Best Health and Fitness Gear | September 2016
Gear Up For Fall With September's Hottest Fitness and Health Products
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 routines this month, but that doesn't mean our healthy habits will suffer. Here's how we're staying organized and on track this month — check out our favorite healthy picks for September!
Purely Elizabeth Maple Walnut Probiotic Granola
"Purely Elizabeth is my favorite granola — gluten-free or not. The company's new flavor, Maple Walnut ($7), gives you all the flavors of Fall in a spoonful. It also happens to be a probiotic granola to help keep your immune and digestive systems healthy while you enjoy this delicious snack." — Genevieve Farrell, video producer, Fitness and Beauty
Sticky Be Socks
"After years of trial and error, I've finally found a pair of grippy socks that can withstand my challenging and sweaty Megaformer classes. My Sticky Be Socks ($15) never slip when I am on the Megaformer machine and they also have a nice amount of cushion to keep my feet happy. I especially love that each pair contains an inspirational message like "be strong" or "be fearless" — exactly what I need to keep pushing through a class. Besides Pilates, I've used these socks at barre, where they worked just as great." — Michele Foley, senior editor, Fitness
Lululemon Like Nothing 7/8 Naked Cardio Tight
"Whoa. I never thought I'd love a pair of leggings more than my Lululemon High Times, but I was wrong. Lulu's new Like Nothing 7/8 Naked Cardio Tight ($128) is made from liquid magic, and by that, I mean the company's new Nulux fabric, which is so epic, it is nearly impossible to describe, but I'll attempt it: silky, slippery, miraculously light, almost like water (?), and insanely comfortable. Welded seams and a bonded pocket, a naked-but-held-in-fit, and a 7/8 length (great for my 5-foot-2 frame) cemented these as my new go-to pants for literally everything. Fortunately, they're not sold out yet (a valid concern for any Lulu enthusiast) because they haven't hit shelves. I'm telling you, stake it out — they're on their way this month and you want them." — Dominique Astorino, assistant editor, Fitness
EcoVessel Insulated Bottle
"I want three things from my water bottle: no BPA, water that stays cold, and easy to use. So when I found this EcoVessel Summit Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($29) with a flip straw spout, I was floored. Because it's triple insulated, the outside never gets freezing cold or covered in condensation, even when filled with ice water. The flip spout is so easy to drink from — no more having to deal with using two hands to unscrew the top, which I ended up dropping half the time. Out of all the bottles I own now, this is the one I always reach for." — Jenny Sugar, editor, Fitness
Perfect Bar
"I've been a fan of Perfect Bars ($3 a bar) for a while, but the new flavors have only deepened my fandom: Maple Almond, Coconut Peanut Butter, and Blueberry Cashew. Made with a nut-butter base, the gluten-free bars are fortified with healthy oils and a whole-food powder blend, which includes superfoods like kale, rose hips, and kelp to up the nutrition of the bars without adding any odd flavors. Perfect Bars are filling and make for a tasty and satisfying meal replacement that's easy to eat on the go, like say when driving your kids to school then heading to work. You can find them in the refrigerated section at many stores, including Costco, Target, and Whole Foods." — Susi May, senior director, Fitness
adidas ZNE Pants
"When it comes to my personal style, comfort is the name of the game. So, naturally, I'm a pretty big fan of the whole athleisure trend. The ZNE pants ($90) from adidas' new athletic line are my new go-to when I need to give my poor yoga pants a break. They're basically like the more fashionable and refined older sister of sweatpants. The tapered legs add a nice tailored touch, but they're just baggy enough to allow some wiggle room for when I'm working out . . . or eating pizza, which is more likely. I feel like I could totally dress these up with a cool graphic T-shirt and jean jacket for an office-appropriate look. Talk about bang for your buck!" — Victoria Messina, editorial intern
Saje Recovery Healing Injury Oitment
"Post-workout soreness (especially after leg days) is the worst. I’m always on the hunt for new ways to alleviate the aches. I currently love Saje Recovery Healing Ointment ($20), which helps to relieve muscles. It also smells so soothing thanks to its blend of antibacterial tea tree essential oil, soothing marshmallow, and strengthening black walnut. Bonus, this Canadian brand has a store in my hometown, Ottawa." — GF
Make Your Own Rules Cookbook
"Tara Stiles, founder of Strala Yoga and a W Hotels brand ambassador, is all about keeping life in balance, which is apparent in her cookbook Make Your Own Rules ($20). There are more than 100 simple and quick plant-based recipes to choose from, but beyond the typical smoothie or salad, you'll also find lots of healthy twists on classic comfort foods. I'm especially excited to make her lightened-up Twinkie Cake." — MF
Nike LunarEpic Low Flyknit ULTD Women's Running Shoe
"I've been a diehard LunarGlide girl for a couple years now. The stability and the low profile (all about that aesthetic) have been the perfect combo for me and my half marathons. I didn't think things could get better, until I tried these cushiony, springy, supportive bad boys: the LunarEpic Low Flyknit ULTD ($160). They are incredibly comfortable yet still stable. For so long, I assumed stability and cushion were mutually exclusive. I thank Nike for proving me wrong. Can't wait to break these in more as I train for the Run 10 Feed 10 (more on that later)." — DA
Skullcandy XTPLYO Headphones
"As a fitness video producer, I spend a lot of my day watching people sweat. If I had to put myself on the sweat spectrum, I’d unfortunately have to admit I’m on the sweatier side. Workout headbands are a must if I don’t want sweat dripping into my eyes while doing mountain climbers. So I was very excited to discover Skullcandy XTPLO ($50), an earbud that is sweat-proof and designed to be worn for sports. They are very lightweight and stay securely in your ears, even when I’ve worn them during a HIIT workout filled with jumping and burpees." — GF
Run 10 Feed 10 Race
"I love having a good event to train for — I feel like it always keeps me on track. After my last half marathon, I didn't have anything scheduled until 2017, until now: I'm so excited to be running the Run 10 Feed 10 event in San Francisco. The concept is pretty simple — you run 10 kilometers and feed 10 hungry people in your area, so you're doing something good for your body and your community. I'm so humbled by the concept and excited to raise some money to feed those in need (and to run across the Golden Gate Bridge again!).
"If you're in San Francisco or New York City, you can join in person, or you can plot your own course and participate wherever you are! The Run 10 Feed 10 race ($45 to $55) is open for registration now — join me!" — DA
KeVita Cleansing Probiotic Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic
"September is always the back-to-school and back-to-work month. KeVita’s Cleansing Probiotic Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic ($4) is my pick for back-to-work beverage. It naturally energizes without leaving me with the jittery feeling I often get with coffee. I like the Meyer Lemon flavor, which has a refreshing citrus taste. If you're a big apple cider vinegar (ACV) fan, check out our 16 ways to use ACV video." — GF
T-Fal Multi-Cooker
"I love that you can cook all kinds of grains in the T-Fal Multi-Cooker ($80). While it is primarily a rice cooker, you can program the handy but small appliance to cook your oatmeal overnight and you wake up to a hot cereal breakfast. You can use the multicooker much like slow cooker for cooking soups and stews too. It's a timesaver that takes up little counter space and is perfect for back-to-school college kids and carpooling working parents alike." — SM
Daiya Dairy-Free New York Cheezecake
"I'm just going to come out and say it: I eat dairy (please don't shun me). I've always eaten it and never had a problem with it; I also grew up eating and loving traditional New York cheesecake, since my mom used to make it all the time when I was a kid. When I got the chance to try the Daiya Dairy-Free New York Cheezecake ($10), I was skeptical but immediately surprised and truly delighted at how delicious it was. With a coconut cream base and gluten-free crust, it's an unbelievably decadent, healthy dessert with no baking required. Dairy-lovers and vegans alike will dig this." — DA
Legendary Sunglasses by Aspire
"Stylish and sporty sunglasses are hard to come by, but Legendary sunglasses by Aspire ($290) fit the bill and are worth the splurge. Why? They're incredibly lightweight. So lightweight, I often forget I am wearing them and for me that is a good thing. I had mine adjusted at an Aspire dealer, so the fit is spot on, making them perfect for running and cycling. Plus, they are incredibly durable and flexible and bend easily back into shape, should they get twisted or smooshed for some reason." — SM
Vega Protein + Snack Bar
Need a protein-packed post-workout snack that satisfies your sweet tooth? These Vega Protein+ Snack Bars (4 for $6.99 are powered with plant-based ingredients like pea protein, brown rice, chia and hemp seeds, kale, and quinoa but they seriously taste like a candy bar (think Snickers!). Each bar offers 11 grams of protein, four grams of fiber, and they're soy-, dairy-, and gluten-free. The hardest decision is whether to bite into the Chocolate Caramel or the Chocolate Peanut Butter (my fave!). — JS
The Gluten-Free Bites Dark Chocolate Coconut Truffles
"Kicking my sweet treat cravings throughout the day is tough. So in the effort of making conscious snacking choices (while still enjoying flavors I love), I’ve been opting for healthier treats like the GFB Dark Chocolate Coconut Balls ($5). Each chocolate truffle is only 100 calories per serving. Besides being incredibly tasty, the bites are gluten free, vegan, dairy free and high in protein, making it the perfect guilt-free post workout snack". — Aimee Simeon, editorial assistant, Social
This GFB treat was hand-selected to be featured in the POPSUGAR Must Have box and is one of our favorite snacks right now. Subscribe to the Must Have box to receive treats like this monthly!
