Best Health and Fitness Gear | February 2016
Healthy Gear 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.
Whether you're proudly sticking to your healthy New Year's resolutions or you could use a nudge in that direction, new gear works wonders when it comes to inspiration. Check out the gear, classes, and snacks we're loving for February; maybe they'll motivate you too.
K-Deer Empire Leggings
I'm a fan of K-Deer leggings because of their sleek, seamless, and comfy fit, but I'm in love with this new pattern called Empire ($98). It's bright and bold, and the intricate print is very flattering — perfect for a yoga class or grabbing a quick bite beforehand. If you've never tried leggings by this brand, you'll love the way they hug your legs.
— Jenny Sugar, contributing editor
Graze Protein Box
I believe in the power of snacks but regularly forget to carry these minimeals when I am on the go. That is where Graze Protein Box ($12) regularly comes to my rescue. Delivered weekly, the box features eight protein-packed snacks individually packaged so I can throw one in my gym bag, keep some at my desk, and stash a couple in my car. There are 20 snacks to choose from, both savory and sweet. I really like the Brooklyn Bites, featuring pretzels and nuts flavored with paprika and turmeric; my sweet tooth appreciates the mix of nuts, fudge pieces, and chocolate cookies in the Salted Fudge and Peanut Cookie mix. Best of all, the ingredients are free of trans fat and contain no artificial coloring or flavors.
— Susi May, content director
Mountain Hardwear Micro Thermostatic Jacket
I am obsessed with this lightweight Micro Thermostatic Jacket from Mouintain Hardwear ($175). Filled with synthetic Thermal.Q Elite 40-gram insulation, the wind-resistant fabric is perfect for keeping me warm on 50-degree days, and now that it's in the 20s or even colder, it's been the perfect low-profile midlayer to wear under my Winter coat for added warmth when skiing. I love the feminine fit as well as the lilac color, but if you're not a fan, it also comes in black, gray, and blue.
— JS
Pure Barre
So yes, barre has been around for as long as we can remember, but it’s always great to switch up your routine with a new style of class. I got the chance to try Pure Barre for the first time this past weekend after hearing rave reviews from friends down in LA, which initially led me to believe the studio would only be found in major metros. Totally not the case; Pure Barre is in nearly every state, and it's popping up everywhere. Some nuances that made me fall for Pure Barre: I loved the attention to detail the instructors provided, the nonintimidating and beginner-friendly approach, and the frequent stretching breaks in between thigh and ab-burning reps, which made the hour much more bearable. Plus, although you get a killer workout, Pure Barre didn’t make me a sweaty mess, making for an ideal workout-to-brunch activity. While individual classes are $23 to $37 depending on location (with some new client specials and discounts), many studios are compatible with ClassPass, meaning you could tuck to your heart’s content thrice monthly.
— Dominique Astorino, assistant editor
Nathan LightSpur
Since I'd rather brave the cold and dark than run indoors on a treadmill, I needed some lights to make me more visible on early morning or late evening runs. These Nathan LightSpurs ($20) fit snugly around the back of each sneaker and are so lightweight, I don't even feel them. Choose between a steady or blinking light and you'll feel much better knowing cars can see you. They're weather-resistant, so they can handle snowy runs and accidental puddle splashes, and the replaceable watch batteries last for over 40 hours. The lights come in red as well as the green shown and are great for biking too!
— JS
Vega One Nutritional Shake, Coconut Almond
I’m relatively new to the world of protein shakes; until recently, I thought of them as the new version of my mom’s ‘90s SlimFast shakes (remember those?!). But because I’m obsessed with trying new things, I’ve tested an infinite number of protein and nutritional powders, and let me tell you, there are some seriously delicious options on offer in 2016. Hands down, my favorite is Vega’s Coconut Almond flavor of Vega One ($4-$70, depending on size). There’s something about the subtly sweet, anything-but-vanilla coconut-almond variety that makes me want to put it in everything. Try it on its own with some ice-cold coconut or almond milk; blended with ice, nut milk, and a banana; or mixed into a fruit smoothie.
— DA
Phoenix Pants by Title Nine
Some days — well, most days — I don't care for venturing out in leggings for my power walks to Peet's for a cup of coffee or hilly hikes at the local park. I prefer something a little looser on the leg, and with my muscular thighs it can be a challenge to find pants that don't cling to my quads and hug my hamstrings. But I am loving the Phoenix Training Pant ($59, originally $79). These are esseintially updated track pants and more functional than athleisure sweats. The moisture-wicking fabric is soft and comfortable, and the three zippered pockets, two in front and one in back, are genius — great for keys, ID, and cash. And when my movement becomes more vigorous, the drawstring waist helps keeps the pants in place. Best of all, these pants come in three lengths (short, regular, and tall), making it easier to shop for your height. Being 5'4", the 27-inch inseam of the "short" pants are perfect for me and I loved not having to hem mine.
— SM
