Enjoy the Last Few Weeks of Summer With Our August Editor-Approved Must Haves

"Now that I'm taking my running outside in the Summer heat, my long black leggings are not doing me any favors. Thankfully I came across the Athleta Contender 9-Inch Shorts ($40-$59). They hit me at just the right part on my legs above my knees and keep me cool on outdoor runs or during supersweaty activities. Plus, there are pockets to stash my phone and keys — and they are cute and on trend!" — Christina Stiehl, editor, Fitness

"Meditating is something I've been trying to be more consistent with, which is still a work in progress. One tool that has made meditating easier is the Muse 2 Brain Sensing Headband ($250). When I got a pitch to try Muse, I wasn't 100-percent sold, but I'm happy to say that I'm now a fan of it. The band tracks your brain's electrical activity, which leaves you with data that lets you know how much time was spent in the active, neutral, and calm sates. The best part about the Muse headband, in my opinion, are the audio alerts when I get distracted because it helps me regain my focus." — Tamara Pridgett, assistant editor, Fitness

"It seems like every time I start swimming laps again, my ears go into panic mode and completely forget how to deal with water. These Nike Swim Ear Plugs ($13) are simple, comfortable, and effective. They keep water from getting clogged in my ears and can lessen the chance of getting earaches. And I love how they come with a small, waterproof carrying case, because I am exactly the type to lose them in my gym bag." — Maggie Ryan, assistant editor, Fitness

"After using a menstrual cup for one month, I became a cup convert! I didn't think life could get any better in the period department, but then I tried this Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup ($29). It's softer than the cup I was using, which means it's easier to insert and remove. I couldn't feel it at all while running, doing CrossFit, swimming, or yoga, and I had zero issues with it leaking, which meant no pantyliner required. If you've been thinking about trying a cup, this is the one to try." — Jenny Sugar, staff writer, Fitness

"I've been on the hunt for a red workout outfit to wear because nothing says, "I'm here, I'm ready to burpee" like bright red leggings. I was thrilled to discover that within the Lululemon X Barry's collab were the Stronger as One Tights ($128) and Long Line Bra ($68) in Bootcamp Emboss Dark Red. I love the vivid color and the fit of this outfit that shows a sliver of my waist without exposing my belly button. Made from Lululemon's buttery soft Luxtreme, this set is going to be my go-to when I want an outfit that will make me feel bright, strong, and confident." — Genevieve Farrell Roston, senior video producer, Fitness

"I'm not big on protein powder, but I recently tried the Ladder Vanilla Plant Protein ($60 for 30 packets a month) and really enjoyed it. It's great for the days when I have to rush from the gym to the office and don't have time to grab breakfast or don't want to spend $15 on a meal." — TP

"I have to run outside to music, but the cord to my headphones is cumbersome and I don't trust myself with AirPods. Enter these JBuds Air Sport True Wireless Earbuds ($69). They sit comfortably on my ears and don't move while I'm working out. Plus, the sound quality is good without being noise-cancelling; I still like to hear background noise, especially when I'm outside. Most importantly, $69 is a great price for the quality!" — CS

"My calves have been tightening up on runs and just generally giving me sh*t for months. Recently, my ankles started swelling, too. It's been a fun Summer! You can see why I jumped at the chance to try these Dr. Motion Mild Compression Knee-High Socks ($8). I've been wearing them on runs, and though they haven't loosened my tight calves overnight (I'm going to need a lot of yoga and/or a new pair of running shoes to get to that point), I could've cried at how well they relieved my swelling. The stockings also helped the blood flow in my legs, which helped them stay energized and warm (so to speak) when I took breaks." — MR

"During my steamy hot Summer trail runs and intensely sweaty CrossFit classes, these Lululemon Hotty Hot Shorts ($58) have been my absolute favorite bottoms to wear. The band is wide and snug but not too tight, and the inseam is four inches, so I feel fully covered. They're super lightweight and I love the little zippered pocket on the outside; it's way more comfortable than the zippers you often find on the back." — JS

"I like taking a variety of boutique fitness classes: Mile High Run Club, Orangetheory, and SLT's Megaformer class. But sometimes it's confusing to go through a million different apps and systems just to book classes and keep track of your appointments. Mindbody makes it convenient by keeping them all in one place. I was able to book an Orangetheory class when I was out of town in Denver through the app and it could not have been easier. Mindbody has tens of thousands of studios in hundreds of cities across 140 countries. Schedule a workout for yourself by downloading it for Apple iOS here (the app itself is free)." — CS

"Summer is here and I've been on the hunt for a cute crop top that I can wear to a low-impact workout like Pilates and also looks stylish to wear the rest of the day. Alo's Joyful Bra ($72) will be a staple of my wardrobe on the weekends during these warmer months. The mesh makes this top super feminine and the moisture-wicking fabric is essential for these scorching days." — GFR

"When I'm craving sweets but also want to make a dent in my daily protein, I've recently enjoyed snacking on Lenny & Larry's The Complete Chocolate Chip Cookie ($19 for 12). Each cookie has 16 grams of plant-based protein, and I highly approve of the taste. There are other flavors, though you can never go wrong with chocolate chip." — Sam Brodsky, assistant editor, Fitness

"Puma's Puma LQDCell Shatter XT Women's Training Shoes ($90) propel me forward when I'm on the treadmill and walking through life; it's like they put more pep in my step. And, the sneakers are equal parts cushioning and supportive. I also love wearing them on my commute to work (they scream "get out of my way"), around the office, and to run errands. Oh, and the design is kickass, don't you think?" — SB