Best Fitness Products August 2014
Keep Going Strong With Our August 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.
What's on our minds this month: how to cool off, be consistent, and keep our fitness momentum going strong. We've got just what we need to sweat our way into the dog days of Summer: hydrating, probiotic-rich drinks, a shoe that keeps us cool on our runs, and an of-the-moment fitness tight with just the right amount of look-at-me. Check out what we're loving this August!
Nike Tight of the Moment: Foco Bonito
When it comes to workout leggings, there is nothing about my style you would call bold, adventurous, or wild. While I have no problem wearing a fuchsia tank top or bright green sneakers, I am all about the basic black when it comes to what I put on my legs.
This month, Nike is releasing a limited-edition legging ($180) that has me teetering close to the line of breaking my all-black legging rule. Designed by Brazilian artists Flavio Samelo and his wife, Jayelle Hudson, the architectural print's black-and-white color scheme — while a little wild — has a subtle vibe that could easily be pared down with a solid black or white tee. Besides looking great, it's also Nike, which means you know the leggings are going to perform exactly the way you need them to in any workout.
— Michele Foley, editor
Wanderlust Festival
While I've had the great pleasure of attending the Wanderlust Festival in Squaw Valley, this August I'll be heading up to my first Wanderlust in Whistler, BC! There might be a lot of imitators out there these days, but no festival holds a candle to the combination of yoga, music, meditation, and healthy-living education that Wanderlust Festivals offer. The time I spend at this awe-inspiring festival reminds me to slow down, be grateful, and, most importantly, do more yoga. I look forward to this event all year long — even though I know I'll be sore by the end of day one!
— Lizzie Fuhr, assistant editor
Lara Yoga Mat Bag by Lole
Talk about a flexible bag! This Lara Yoga Mat Bag ($48, originally $80) converts easily from a yoga mat bag to a large duffle. Loaded with pockets, the Lara bag can handle my thick, heavy Manduka mat while keeping all my sundries (keys, cash, lip chap, etc.) organized. With a quick unzipping, the bottom of the yoga mat bag opens to create a much deeper duffle bag, perfect for casual travel. I was surprised at the quantity of clothes I could pack in this bag, and since it's soft and moldable I had no problems cramming it in the crowded overhead bin on the plane. When converted to the large duffle, this bag makes schlepping to the laundry mat a more manageable chore, too.
— Susi May, fitness director
Guarana Energy by Gemini Organic
Organic Gemini's Guarana Energy Coconut Water is a match made in heaven for fitness professionals: energy plus hydration! You could just resort to the water and coffee combination, creating a constant cycle of hydration and dehydration. My favorite hydrating fluid is already coconut water since it adds electrolytes not found in water. Also, I occasionally need a boost of energy and cringe at the thought of having coffee as the only option to get an edge up, making Guarana Energy Coconut water the perfect solution for me. The natural energy of the superfood guarana, a South American seed naturally high in caffeine, mixed with coconut water satisfies my thirst while giving me a little pick me up. Try it out: a four-pack of 11-ounce bottles on Amazon for $11.
— Anna Renderer, fitness host
Adizero Primeknit Boost
San Francisco doesn't get hot Summer weather like the rest of the country, but even in our breezy city it pays to be light on your feet. The knitted, sock-like Adizero Primeknit Boost ($200) has been my go-to pair for short, fast runs. The knit upper feels so comfortable and airy while I run, and the snug, moldable fit ensures I have enough support even with this pared-down pair. Not only that, but the black, white, and orange colorway is flashy and fashionable enough without overdoing it — I always get compliments on these when I wear them. Note that these only come in men's sizes, so order two sizes down for a correct fit.
— Leta Shy, associate editor
Kevita Sparkling Probiotic Drink
Since giving up dairy a couple weeks ago, I was wondering how I was going to get my daily dose of good bacteria. Boom! Kevita ($4) came into my life. Low in calories, refreshing, and sweetened with stevia so they're sugar free, each bottle contains four strains of live probiotic. Since it's water based, not milk based, it's perfect for those who are avoiding dairy. They're light in flavor, almost like drinking water with fresh lemon juice. My fave flavors are the mojita lime mint coconut (10 calories), mango coconut (20 calories), and the hibiscus berry (10 calories).
— Jenny Sugar, contributing editor
Onzie Bra Bustier Top
I'm not ashamed to say it: I'm that supersweaty girl you see in yoga class. I have always a towel on hand, and as of late, I've been rocking sports bras and capris during every Vinyasa session. For a little more coverage and a lot more fun than the average black bra, this wild Onzie Bra Bustier Top ($56) has become a staple in my yoga wardrobe. Not only does it keep me cool and comfortable, I'm able to see what's going on with my whole core during poses. Luckily, this bra top is fully lined and provides the support I need as I'm hopping around my mat.
— LF
Topeak iPhone Dry Bag
If rain doesn't keep you from your workouts, you'll love this Topeak SmartPhone DryBag ($20). Like a dry bag you'd used for boating, this one is designed for cyclists to protect your phone from rain and splashes. It comes with a mounting clamp band you can attach to your stem, so you can easily access apps, music, or your phone. But I love that it also has a clip attached to the case so you can use it while running, hiking, walking, or whatever kind of activity you're doing where you like to keep your phone close by. This can even be used in the Winter for snow sports! Talk about a practical product.
— JS
Insulated Purist Water Bottle From Specialized
Staying cool on long, hot bike rides can be a challenge, especially in the late afternoon when the asphalt feels like a radiator. Beat the heat with the Insulated Purist Moflo ($18) water bottle from biking giant Specialized. The interior of this flexible plastic bottle is designed to prevent odors and stains so your water tastes like water, and the thin layer of outer insulation keeps your beverage cold for a long, long time. I was amazed when riding in 105-degree temps that there was still ice in the bottle after an hour of pedaling. The opening of the cap is a bit wider than most cycling water bottles, making it easier to sip — or gulp, as the case may be.
— SM
Rise Protein and Energy Bars
I'll admit, I'm not the biggest protein or energy bar fan, but these Rise protein bars ($18-$28 for 12) may have made me a convert. After reluctantly trying them at the CrossFit Games over the weekend, I was pleasantly surprised at the taste as well as the short ingredient list — just four or five ingredients in each bar, mostly organic. There's nothing cardboard or fake-tasting about these bars, and there are about a dozen creative flavors to choose from. The vegan lemon cashew protein bar (15 grams of protein) and the gluten-free crunchy carob chip protein bar (17 grams of protein) get my vote, but be sure and check out all of the flavors and varieties here.
— LS
Compression Socks by 2XU
I love having optimal support and blood flow in my lower legs and feet when performing any type of cardio exercise. The Elite Compression Socks ($60), from 2XU, not only help provide a more effective running or cardio experience, but I find that I'm less sore the day after a hard workout. The sock fabric is designed to support the muscles of the lower leg and foot, as well as increase circulation so your muscles get more oxygen! They have a cute and stylish look to them, too. Also great to sport when flying, these compression socks help prevent blood from pooling in the ankles and feet, which means less leg stiffness after long flights! Heck, you can wear them around the house too if you just need added support and circulation.
— AR
