my laptop in a bag that I can easily just grab and go." — VV
Beats by Dre BeatsX Headphones
"I've been wearing the Powerbeats for years on my runs, but I have finally converted to a new wireless headphone: the Beats by Dre BeatsX ($149). I totally thought they'd fall out of my ears, but thanks to the adjustable rubber tips for the earbud, you can customize the fit, making them super secure with no wraparound feature. The sound quality is incredible, the battery life is great, and my favorite part is that you can charge these with your iPhone charger — no extra dongle or attachment necessary." — DA
EBD Blue Digital Screen Protection Glasses
"I have a serious love for keeping my body strong and fit as you may know from our multiple sweat sessions together on POPSUGAR Fitness. What you might not know is that off set, I take really good care of my eyes by wearing EBD Blue Digital Screen Protection Glasses ($30-90). The lenses protect your eyes against blue-violet light emitted by digital screens which is where many of us spend hours each day on the computer or phone. Not only are these glasses from scratch resistant, UV protective, and anti-reflective but you can easily pick your size, shape, rim, or color to fit your own style. Now that was my second biggest concern, let's be honest! I chose the popular Notting Hill style, and the glasses are are super light, I hardly notice them. Protect those eye, my friends, so you can keep strengthening your mind as well as your muscles!" — Anna Renderer, host, POPSUGAR Fitness
