Best Fitness Gear For Summer 2016
Editors' Picks: Must-Have Fitness Gear For July
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The beginning of a new month is the perfect time to get motivated and treat yourself with new fitness gear. As July is heating up, we're obsessed with gear that makes outdoor workouts more enjoyable, from running shoes to a bike with the perfect color and more. These are the products you'll want to get your hands on ASAP.
Brio Ice Cream
"Whole milk is having a comeback with recent studies touting the weight-loss benefits of full-fat compared to reduced-fat varieties. So it’s only fitting that nonfat frozen yogurt is on the outs and whole milk ice cream is in. I'm loving Brio Ice Cream, which is made with organic whole milk, no artificial sweeteners, and contains 10 to 40 percent less added sugar than most premium ice creams. Yet it still has a creamy, delicious taste. You can purchase them in 3.6-ounce sizes, the perfect satisfying amount that will prevent you from eating an entire pint-sized container." — Genevieve Farrell, producer, Fitness and Beauty
Lululemon Tracker Short IV
"Lightweight, loose-fitting, and with just the right amount of stretch, these Lululemon Tracker Short IV ($58) have become a Summer essential. I use them for running, CrossFit, hiking, and even as an after-swimming tush cover-up since they dry almost instantly. There are briefs attached so no need to wear undies, and the wide, comfy waistband stays put without feeling restrictive. I also love that the pocket is on the side instead of in the back, so when I'm stretching or doing exercises on the floor, the metal doesn't dig into my skin. I think I need another pair!" — Jenny Sugar, editor, Fitness
Diamondback AIRÉN 5
"Top of the line from Diamondback, the Airen 5 ($3,200) is a seriously sweet ride. But let's start with the color — it's Tiffany blue (swoon). I'm so happy to see a bike manufacturer produce such a stylin' bike with clean lines and a lovely color palette. This lightweight carbon fiber bike is a dream to ride: it's responsive, handles well on curvy descents, and is really comfortable. After riding 65 miles on an Airen, my body felt great thanks to the slightly more upright body position afforded by the geometry of the frame. Outfitted with the Shimano Ultegra group, the mechanical components (derailleurs, gearing, etc.) are practically top of the line creating dependable and smooth shifting. The disc brakes make for safe, smooth stopping — even in the rain (based in Seattle, Diamondback doesn't want wet pavement to keep your from riding). I especially like that all the cables are routed thorough the bottom tube, keeping the look sleek and more aerodynamic. There is no doubt the cycling is a gear heavy sport, but it pays to invest in well-designed ride with quality components — since it all helps keep you in the saddle for longer, better rides." — Susi May, senior director, Fitness
RXBAR
"I've never really been into protein bars — they usually taste awful and are full of ingredients I can't pronounce that are probably made in a lab. Thanks to RXBAR ($26 for a box of 12), my stance has changed. Besides being incredibly tasty, they're made with whole, all-natural ingredients. Each bar is made from a different variety of fruits and nuts, but all get a whopping 12 grams of proteins thanks to the addition of egg whites. As someone who doesn't eat soy or dairy, it's hard to find any sort of energy bar I can eat, but RXBARs are Paleo and Whole30 compliant. While there are nine different flavors to choose from, I find myself pretty obsessed with the chocolate sea salt flavor." — Michele Foley, senior editor, Fitness
Good hYOUman Tees and Crops
"I fully believe in the power of positive words. . . . I’ve begun a morning meditation practice and tried to introduce affirming, positive words or mantras into my day, just like I would in a yoga practice. I was recently introduced to the LA-based line Good hYOUman, which is like the apparel version of my morning mantra. The line offers activewear and everyday tees with a positive message on each piece, and while there are more fit-specific messages like 'Run Faster,' 'Move, Move, Move,' 'Just Do You,' and 'What you sweat is what you get,' some of my favorites say things like 'Thankful,' 'Give this world everything you’ve got,' and 'Cereal is life,' (a rogue addition but I’m feeling it).
I’m wearing my new favorite shirt a lot lately. It’s perfect for the gym but can be styled with everyday looks, too, making for an awesome transitional piece. The front says 'Hope is Dope' ($44). I love adding this simple dose of joy into my every day and into my gym look." — Dominique Astorino, assistant editor, Fitness
The Beauty Chef's Body Inner Beauty Powder — Vanilla
"I'm always looking to boost my smoothies and was intrigued when I saw The Beauty Chef's Body Inner Beauty Powder ($70 for 500g), a superfood supplement aimed to nourish you from the inside out. I love that this blend contains proteins, probiotics, and green tea (I always welcome a little caffeine). The vanilla flavor is not only great in smoothies but also mixes well into Greek yogurt and oatmeal." — GF
Brooks Ghost 9
"I did what no runner should ever do — I ran a 10-mile training run in brand-new sneakers. But it was amazing, because I used these new Brooks Ghost 9 ($120-$130). The seamless fit was instantly comfortable and I had no blisters or weird aches whatsoever. They offered the support I needed after injuring my Achilles trying to run in a minimalist shoe two months ago — stupid me for straying from the Brooks brand I've always used and loved. If you're used to running in a Ghost 7 or 8, you're going to love this smooth, light ride. They come in four fun, bright colors." — JS
Rebel Kitchen Mylks
"I'm definitely biased because I'm obsessed with all things coconut, so I did a little taste test amongst the rest of the team here, and the general consensus was yes: Rebel Kitchen Mylks are *booomb*. The organic coconut milk drinks come in a variety of flavors; we got to try chai, coffee, and chocolate. First off, it's not that easy to find a coconut milk coffee drink, so kudos here. Second, chocolate milk is one of my favorite drinks (I don't care that it's for 5-year-olds, it's a great recovery snack!) — and coconut chocolate milk? Whoa. SO good. I'm not vegan, but these mylks could turn me! Based in the UK, they're only in some US stores, but you can also order them on Amazon ($4)." — DA
Adidas Supernova Tank Top
"My workout wardrobe is pretty much all black, yet somehow the Adidas Supernova Tank Top ($40) has differentiated itself enough to be my favorite shirt to wear when working out. So much so that I even washed it in my sink just so I would have it with me when traveling. (Meanwhile, I had at least 10 clean tank tops sitting in my drawer.)
I love how light the material is, which is a must during hot Summer workouts. After one particular grueling hike in the Palm Springs desert, it somehow managed to soak up all my sweat without feeling gross or wet." — MF
Skinnypasta
"I get a little uncomfortable when people ask me what I eat. As a fitness producer, my co-workers see me daily with a green smoothie, salad, and assortment of fruit and vegetables. After work and the gym, however, my go-to is pasta. Glorious, fluffy white carbs with minimal nutritional value is my go-to several nights a week.
When I heard about Skinnypasta ($6) I liked it in theory (non-GMO, high-protein pasta that is preservative-free) but figured a pasta that healthy must taste terrible. I was wrong. It actually tastes good . . . really good. In the month since I’ve tried it, I’ve only eaten Skinnypasta and haven’t missed my white-carb varieties. My favorite is the fettuccine, which I top with avocado alfredo sauce for a decadent but healthy dinner." — GF
