Best Fitness Products April 2016
The Fitness Products We're Loving This Month
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.
Spring is in full bloom, and it's putting a little bounce in our steps. This month, we're celebrating April by getting outside for our workouts, attending some truly inspiring fitness events, and taking with us just the right gear to keep our spirits high while fueling up with the season's best produce. From colorful sweat-wicking leggings to clean-eating cookies, this is what we're excited about this month.
The Boston Marathon
Now in its 120th year, The Boston Marathon (Monday, April 18) has become so much more than a race. As anyone who has been in Boston during the marathon can tell you, it's incredible to see how the city comes together to host this inspiring event. The spirit of the race permeates through every city street, building, and person; it's hard not to become emotional when there. Even if you can't make it to Boston to participate as a runner or spectator, you can still watch the awesome feat of athleticism from your own home. Be forewarned: after watching, it's likely you'll be inspired to start training for a marathon of your own. — Michele Foley, senior editor, Fitness
Addaday Boomerang Massager
With all the new classes I’ve been taking lately — TRX, rowing, “Best Butt Ever,” you name it — I’ve been getting really sore in all new places, thanks to new muscle groups being tortured activated. While I love my classic-style Kayla Itsines foam roller, I have also been loving this amazing, flexible, band-like massager from Addaday. The Boomerang ($49) is there when you don’t have someone to give you a neck rub or shoulder massage, so it’s basically my new bae. Did I mention it’s totally packable? Bring this bad boy on the plane and relieve stiff muscles on the go. — Dominique Astorino, assistant editor, Fitness
The Priority Eight by Priority Bicycles
April showers require double fenders if you're planning to cycle. Priority Cycles sent me The Priority Eight ($799), its new commuter bike, to test out, and I can say it is one sweet ride. With an aluminum frame, the bike is surprisingly light. Plus, it has a grease-free drivetrain, meaning the chain is rubber rather than metal, so no need to worry about staining your cuffs on a greasy chain. With eight gears and easy shifting, I can handle the hills of the SF Bay Area, and if I need to stand to make a climb, the wide pedals provide an ample platform to support my effort. And the seat is comfy too. The bike's components are all top notch, from disc brakes to internal gears (to protect the machinery from the grime of the city). Tooling around this bike is so much fun; if you use it for commuting, you might end up skipping the office altogether to explore the city streets. — Susi May, content director, Fitness
Hoka One One Tracer
If you've tried Hokas in the past, the new Tracer ($130) is completely different — the sole is not at all thick and "marshmallowy," but more like regular sneakers you're used to. Because it's a lightweight training shoe, it's meant for speed. These shoes felt instantly comfortable, supportive, and perfect on the road and uneven trails. Not a fan of pink? They also come in blue. — Jenny Sugar, editor, Fitness
Outdoor Voices Hi-Rise Leggings
These days, my workout schedule is pretty much a rotation of Burn SF, SoulCyle, and yoga. In all of these classes, I find myself bending over a lot, which is not ideal when wearing low- or even mid-rise leggings. It's nice to feel like everything is held in when you're tasked with challenging poses, and it's a relief to know that you're not flashing your backside to the person seated behind you while tapping it back. That is why I am OBSESSED with the Hi-Rise Warmup Legging from Outdoor Voices ($95). It comes in a wide variety of colors, including on-trend colorblocking. The smooth texture of the fabric is reminiscent of spandex, except it's thicker without such an intense sheen. And sitting right above the belly button, the material gives a nice amount of compression, allowing me to feel surrounded in all the right places. — MF
Pip Stress Monitor
This nifty little device is one of the coolest pieces of tech I’ve been able to test out. Dealing with general stress from everyday life and a touch of anxiety, the Pip stress monitor ($179) has been a marvel to behold. With the touch of two fingers, you can actually visualize your stress levels (and view it on one of Pip's apps) thanks to "ectodermal activity" technology. Through monitoring how you're feeling, Pip can help you gain control over your stress and anxiety and learn more about your brain. Ever wondered how coffee affects your stress levels? How about going for a run? You can find out easily with this tiny but powerful tool. — DA
Go Raw Carrot Cake Cookie
These Go Raw Carrot Cake Sprouted Cookies may not sound or look like cookies, but trust me — their flavor and crunch are addictive. Made with just five organic ingredients — coconut, sesame seeds, carrots, dates, and nutmeg — they've been perfect for satisfying cookie cravings. — JS
Igloo Lunch Clutch
I am all about taking lunch to work — it keeps me on the healthy track and helps me save some dough. I've been using the Lunch Clutch ($10) from Igloo to transport my homemade meals to the office. The insulation helps keep the cool food chilled, but the slim style is what I truly love. I can pack a full lunch in the clutch, and it still slides easily into my backpack so I don't have to carry yet another bag to work. — SM
