Best Fitness Products For May 2016
Stay on the Go With Our May Must Haves
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We're inspired to get active this May — aren't you? From biking to yoga, there are fitness events a aplenty to choose from, and we have a couple to tell you about. Plus, we want to share new gear to power your workouts as well as fuel your rest days. Check out our favorites for this merry month of May.
Tracksmith Waban Shorts
I’ve never been someone who likes going commando on a run, and even if shorts are lined, I still opt for underwear. That was until I met the Tracksmith Waban Shorts ($70), which are lined with a "luxurious seamless brief," that is actually nicer than my favorite pair of Lululemon undies. The silky smooth fabric is the ultimate in running comfort, and I've found myself wearing them on days I'm not running. The soft, stretchy outer of the shorts feels great, too. The silhouette falls nicely on my figure and they come in some seriously stylish colors. HUGE fan. — Dominique Astorino, assistant editor, Fitness
Lexus Gran Fondo
This Memorial Day weekend, I'll be in Cape Cod for the Lexus Gran Fondo. The event promises to deliver some of the prettiest rides I'll ever go on and incredible food, cooked by star chefs, no less. Participants can opt for 28-, 50-, or 100-mile rides, some of which are being led by pro cyclists. While the food options are aplenty, I'm most excited for my first clambake — it doesn't get more New England than that!
Pick and pay for events as you please, or go for the whole shebang — three days' worth of rides and culinary events for $670. — Michele Foley, senior editor, Fitness
Brooks Women's Neuro
I know. They look a little funky. But if you've been a fan of Brooks sneakers in the past, you're going to love the Neuro ($130). A neutral running shoe, these feel lightweight yet supportive with enough cushion to absorb each step. These performed well on pavement and dirt roads, as well as rocky trails — just look at that rugged sole. I also love that they say "Run Happy" on the inside sole. If you're not a fan of the blue, they also come in pink. — Jenny Sugar, editor, Fitness
Yogalosophy For Inner Strength
I have always found yoga to be good medicine but love that Mandy Ingber's new book Yogalosophy For Inner Strength ($24) looks at how the ancient practice can make you stronger from the inside out. This book explores how "you can shift your emotions by getting physical" and change your body by fully expressing your feelings through movement. The book outlines a 12-week program for change with yoga sequences, self-love checklists, and anecdotes from her life and her friends and students. If you're ready to dig a little deeper into your yoga practice and emotional life, this book provides the roadmap for your journey. — Susi May, senior director, Fitness
Quinn Kale & Sea Salt Popcorn
Not going to lie, when I first opened up my bag of Quinn Kale & Sea Salt Popcorn ($10 for two bags), I was a little put off — it's green, after all. But the taste immediately won me over. Light and crunchy, the kale gives the popcorn a savory herbaceous flavor that I could not stop eating. While Quinn's line of popcorn is already pretty healthy, the addition of kale gives the snack a nice dose of vitamins A and C. — MF
Sunskis Seacliff Sunglasses
Good shades that don't cost a fortune can be hard to come by. But at $55 Sunski's Seacliff Sunglasses don't break the bank. These glasses are so lightweight you can barely feel you're wearing them, which is great when you're exercising outdoors. The polarized lenses protect your peepers, making these great for chill water sports or runs by the water. I love wearing mine for long hikes and cruising on my bike. Plus, this frame seems to be flattering on almost every face. — SM
Wanderlust 108 Festival
Wanderlust 108 is the kind of triathlon I can get excited about: a 5K, plus 75 minutes of yoga, and 30 minutes of meditation (aka, everything I love!). We attended the incredible events in San Francisco and Los Angeles (courtesy of Adidas), but you can find the full list of events this Summer (from San Diego to Kansas City, MO, to Perth, Australia) and check it out yourself. Prepare to get really, really zen. — DA
Vega Clean Protein
I'm a huge fan of plant-based Vega Sport Performance Protein Powder, so I was excited to try the brand's new Clean Protein ($35). Each serving of the new protein powder is 130 calories and offers 25 grams of protein (the Sport is 150 calories and 30 grams of protein). It doesn't offer probiotics like the Sport, so if you're looking for a straight-up protein powder, Clean Protein is perfect. It is sweetened with stevia, and I'm a huge fan of both the vanilla and chocolate — they tasted sweet and creamy in both a smoothie made with fruit as well as one with just spinach and almond milk. If you're used to using whey but are trying to ditch dairy, this is very comparable. — JS
SukiShufu Suki 7.1 Oil
I diffuse oils every night at bedtime as a way to unwind, relax, and enjoy some aromatherapy. I also love adding oils to my yoga practice and sometimes into a therapeutic bath at home, but I usually mix the scents myself, drawing from my collection of essential oils. I was delighted when I found an oil that seemed as as though it was mixed just for me, so now I just have to put in drops from one bottle. This soothing blend in the SukiShufu Suki 7.1 Oil ($15) is a mix of sweet orange, patchouli, camellia, and echinacea — it has been a burst of happiness in my nighttime ritual and made my room feel like a luxurious spa. — DA
Navitas Superfood+ Bars
I like to keep a stash of energy bars in my gym bag for post-workout replenshiment. My new fave is Superfood+ Bars ($2) from Navitas — my go-to brand for chia seeds and cacao nibs. Loaded with superfoods, all four bars are just under 200 calories and are gluten-free, organic, and non-GMO. But they taste great — not too sweet, not too chalky, and are just filling enough to tide me over until dinner. — SM
