Hit your fitness goals with help from gear that inspires.
As clichéd as it is, there’s just something about the start of a new year that inspires new beginnings in our fitness routines.
And whether your goal is to finally run that marathon or just to step up your gym style, adding some fresh new pieces to your workout wardrobe can be just what you need to get moving. With that in mind, here are some resolutions you might be making, and some gear to help you hit your goals.
Resolution No. 1: Find your Zen
A newfound commitment to the 6 a.m. yoga class means stocking up on gear that inspires you to roll out of bed before dawn. The super-sleek Athleta Asym Mesh Sonar Tights ($89) feature a flattering mid-rise fit, mesh cutouts and an anything-but-basic painted geometric print.
Layer up and stay cozy with Lululemon’s After Asana Wrap ($118), a lightweight cashmere and bamboo-blend wrap suitable for in and out of the studio.
If your toes tend to be chilly in class, keep them covered with Zella’s Studio Ankle Socks ($18 for two pairs at Nordstrom). The lightweight socks feature rubber grippers on the bottom so you can down dog without slipping around.
Need a new mat? Spring for a sweet design and a little extra cushion with the Lululemon Reversible Yoga Mat 5mm ($68), which makes floor poses especially comfortable on achy knees, hips and backs.
Resolution No. 2: Run your personal best
There’s nothing like training outside, but chilly mornings can make it difficult to get out the door. Get some help from a pair of full-length running tights, such as Old Navy’s Go-Dry Mid-Rise Reflective Leggings (on sale for $19.50–$24), which feature a reflective design on the side panel for added safety.
There’s lots to love from Seattle-based Oiselle, but the super-cozy stovepipe Cashmere Scarf ($68 at Oiselle, U District, and oiselle.com) is a dream on January — and February and March — runs.
Keep hands warm with local favorite Brooks’ Dash Running Gloves ($25 at Brooks Trailhead, Wallingford, and brooksrunning.com). The lightweight gloves have just the right amount of insulation, stretch and reflective materials to make them perfect for everyday running.
Resolution No. 3: Be more intentional
This is the year you put more thought into all your practices and routines, starting with your health. Eat Drink Move Sleep ($15 at chroniclebooks.com) is a health-tracking journal that helps you do just that, with plenty of space for logging food intake, workouts, sleep patterns and more.
Up your water intake with a generously sized S’well 25-ounce Water Bottle ($45 at Athleta). The popular double-walled, wide-mouth design is ice-cube-friendly, and will keep your drink hot or cold for 12–24 hours.
Getting a workout in before you head to the office requires a little advance planning, but you can keep everything you need — from toiletries to a change of clothes to work files — in the oversized MZ Wallace Large Metro Quilted Oxford Nylon Tote ($225 at Nordstrom). Multiple pockets and three included pouches help you keep it all organized as you go from the studio to the bus stop to the office.
Resolution No. 4: Shake things up
You’ve gotten your gym routine down to a science, but you’d like to freshen it up just a bit. Under Armour’s Gym Hair Tank ($30 at under
armour.com), which states, “Gym Hair Don’t Care” is sassy, fun and sure to start some conversations.
Fitness trackers are all well and good, but to move to the next level of fitness you may need something more. The Goqii Fitness App ($29 per month at goqii.com) matches you with a personal coach who, through messages, phone calls and reminders, will help you hit your goals.
Keep the music playing all day with NuForce BE6i Wireless Bluetooth Headphones ($129 at amazon.com), which boast an 8-hour battery life. The stylish gold ’buds are water- and sweat-proof, and have a Bluetooth range of 98 feet, so you won’t lose the tunes when you move machines.
Resolution No. 5: Step up your style
Want to up the effort you put into your workout appearance (if only so you can hit the coffee shop after without frazzled hair and leftover mascara smudges)?
Keep hair tamed with a New Balance for J.Crew Athletic Headband ($12–$15 at jcrew.com), part of a new athleticwear partnership between the two iconic brands.
You may not want to wear a full face of makeup at the gym, but you can do a quick cover job with the sweat-proof Maybelline Cover Stick Corrector Concealer ($5 at Target). The twist-up formula glides on easily, and is so affordable you won’t think twice about applying it pre-gym and washing it off an hour later.
Post-workout, swipe your gorgeous glistening face with the refreshing Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Cleansing Cloths ($15 at Sephora), which are easy to stash in your bag for freshening up on the go.