FEELING FIT AND FINE: PRODUCTS TO GET THE WORKOUT YOU WANT

All the gear to help you on your journey to good health.

Let’s admit it–no two fitness journeys are alike, and no two workouts feel the same so feeling in good shape is an individual experience specifically suited to your activity level, cultural background, current lifestyle, and many other aspects. There’s no dearth of services and programs, venues and clubs to benefit from as we move outdoors this summer and fall so why not up the ante with some of our picks in fitness gear, wearables and the like!

Every year, the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (PCSFN), a federal advisory committee that aims to promote healthy eating and physical activity for all Americans, regardless of background or ability, encourages you to move in celebration of National Physical Fitness & Sports Month. This year, the Council teamed up with the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s (ODPHP) Move Your Way campaign to promote safe physical activity while practicing social distancing.

No matter how you choose to move, don’t let that restrict you to any one time of year. Consistent activity is the only way to see results, we all know that, so commit to working out every day for a few minutes. While walking, jogging, yoga or Pilates might be your regular routine, maybe mixing it up a bit with some of these suggestions below might get you interested in another form of activity you had never considered.

Resistance bands had their moment last year as more people worked out from home and found it a simple and space-saving method to continue a focus on fitness. The bands themselves are inexpensive and easily packed if you need to move around. FitCord’s resistance bands are made in the USA, feature its trademark Safety Sleeve Technology and stretches four times its length but you can get other options depending on your workout levels.

Similarly, ab roller wheels found a new set of fans when working from home during the pandemic and wanting to keep that core strong. Many tend to forget though that rollers can also help with your sides and lower back, strengthening the spine and engaging muscles all over the body. Oileus rollers for abdominal exercise are especially intended for extra stability with a two-wheel design for resistance rolling out and assistance rolling back.

If working on your agility has taken over then YISSVIC’s agility ladder and cones are tailormade for training beginners and professionals in speed and endurance. With enough versatility for different drills and techniques, you can design a new workout every day. Build up on your fitness levels with increasing complexity levels and do it anywhere. Your agility ladder can travel with you when this light so no matter where you go, fitness never takes a backseat.

After a full day of sitting at your desk or working in any sedentary position, any movement is welcome. With Aqua punching bags, you harness the power of water in getting your cardio boxing routine in place. The tear drop shape and water-filled interior gives you an intense workout where you can feel the impact of every strike. Suspend from the ceiling or mount on a stand for any style from mixed martial arts to general fitness.

Building upper body and core strength will be a breeze with Fila’s push up bars made with nonslip edges for increased stability and comfortable foam grips so you don’t bruise your palms. Pair that with some fitness gloves and you will be well on your way. Powerhandz gloves are suitable for any style of fitness training, from weightlifting and cross-training to cycling and more generic workouts.

Rowing more your style? A portable machine should fit the bill nicely for a healthy indoor/outdoor mix. Stamina’s Bodytrack Glider offers just that with its compact, easy to store rowing machine that allows for a low impact workout you can comfortably pursue over longer durations. The multifunction monitor helps track your progress and access to a smart audio coaching app is included.

A fitness belt is never a bad idea to add to your gear so Lululemon’s run belt is a great option. It’s lightweight and designed with breathable fabric that can hold snacks if you need to but also other essentials like phone, cards and keys. Comes in a variety of sizes and colors and can be easily adjusted to customize fit. It does have some reflective details so running at night can be enjoyed safely if exercising in the late evening is your preference.

Meanwhile, Alpas Athletix has designed the first-ever patent design strapless sports bra so you can bid farewell to straps and tan lines with comfortable and well-supported sportswear. No matter your level of activity, the patented dual hug closure design, custom bra armor and wideband provide full back support and coverage minus any wires. Everyday use, whether mastering a bench press or running at the beach, is no more a hassle.

For relief from general soreness or tension post-workout, a foam roller is recommended to reduce tightness in your muscles and increase blood flow. TriggerPoint’s Core Roller uses high density foam and is available in a few different lengths. Its unique GRID® pattern is great for a self-massage, relieving pain or improving flexibility. That general tightness you feel around your neck and shoulders after hours of hunching around a laptop could be a thing of the past now.

Most importantly, remember to hydrate as summer temps hit highs everywhere and combine your workouts with an equally appropriate nutrition plan to ensure you see the results you want. Fitness is a personal experience and the rewards we each want to see from our efforts will vary individually so keep that in mind choosing a workout that best suits your needs for now, on this part of your journey, and then tweak as you progress.

Here’s to your good health and hard work!