Best Fitness Products July 2015
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 workout clothes that make running and hiking more enjoyable, from a compact fanny pack (no granny vibes) to the best no-slip hiking shoes and more. These are the products you'll want to get your hands on ASAP.
Lolё Leather Espadrilles
Now that the weather is heating up, the last thing I want to do is throw on a pair of socks and sneakers when I'm heading to yoga, Pilates, or SoulCycle. Perfect for Summer, my Lolё Leather Espadrilles ($75) have become my go-to when I am heading to weekend workouts. Besides being comfy — and able to house an insole, unlike a pair of sandals — they work with any outfit change I have post-workout. Gone are the days of packing an extra pair of shoes or pairing my brunch outfit with my sneakers.
— Michele Foley, senior editor
GoMacro Bars
I have to hide these GoMacro Bars from my family! Why? Because their satisfying chewy consistency and delicious flavors are impossible to resist. The peanut butter chocolate chip is my fave. Or is it the cashew caramel? Oh, I can't forget about the granola and coconut. They make so many tasty flavor combinations that you can't go wrong. They're made with vegan and gluten-free ingredients and 200 to 280 calories a bar; I like to nibble a few bites before an early morning workout since they're a quick way to get some carbs. They're definitely a great snack to keep in your purse, desk drawer, or gym bag.
— Jenny Sugar, contributing editor
Smith Clayton Sunglasses
When it comes to protection from the sun on a run, I prefer tons of sunscreen and sunglasses to donning a hat. The problem: many sports-specific sunglasses can look a little too athletic for my tastes. That's why I'm obsessed with pretty much all of Smith Optics' styles. The sunglasses are for the active; they feature no-slip, sweat-friendly nose pads and polarized, UV-protecting lenses that curve slightly to give you protection where you need it. Of my sport sunglasses, the Smith Clayton in Yellow Tortoise ($119) is the first pair I grab when I'm headed out for a run or a bike ride and is stylish enough for everyday outfits as well — whenever I break these out on a sunny day, I'm sure to get compliments.
— Leta Shy, editor
Merrell Moab Hiking Shoes
For months, I slipped and stumbled on day hikes in everyday tennis shoes, and now I get what everyone was talking about — I needed a pair of proper hiking shoes. I did my research and test-drove a few pairs, and I've been nothing but thrilled since settling on these Merrell Moab Waterproof Shoes ($130). Waterproof, ankle-stabilizing, and surprisingly comfortable, they've changed my relationship with the trail. If you're planning on spending time hiking this Summer, follow my lead and invest in a pair of quality shoes. You won't regret it!
— Lizzie Fuhr, associate editor
The Human Experiment
I am a documentary junkie — I watch at least one every week. I'm constantly looking for new titles on Netflix and On Demand, and after checking out the trailer for The Human Experiment, I knew it was something I needed to see. Narrated by Sean Penn, the documentary delves into a situation I knew very little about: thousands of untested chemicals are found in our everyday products. This film looks at what companies are doing to veil the truth and the steps we can take as consumers to protect our bodies and make safer, smarter choices. Do yourself a favor and watch this flick ASAP.
— LF
Liquido Miami Dusk Leggings
I probably own close to 20 pairs of black capris and leggings — patterned workout leggings have never really been my thing. Imagine my surprise at how much I fell for Liquido's Miami Dusk leggings ($83). Besides the wild tropical print, I am a huge fan of how the leggings perform. The wide waistband makes for comfortable workouts, and the soft fabric has just enough stretch for the most bendy yoga poses.
— MF
Ultimate Direction Running Pack
This Meow running pack ($29) has easily become one of my favorite pieces of Summer gear. I needed a small waist pack that could carry my phone, keys, some money, lip balm, and sport beans or gels on long runs or hikes, and this is perfect. I love that it stays put on my hips and the breathable mesh fabric dries quickly. The look is really flat so I hardly feel like I'm wearing anything — and definitely not anything close to an '80s fanny pack. My running buddy liked mine so much that she ordered one too!
— JS
Nike Element Half-Zip
It may be sweltering outside, but hear me out: the Nike Running Element Half-Zip ($65) is my new year-round favorite cover-up. This supersoft long-sleeved shirt is a slightly loose fit, so I can easily throw it on over my workout tank after a gym session, and is long enough to hit perfectly at my hip. The fast-drying fabric means I feel comfortable putting it on even when I'm sweaty. I pretty much wear this whenever I can in the Summer, and I know it'll keep me protected and dry during outdoor Fall runs.
— LS
All Good Sport Sunscreen
Summer runs and rides require a sweat-proof sunblock that doesn't get into your eyes. For my outdoor workouts, I have been wearing All Good Sport Sunscreen ($16). Top rated by The Environmental Working Group for safety, this broad-spectrum sunscreen is mineral based with zinc oxide as its only active ingredient. I love that it contains no questionable chemicals. It goes on relatively clear, much better than other zinc-based sunscreens I have tried, leaving only a trace of white residue. Rated SPF 33, All Good's Sport Sunscreen has kept me free of sun damage on hours-long rides and lunchtime runs. It's relatively odor free, and if you are into water sports, it's also deemed coral reef safe. So, go on and snorkel without harming those amazing underwater habitats.
— Susi May, fitness director
