Best Health and Fitness Gear | January 2016
Keep Fit All Year Long With Our January Must Haves
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We're kicking off 2015 with an energy that we're hoping carries us through the entire year, and our monthly must haves are the perfect way to get our fitness plan off to a strong start. From new gear to healthy snacks to transforming our offices for the better, these are the items getting us excited about fitness for the year to come.
Yogitoes Mat Towel
Over the last year, I've really stepped up my yoga game. What used to be a once-a-month (if I'm lucky) occurrence has turned into a twice-a-week habit. While it might seem like a superfluous accessory, this Yogitoes Limited Editon Mat Towel ($68) was on the top of my holiday wish list. I sweat a lot in class, which can leave me feeling unstable in poses, but this towel solves that problem. It sticks to the mat and absorbs sweat, keeping my hands and feet firmly grounded in every Downward Dog.
— Michele Foley, senior editor
Icebreaker Quantum Hoodie
Nothing fights the cold like a thick layer of merino wool! When heading for a wintry hike, I always reach for this jacket: the Quantum Hoodie ($225) from Icebreaker. It's my favorite. The hoodie keeps me warm, wicks sweat away, is naturally odor resistant, and has thumbholes so the sleeves stay in place. And if my fingers get cold, there are fold-over mittens sewn into the cuff — which is great since I never remember gloves. The front pocket is perfect for housing my phone and the zipper is reflective for added safety. Cut for a woman's body, the jacket fits well and has a drop tail, so everything stays covered when I am moving. I can't wait to wear this snowshoeing later this Winter.
— Susi May, content director
Bogs Winter Boots
If you embrace the frosty cold weather and fluffy snow like I do, you'll need a pair of these Bogs Juno Tall Boots ($180). They're perfect for trekking to and from the mountain on ski days or for wintry walks in the woods, and are supportive and tall enough (11 inches) for attaching snowshoes. Soft and warm on the inside, these boots are rated for -20°F temps, and testing them out in Vermont, these boots are the real daeal! They kept my feet warm and dry. They come in black, dark green (shown), light gray, and ox blood.
— Jenny Sugar, editor
Yoga Mat Bag
I've always shied away from using a bag made specifically for my yoga mat. Most were too bulky, and the ones that weren't didn't seem to carry everything I needed. This changed when I found the Gaiam Damask Yoga Mat Bag ($20). The bag easily carries my thick Manduka mat and mat towel, and I use the exterior pocket to stash my keys, wallet, and phone. I especially love that the shoulder strap means my hands are free when I'm walking to and from class.
— MF
Vermont Smoke & Cure Meat Sticks
Slim Jims just got a serious upgrade. The Meat Sticks ($2 a stick) from Vermont Smoke & Cure live up to their name. These portable snacks are flavored smoked meats, formed into a stick that you can toss into your purse, gym bag, or desk drawer for when you need a protein hit. One stick is only 90 calories and provides 7 grams of filling protein. The meat is raised humanely without antiobiotics, and is cured in small batches with no added nitrates. I love the chipotle flavor, with the honey-mustard turkey stick coming in at a close second. Three new flavors of meat sticks will debut this month: Teriyaki Chicken, Rosemary Thyme Chicken, and Spicy Italian Pork. Look for all nine flavors on the shelves of your local Whole Foods, or order online directly from the website.
— SM
Varidesk Standing Desk
All you desk dwellers, make 2016 the year where you don't sit on your bum all day by using a Varidesk standing desk ($175 to $500, depending on the style). After just two months of using one, my lower back, neck, and shoulders don't ache or feel tense, my hips and hamstrings feel looser because I can move around in place while typing, and I all-around have more energy at the end of the day. I also feel like I'm more productive in a standing position. The height of the desk adjusts in seconds by squeezing the two side handles and raising or lowering the desk to your liking. So you can switch between sitting and standing in no time. Pricey, yes, but it's totally worth it when you realize you spend 40+ hours at your desk. It comes in white or black.
— JS
All Good Provision Oven Stoked Roasting Kit
On a cold night, I crave a spicy treat, and these simple Mexican Chocolate Pecans ($10) from Allgood Provisions satisfy my need for heat. The Oven Stoked kit comes with all the ingredients you to make this chocolaty snack at home: pecans, spices, cocoa, shredded coconut, and sunflower oil. The flavorful pecans are ready in less than 15 minutes. The combination is spicy chocolate with a little bit of sweet, making the nuts easy to savor slowly. You can find them online or at specialty markets across the country.
— SM
