FITNESS GEAR HAS come a long way since lycra leotards and headbands.
Getting out the door in the morning for that spinning class, run or gym session is a whole lot easier if you’re looking — and feeling — good.
Here’s some of our favourite bits of gear to help you get motivated and keep your fitness kick going into February.
1. Wearable tech
Is that the new thing?
Wearable tech is huge in the fitness industry with Fitbit the market leader.
The band tracks your activity throughout the day and gives you fascinating feedback on your heart rate, steps taken, sleep quality and other useful information. It syncs up to your computer or phone so you can see just how much fitter you’re getting. Set targets, track your progress and share your results. And it looks cool.
2. Be seen… looking stylish
More of us than ever are out in the evenings or weekend mornings for runs. It’s inexpensive, good for the body — if you’re doing it right — and, importantly, helps with your mental health. Besides a glass of wine and Graham Norton, what’s better after a stressful week than pulling on your runners and running a few miles at your own pace?
But it’s vital you ensure you’re seen on the side of the road; especially at this time of year. High-vis jackets are effective, as well as LED straps for your legs or arms.
3. No sweat
There’s no need to fall back in the door drenched in sweat, my friend. Dri fit technology is a “high-performance, microfibre, polyester fabric” that moves sweat away from your body.
It especially makes long distance runs or cycles that bit more comfortable. You may like to jog in your old Feile ’92 t-shirt, but because any moisture is evaporated you’ll feel a lot lighter in technical material than cotton. You can get nice tops, socks or whatever in dri fit material.
4. Zip it up
Where to put your key? The runner’s perennial conundrum.
You could stash it on your car wheel, leave it rattle around annoyingly in your shoe, or hold it for the entirety of your 10k trip. Or… you could get one of these pieces of gear with a nice, discreet zip-up pocket in the back.
You may even get a few jellies in there for that 7k-mark energy dip.
5. A good pair of runners
If you are hitting the tarmac for a run regularly, the best investment you can make is a good set of kicks.
The best sportswear outlets now do gait analysis, will analyse your foot strike and advise you on the best footwear to minimise the risk of injury.
