Best Fitness and Health Gear For December 2014
Treat Yourself With Our December 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.
December may just be the craziest month of the year. Between squeezing in dinner parties, holiday drinks, and a shopping trip or two, who has time to think about fitness? We do! We've made things easy for you by rounding up the clothes, snacks, classes, and more that are really getting us going this month. Check out our December must haves below for some motivation to get you through to the new year.
Harmless Harvest Namacha Raw Tea
Ever since tasting an early sample of Harmless Harvest's Namacha Raw Tea ($3 per bottle) last Spring, I couldn't wait for it to be available. Last week, I saw it for the first time in my local market, and I literally jumped for joy. Refreshing, tasty, and energizing, Namacha's pickled leaves are never dehydrated or heated, making this beverage the first truly raw cold-brewed raw tea ever. The combination of amino acids, chlorophyll, and L-theanine leave you feeling energized and invigorated without any of the caffeine jitters. I've all ready treated myself to a bottle three times in the last week.
— Lizzie Fuhr, assistant editor
CorePower Yoga
With rooms heated to between 80 and 85 degrees, stepping into a class at CorePower Yoga feels like a walking into a tropical oasis. My body, and spine in particular, craves these hot, sweaty classes as the temperatures outside dip. The chain of studios, sleek and comfortably designed, offer a wide variety of classes beyond yoga: straight-up boot camps, yoga sculpt (yep, add some light weights to basic poses, and you will be amazed how sore you are the next day), and studio cycling with Real Ryder bikes that lean and steer, and more! One class is about $20 (though prices can vary from city to city), and at most studios your first week is free.
These days, I am loving the 75-minute intermediate level CorePower Yoga 2. It challenges and stretches my entire body and feels like a serious workout and serious yoga. With multiple studios scattered around 13 states – and quickly growing — it's likely there is a studio near you.
— Susi May, fitness director
Lululemon Think Fast Pullover
If you're like me, you'd rather brave the cold weather than succumb to the mundaneness of the gym treadmill. To avoid freezing your buns off, you'll need warm layers like this Lululemon Think Fast Pullover ($98). This toasty long-sleeved top is insanely soft and just the right thickness to wear over a tank top and sports bra in 30- to 40-degree temps. Not only do the sleeves have thumbholes to prevent wind from blowing up your arms, but the bottom of the sleeve can be folded over like a mitten for days when it's not quite cold enough to wear a separate pair. The fabric around the neckline can be raised up for added protection, and then folded down once you get warmed up. If you get really warm, you can lower the three-quarter zipper. I also love the mesh fabric in the armpits to help regulate body temperature, plus the wicking fabric keeps me feeling dry, preventing that horrible chill you can feel if you get sweaty on a Winter run. Another bonus is the two zippered pockets to hold my phone, house key, and tissues. I have it in the dark heathered gray, but they also make red and light gray.
— Jenny Sugar, contributing editor
Project Juice Almond Cacao Protein Shake
Accused (rightfully so) of being a juice addict, a tall glass of pressed greens is usually how I like to start my day. Sadly, it's an expensive habit to have — especially since cold-pressed juice is not what I'd consider a real breakfast. Project Juice to the rescue! Already one of my favorite shops to pick up juice, it now has a vegan protein smoothie ($9) on the menu. At 350 calories, it makes a great breakfast and is filled with all sorts of good-for-you ingredients like almond butter, banana, and 17 grams of plant-based protein. And for those not able to stop by one of the company's local shops in San Francisco, nationwide shipping is available.
— Michele Foley, editor
Under Armour Bomber Jacket
I'm always on the lookout for workout gear that doubles as weekend wear, and this Under Armour StudioLux Bomber Jacket ($120) fits the bill. While it's got all the features I need in a training jacket — it's stretchy enough to move with me while I'm jogging outside and wicks sweat away so I can throw it on after an intense gym session — it also doesn't scream "workout jacket," meaning I can throw on a scarf, add boots, and head to brunch without looking like I didn't make an effort.
— Leta Shy, associate editor
New Balance x Harley Pasternak
Since I had the chance to take these Limited Edition Harley Pasternak Zero ($90) shoes for a spin, they have become my go-to lightweight shoes. I rock them in sculpting classes and the weight room for a minimal shoe that still helps me feel supported (read: no achy arches here).
— Aemilia Madden, editorial assistant
Michi Spiral Leggings
I've always been a shorts-wearing kind of girl, but while writing about downtown fitness gift ideas, these Michi Spiral Leggings ($195) caught my eye. The mesh helps keep my legs from getting overheated, and the long length means that they are great for both workouts and days out on the town.
— AM
Fleece Headband
Cold ears are no fun when exercising in the cold. So on days when it's too warm to wear a hat, I slip on a Mountain Hardwear Micro Half Dome Headband ($12). It's perfect for running, hiking, chilly bike rides, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.
— JS
Teeki Northern Lights
This year wild leggings became mainstream (well, almost), and Teeki hot pants ($72) are some of my faves. They are lightweight, colorful, and smooth to the touch. The fabric is made out of recycled plastic water bottles and printed with environmentally friendly dyes — talk about eco chic. For a wintry feel, I am loving the look of the Northern Lights print, but there are so many prints to choose from! These leggings are great for sweaty yoga classes but are also fun to rock at the gym. They do run a bit small, so consider ordering a size up.
— SM
Feelgoodz Slippers
This Winter, I've been loving the Lizzielooms slippers ($30) from Feelgoodz. They're part sock, part slipper, and completely cozy, whether I'm on the plane, at yoga class, or just need to give my heel-wearing feet a break at my desk. Lined with soft flannel and reinforced with a flexible sole, the slippers come in several different patterns, all handmade by Guatemalan weavers using traditional Mayan techniques. Sales of each pair help artisans in remote villages across Guatemala earn livable wages, which is something to feel good about indeed.
— LS
