All the Gear Keeping Us Fit, Healthy, and Motivated This May

"I've always known that I should get a pair of dedicated cross-training shoes, but it wasn't until I got the chance to try out these Ryka Devotion XT Training Shoes ($80) that I realized what I'd been missing out on. Comfortable and shock-absorbent, these shoes feel light but stable when they're on, which is perfect for the wide variety of exercises that I'm doing — everything from plyometric HIIT circuits to shoulder press-squats to the elliptical. My feet are prone to injury and the support and comfort of these shoes keeps them feeling 100 percent." — Maggie Ryan, assistant editor, Fitness

"These Munk Pack Snickerdoodle Protein Cookies ($7 for four) are packed with 18 grams of plant-based protein and six grams of fiber. I was blown away by how much these treats, made with peanut butter and coated in cinnamon and sugar, tasted like actual snickerdoodles! If you're looking for a post-workout snack or protein-filled dessert, you should definitely give this a try. (Note: they're currently sold out on the Munk Pack website, but luckily Target still has some.)" — Sam Brodsky, assistant editor, Fitness

"I love working out with my AirPods, but figuring out where to stash my phone while strength training at that the gym has become an issue. The roomy side pockets on Becksa 7/8 Legging ($89) are the perfect solution. With my phone secured on the side of my thigh, I can do almost any exercise without noticing it's there. I love dresses with pockets, and now I love leggings with them, too. Plus the fabric is soft, made of eco-friendly recycled polyester, and subtly ribbed — the texture is unexpectedly flattering. I am 5'4", so the 7/8 fit me like full-length leggings." — Susi May, senior content director, Fitness

"April was a stressful month for me, and one of my favorite ways to unwind is with a bath. Onyx and Rose CBD Bath Bombs ($15) are infused with a cooling muscle-relieving blend that will have you melting into relaxation. I tried out three kinds from the brand (calm, cool, and classic) in less than a week and had the best sleep I'd had in a while. I also appreciated that even though these bath bombs are colorful, they didn't stain my bathtub after using: a quick rinse and my tub was back to normal." — GFR

"I've finally started believing the hype of eating protein right after workouts, and OK, fine, it really does help build your muscles. I don't have time to whip up a protein shake after my morning workouts, though, so I've been relying on protein bars. My favorite so far: Peanut Butter Cup ONE bars ($25 for a 12-pack). I'm a sucker for anything chocolate and peanut butter, and these bars pack in that sweet flavor with 20 grams of protein and one single, measly gram of sugar. A bar plus a banana with some more peanut butter (a girl can never have enough peanut butter) is enough to keep me full until lunch." — MR

"Carbon38 is one of my go-to brands for luxe, stylish leggings that I want to wear both in and out of the gym. I'd previously been living in Carbon38's rose tights but this Spring I'm all about the brand's Takara leggings in orchid pink ($109). They're bright, they're vibrant, and I can't help but feel extra strong and smiley in these glossy leggings." — GFR

"CBD oil has been helpful in relieving stress, pain, and relaxing me for a great night of sleep. When I tried this Lazarus Naturals CBD Tincture ($32 for a 15 ml bottle) in the French Vanilla Mocha flavor, I was floored by how yummy it tasted. It contains 50 mg of CBD per 1 ml, which is about one dropper full, and I usually take about three-quarters of a dropper. I can't wait to try the other flavors including Chocolate Mint and Blood Orange." — Jenny Sugar, staff writer, Fitness

"I never thought I would say I was obsessed with a cycling shoe, but I am! The Tiem Slipstream
($130) is a game changer since its versatile design means it works as a cycling shoe (SPD clips are sold separately), but also as a regular sneaker! It's such a nice feeling to be able to walk out of a spin class without having to change into a different pair of shoes! These shoes have a breathable mesh and form fitting slip-on design that are so comfortable, and a beautiful selection of colors to match your favorite activewear." — Genevieve Farrell Roston, Senior Fitness Video Producer

"I am a huge fan of Lululemon leggings: they are soft, durable, and actually stay up over my flat butt when I'm working out. But I typically only wear black pants. So when SoulCycle offered to send me a pair from its collab with Lululemon in a color more fun than basic black, I was excited. The SoulCycle x Lululemon To the Beat Tights ($79, originally $128) are a nice neutral color that brightens up my dark athleisure. They are also comfortable and move with me, from running errands, to Spin class, to running on the treadmill. SoulCycle is having a big sale from now until May 6, so snatch up a pair before they are gone!" — Christina Stiehl, editor, Fitness

"I'm obsessed with meal prep and packing my lunch, and am in love with this ECOlunchbox Tri Bento ($33). It has three separate layered compartments that clip neatly together and keep my food separated. I love putting salad on the bottom layer, baked tofu on the middle layer, and fruit on the top layer. Made with dishwasher-safe stainless steel, this lunch container is lightweight, easy to clean, and can hold up to 4.5 cups of food." — JS

"The snow has melted and the woods are calling to me! These Danner Trail 2650 shoes ($150) felt comfortable the second I laced them up. The shoe feels supportive, it's lightweight and breathable, and the best part is that it has amazing traction, even on wet and muddy areas of the trail. I'm looking forward to logging many miles with these this Spring!" — JS

"This Desert Muse Crop ($76) from fitness influencer Rachael Finch's B.O.D. By Finch activewear line is just what I needed to brighten up my workouts. It comes with removable cups, which I always leave in, and makes me feel unstoppable. Cheetah print, no matter how subtle, will do that." — SB

"I love Vega protein powders: they are plant-based, have 20 grams of protein per serving, and include a healthy dose of vitamins in each scoop. So when I saw the brand launched a new line with energy, I was intrigued. I usually make my protein smoothie after my morning workouts, but also need a cup of coffee to get me through the day. The Vega Protein & Energy in Classic Chocolate ($40) has as much caffeine per serving as a cup of coffee, and has some MCTs for energy. This fuels me all morning so I can skip my run to the coffee shop and save $4 in the process. Plus, the classic chocolate flavor is damn tasty." — CS

"On mornings I do drink coffee, I love Nutpods creamers. They are dairy-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, and add just the right touch of flavor to my coffee. The Nutpods Caramel flavor ($15 for a four-pack) makes my standard cold brew taste like an iced caramel macchiato without all the added sugar, calories, and carbs." — CS

"Stress goes straight to my jaw and my temples, so I keep Relief and Recovery CBD roll-on ($30) in my desk drawer at work. When I feel the tension creeping in, I massage this oil into the sides of my head and around my jaw and it helps reduce the pain enough to keep me from popping some ibuprofen. Infused with essential oils of peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus, it smells good, too! Psychosomatic relief? Muscles relaxing due to massage from the cool and hard metal roller ball? Is the CBD actually penetrating and reaching the tense muscles? I am not sure the how it works, but this is my go-to tool for preventing a tension headache." — SM