The Health and Fitness Products Our Editors Are Loving For October

"Back in August, Lenny and Larry's announced its new holiday-flavored protein cookies, and among them was peppermint chocolate. The flavor tastes like brownie meets candy cane, and the texture is supersoft. One whole cookie has 16 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber. Note: it's on the higher side in calories and carbs, but I don't mind one bit. The Lenny & Larry's Peppermint Chocolate Complete Cookie ($22 for 12) is beyond good." — Sam Brodsky, assistant editor, Fitness

"After getting in the habit of running for an hour early in the morning before my family wakes up, I didn't want the pitch blackness to stop me! I run 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. on some country roads, and now the sun doesn't rise until after, so wearing this Nathan Vibe Reflective Vest ($25) makes me feel much safer. I like that it's lightweight and thin, so I barely notice I'm wearing it. All the white parts are reflective, so it offers full visibility in the front and back, and the size is adjustable, so it fits over anything I wear, from a thin tank top to a light jacket." — Jenny Sugar, staff writer, Fitness

"I'm not strictly gluten-free (I do love a good slice of New York pizza), but with my PCOS, it's best to eat a mostly gluten-free and dairy-free diet. So when Jovial sent me a pack of Grain-Free Cassava Pasta ($7), I was excited to try it out. The pasta isn't low-carb, but it is gluten-free and grain-free and tastes great. I ate the spaghetti with chicken, broccoli, and my favorite jarred marinara sauce, and the taste and texture was similar to whole wheat pasta." — Christina Stiehl, senior editor, Fitness

"The Alo Soho Pullover ($78) has a cashmere-like softness but with moisture-wicking properties that makes it my go-to layering piece for warmups. I also love wearing it during the day as its loose fit makes it very comfortable for sneaking in some stretches during work meetings." — Genevieve Farrell Roston, Fitness and Wellness Director

"I've had a nagging foot injury for months, and the pain and inability to work out have been driving me up the wall. While I waited to get in with a new doctor, I turned to this Muscle MX Restore CBD Lotion ($45). I've never used any CBD products before and was shocked at how effective it was at targeting and dulling my pain, making it easier to get around. Now that I'm on the mend, I plan to use it in the future on sore muscles and minor aches and pains." — Maggie Ryan, assistant editor, Fitness

"I've been too nervous to see my physical therapist during the pandemic, so when Addaday sent me this BioZoom Edge Percussion Massager ($150), I was so grateful. I've had a shoulder injury for over a year (from taking an adult gymnastics class!), and massaging the tight muscles in the area has really helped alleviate pain. This handheld massager is chargeable and cordless and comes with five interchangeable heads to address different pressure intensities. It's also been great for soreness from running, biking, and hiking." — JS

"Before I became vegan, Reese's were always my favorite Halloween candy. Now I can still enjoy that delicious flavor combo with No Whey! Foods Pea Not Cups ($18 for 2-pack). Filled with oh-so-creamy sunbutter, they're not only vegan, but also nut-free, gluten-free, and salt-free. I actually like them even better!" — JS

"I rarely ever drink, but when I do, I tend to opt for something that doesn't have a superintense alcohol taste. The Haus Peach Passionfruit apéritif ($35) meets my alcohol-less taste requirement and tastes great served on the rocks, mixed with orange juice for a mimosa (don't take my word for this as I'm not a mixologist), or with soda water." — Tamara Pridgett, associate editor, Fitness.

"I've been trying to get back on a better sleep schedule, and part of that is winding down at night and making my bedroom more relaxing. So I put a diffuser on my bedside table and started diffusing oils from Saje Sweet Dreams Diffuser Blend ($44). The brand sent me this four pack that includes blends made with chamomile, lavender, cedarwood, sandalwood, and other sleep-inducing essential oils. A few drops are soothing without being overpowering, and it's helped me drift off at a reasonable hour." — CS

"I've been trying to take my workout outdoors for a run or walk at least three times a week. As the temperature chills in October, the Lululemon Down For It Vest ($148) is keeping me cozy. It's wind-resistant, lightweight, and has Primaloft® insulation, which warms places most exposed to rain and snow. It will be coming in handy for the first few snowfalls of the season." — GFR

"This One Less CBD Topical Inflammation Cream ($60) has helped me recover from hard workouts (especially lower-body workouts) that leave me sore. There's 400 mg of CBD isolate total in the jar, and the menthol in it is extracooling — though some people might think it has a strong smell, I quite like it. The cream has also provided relief for a muscle strain in my hip that I keep seeming to aggravate (I'm getting it checked out soon, don't worry!)." — SB

"Maybe it's getting cold in other parts of the country, but we're still stuck in a heat wave in Southern California, and Janji W's AFO Singlet in Eagle Ray ($38, originally $54) is the shirt that's keeping me cool. It's silky smooth and feels light as air when I pull it on, and I love it for home workouts, lounging around the house, and especially running — it seriously feels cooler than wearing no shirt at all!" — MR

"I have been a fan of the ONE protein bars for a while as a quick breakfast if I'm busy or a snack if I go long stretches in between meals. However, one full bar is pretty filling at 20 grams of protein and 220 calories. That's why I love the ONE Minis Protein Bars ($28 for a 30-pack) in both the Birthday Cake and Maple Glazed Doughnut flavors. They are 80 calories with 9 grams of carbs and 7 grams of protein, so they're perfect for a pre-workout snack before my early morning workouts or if I need something small during the day." — CS