Best Fitness Products September 2014
We've Got This Routine Down: Our September 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.
We're going back to school and back to our routine this month, but that doesn't mean our healthy habits will suffer. We've got on-the-go snacks, comfy capris, and a way to make workouts so fun we won't be skipping class anytime soon. Check out what we're loving this September!
Yumbox Panino
If packing healthier lunches is on your agenda for this September, get inspired by Yumbox's four-compartment Panino container ($30). It offers one two-cup section, perfect for a salad or sandwich, two half-cup sections for fruit, veggies, or whole grains, and one one-ounce section for dips or a small treat. It makes packing lunch fun and easy, and because the cover seals completely, it's leakproof, so go ahead and pack wet foods like hummus or yogurt. The inner tray can be removed for easy cleaning (it's dishwasher-safe) or to heat in the microwave. It's great for portion control, and if you prefer more of a variety, Yumbox also makes containers with six compartments ($28).
— Jenny Sugar, contributing editor
HUMAN's Fitness-Themed Tops
While being healthy is a serious thing for me, it doesn't mean my workouts have to feel that way. This is one of the reasons I love the fitness-themed tanks and sweatshirts from HUMAN ($20-$35). It's hard for me to hate on that last push in Barry's Bootcamp when I can look over in the mirror to read a tank top that says "Squat Like Ryan Gosling Is Watching" or "Girls Just Wanna Have Guns."
— Michele Foley, editor
Justin's Almond Butter Squeeze Packs
I am an almond butter fiend, and with Justin's squeeze packs ($12 for a pack of 10), I can indulge on the go and keep my portions in check. The packs are so convenient, I keep a few at my desk for when the afternoon munchies hit and a couple in my gym bag if I need a protein hit post-workout and take the maple flavor on hours-long bike rides. The pouches are 1.15 ounces, and the classic flavor provides seven grams of protein. Squeeze it onto a halved banana or directly into your mouth (I do this all the time when cycling) for a tasty pick-me-up. My girls like these little packs, too, since they are perfect for snack time at school.
— Susi May, fitness director
Manduka eQua Hand Towel
I am that sweaty girl you see in yoga class — and I'm not ashamed to say it! As my workout schedule has become more intense this Summer, I've found myself in need of a towel at yoga class. I might not need a full mat towel, but I won't show up unprepared without my Manduka eQua Hand Towel ($16). It's cute, colorful, and absorbent and dries quicker than you could imagine. Beyond the yoga studio, it's made its way to a few weekend camping trips this Summer and come in quite handy! A few other POPSUGAR editors will agree: they never leave home (and head to a workout) without theirs.
— Lizzie Fuhr, assistant editor
Under Armour Perfect Tight Capris
I'll confess, while I love wearing the brightest tanks and printed sports bras when I work out, when it comes to the bottom, it's basic black. But even though I won't be joining the wild leggings trend anytime soon, my on-the-bottom regimen could still use a refresh.
The newest addition to my workout wardrobe is just what I need to add a little variety without taking me out of my black capri comfort zone. The gray, black, and white printed pattern on these Under Armour Perfect Tight Printed Capris ($60) adds just enough style without entering "loud" territory: in fact, the print is only on the front side, with an all-black panel in the back. Plus, these capris are so soft and comfortable — and hit me perfectly mid-calf — that they've already become one of my favorite pairs to slip on whether I'm running, hiking, or going to the gym. If you are a printed pants fan, you'll be happy to know that this capri comes in several other colors and patterns.
— Leta Shy, associate editor
Picky Bars
Plenty of healthy snack bars come across my desk, but I've been loving the redesigned 100-percent non-GMO Picky Bars ($15 for five bars). Each is 200 calories and offers seven grams of protein in just a few bites. They're crunchy and sweet with the perfect hint of cinnamon to tie everything together. Even better, they're the ideal blend of protein and carbs to help you recover after a tough workout.
— LF
Photo: Lizzie Fuhr
Gel-Electro33 by Asics
When it comes to running, I am an Asics Kayano loyalist — and given that the shoe is in its 20th year of production, I'm not alone! Now that I'm training for the Nike Women's Half-Marathon, one pair of shoes won't do. With multiple runs each week and mileage ramping up on the regular, my Kayanos will need to rest between runs to allow the midsole foam to decompress, and it's good to challenge the muscles in my legs and feet with a different pair of shoes, too.
As of late, my go-to shoe for shorter runs is the Gel-Electro33 ($110) also by Asics. Lighter and more flexible than the Kayano, it's still supportive enough if you overpronate (like I do). It's been nice to run in a less-structured shoe but still have enough support to ward off those pesky shin splints.
— MF
Splits59 Aerial Jersey Hoodie
Living in SF Bay Area means I am thoroughly committed to layering, and the Aerial Jersey Hoodie ($85) from Splits59 is the perfect long-sleeved layer for transitioning into Fall. The lightweight, wicking fabric is soft and supple, providing warmth on cool mornings and sun protection for sunny afternoon walks on the beach. The long sleeves have thumbholes for a sporty feel, and the hoodie comes in handy after those intense, sweaty-head workouts. The length, skimming the bottom of my seat, is flattering too, making this hoodie perfect for running errands after the gym.
— SM
ClassPass
You could call me a gym rat rather than a studio one, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the more intimate, upscale experience that many small studios offer. The problem? It's hard for me to justify spending $30 or more per class, especially when I have a perfectly good gym membership waiting in the wings. The solution: my newest workout obsession, ClassPass. For $99 a month, you can take 10 classes at an impressive array of studios around your city. Think all the yoga and Pilates you could ever want, as well as in-demand workouts like Barry's Bootcamp, Flywheel, and The Bar Method. The membership pays for itself in just a few sessions, and it's a great way to test out studios you didn't even know existed (I've already got my eye on a beginner aerial silks class on the ClassPass San Francisco list). Even better: through the end of the year, you can take an unlimited amount of classes for the same monthly price — which means it just may take the place of my gym membership for good. ClassPass is offered in New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, with plans to be available in Miami, Washington DC, and San Diego later this year.
— LS
Logitech Hinge
For workouts at home, following along to videos on my iPad is so much more motivational than doing routines on my own. It's annoying trying to prop my iPad up — it would always fall over, and I'd have to interrupt my workout to fix it. Home workouts have become so much easier with the Logitech Hinge ($60). It's a flexible case that has a built-in angle stand, so you can set your screen up at any angle you need, whether you're sitting down or standing up. And the best part? It holds firmly in the place you put it and doesn't ever fall over! This case also protects your iPad from accidental bumps, scratches, or spills. They also make one for the iPad mini ($50). It's a must have for home workouts!
— JS
