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Best Fitness Gear of 2016
Written by
Nikki Chavanelle
We've got gadgets and gizmos and clothing galore to help you count steps, burn fat and look darn good while you do it. No matter what your fitness goals are in 2017, these products will help you reach them.
Bose SoundSport Pulse Headphones
$150
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Wireless is becoming the new norm for fitness-focused headphones, and if you've ever run untethered, then you can understand why—the freedom and minimal fuss of no wires makes it hard to go back to the old model.
These SoundSport Pulse headphones from Bose not only capitalized on the wireless trend, but they also added a built-in heart rate sensor. With the Bose Connect app, you can monitor your workout efforts in real time and receive in-ear coaching that will tell you when to push harder or when to slow down.
Another great feature is the inline mic. Not only can you use it to discreetly turn up or lower your volume, but you can also take calls without reaching for your phone. All those features combined with five hours of battery life, and your long run just got a whole lot easier.
These SoundSport Pulse headphones from Bose not only capitalized on the wireless trend, but they also added a built-in heart rate sensor. With the Bose Connect app, you can monitor your workout efforts in real time and receive in-ear coaching that will tell you when to push harder or when to slow down.
Another great feature is the inline mic. Not only can you use it to discreetly turn up or lower your volume, but you can also take calls without reaching for your phone. All those features combined with five hours of battery life, and your long run just got a whole lot easier.
Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller
$39.99
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Foam rolling is a lifesaver for any athlete—seriously, every single athlete should have one. Make sure your loved one has this fitness staple in their home to keep their muscles loose and aid in recovery.
The Trigger Point foam roller is stiffer than your typical roller so, while it might hurt a little, those hard-to-find knots will be gone in no time. It's also very lightweight and portable for athletes on the go.
The Trigger Point foam roller is stiffer than your typical roller so, while it might hurt a little, those hard-to-find knots will be gone in no time. It's also very lightweight and portable for athletes on the go.
Huawei Fit Watch
$130
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In a crowded marketplace of wearables, the Huawei Fit wants to be your go-to. At first glance it looks like a stylish watch (with interchangeable bands), but the Fit is actually a comprehensive fitness tracker. Its customizable touchscreen is protected by sturdy glass and a sleek metal case.
The Fit will track your daily activities including your heart rate, steps, and sleep, and even with a screen that's always on, the battery lasts up to six days. That's a big deal. Like most smart watches, the Fit will display your phone's notifications as they come in and it's water resistant up to five ATM. The watch will get to know you, your training regimen and will help you achieve your goals based on your heart rate data and training zones.
It's easy to find a great wearable these days, but it's hard to find a wearable that doesn't scream "look at me, I'm working on my fitness!" The Huawei Fit is stylish and functional so you don't have to decide between a regular watch and your wearable anymore.
The Fit will track your daily activities including your heart rate, steps, and sleep, and even with a screen that's always on, the battery lasts up to six days. That's a big deal. Like most smart watches, the Fit will display your phone's notifications as they come in and it's water resistant up to five ATM. The watch will get to know you, your training regimen and will help you achieve your goals based on your heart rate data and training zones.
It's easy to find a great wearable these days, but it's hard to find a wearable that doesn't scream "look at me, I'm working on my fitness!" The Huawei Fit is stylish and functional so you don't have to decide between a regular watch and your wearable anymore.
BlenderBottle Pro Stak
$13.99
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If you workout, you probably use a shaker bottle of some kind—but the Blender Bottle Pro Stak takes your supplements game to the next level. The Pro Stak is dishwasher safe and includes the BlenderBall wire whisk inside, but what really separates it from the competition is the storage containers. The cap has a hidden pill organizer that locks into the bottle so you never have to worry about leaving your supplements at home. The Pro Stak also comes with two independent jars for storage that can twist and lock onto the bottle to carry your pre-workout or protein on the go!
GoPro Hero5 Session
$299.99
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If you or your loved ones don't already own a GoPro or you do own one but it's an older version, now is the time for an upgrade. GoPro recently released the Hero5 Black and the Hero5 Session and they are both amazing. The Session is completely waterproof, has impeccable 4K video quality, voice control (game changer) and built in stabilization to make your action shots look like you're reliving the experience first hand.
The Hero5 Black comes with the simple one-touch display that's built in (meaning no extra casing) but the Hero5 Session is cheaper. The Session uses your phone as the view finder—if you need one— and GoPro now has specific apps to help you immediately transfer your footage or pictures to your phone over Bluetooth for easy editing and posting.
The Hero5 Black comes with the simple one-touch display that's built in (meaning no extra casing) but the Hero5 Session is cheaper. The Session uses your phone as the view finder—if you need one— and GoPro now has specific apps to help you immediately transfer your footage or pictures to your phone over Bluetooth for easy editing and posting.
Withings Body Cardio Scale
$179.95
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The Withings Body Cardio scale pretty much guarantees you or your loved ones will never need to buy another scale ever again.
First off, it measures your weight, which is obviously what you'd expect but it's accurate no matter what surface you put it on. Secondly, it measures your full body composition including body fat, muscle composition and water weight. Thirdly, it tells you your standing heart rate and it can measure how long it takes blood to pulse from your heart to your feet to give you a feel of how healthy your arteries are in a quantifiable number. Last but not least, the scale is Wifi accessible and it will sync all your data to your phone via the Withings app. An added bonus is that the scale will also give you the day's temperature highs and lows, you know, because why not?
First off, it measures your weight, which is obviously what you'd expect but it's accurate no matter what surface you put it on. Secondly, it measures your full body composition including body fat, muscle composition and water weight. Thirdly, it tells you your standing heart rate and it can measure how long it takes blood to pulse from your heart to your feet to give you a feel of how healthy your arteries are in a quantifiable number. Last but not least, the scale is Wifi accessible and it will sync all your data to your phone via the Withings app. An added bonus is that the scale will also give you the day's temperature highs and lows, you know, because why not?
Hydro Flask
Prices Vary
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The Hydro Flask is one of the pricier water bottles on the market, but for good reason. It keeps your water or sports drink cold for at least 24 hours, and it can also keep hot liquids warm for up to six hours. The condensation-free coating keeps the bottle from slipping out of your hands, even during the sweatiest workouts. Hydro Flask also gives buyers a lifetime warranty and is, of course, BPA-free.
Hydro Flask recently introduced "MyHydro," a customization tool to build your perfect Hydro Flask for whatever your active might be.
Hydro Flask recently introduced "MyHydro," a customization tool to build your perfect Hydro Flask for whatever your active might be.
Perform Better Resistance Bands
$8.95
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Resistance bands are a gym bag essential and the perfect stocking stuffer for fitness lovers. The Perform Better resistance bands can be bought individually, as a four-pack or a 10-pack. They are super durable and can be used for numerous exercises and warm ups.
Can't do a pull up on your own? Resistance band. Need a good IT band stretch? No problem.
Perform Better even includes a list of exercises that you can do with their bands if your loved one has never used them before.
Can't do a pull up on your own? Resistance band. Need a good IT band stretch? No problem.
Perform Better even includes a list of exercises that you can do with their bands if your loved one has never used them before.
lululemon All Day Duffel
$148-168
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The All-Day Duffel is the holy grail of gym bags. It's designed to be a 24-hour bag that can hold everything you need for the gym, work or travel. The abundance of convenient pockets includes a 15-inch laptop pocket, a sweaty unmentionables pocket, a removable shoe/laundry bag and ever-handy outside pockets for easy access to your phone, keys, wallet or water bottle.
Yogis, take note: the bag also comes with stowable mat straps. The bag is available in plain black, white or the reflective fabric shown above; all are durable and easy to wipe off.
Yogis, take note: the bag also comes with stowable mat straps. The bag is available in plain black, white or the reflective fabric shown above; all are durable and easy to wipe off.
Stance Socks
$12-20
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Stance socks come in a number of colors and cuts, but aside from their appealing aesthetics, they are an especially breathable option for anyone who suffers from sweaty feet. All socks are made from a blend of sweat-wicking fibers that will keep your toes nice and dry through any strenuous workout. Specialized mesh panels in the socks wrap from the top of the foot to the arch for breathability, and the brand's Air-Channel Cushioning add a layer of protection while enhancing airflow.
Stance also prides itself on thoughtful design touches; for instance, the left and right sock are made to anatomically match your foot's structure.
Stance also prides itself on thoughtful design touches; for instance, the left and right sock are made to anatomically match your foot's structure.
Nike Free TR Focus Flyknit
$110
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While these Nikes aren't ideal for long cardio sessions, they're the perfect group fitness class or strength-training shoe. Made out of Nike's signature lightweight flyknit material, that's meant to feel as natural as going barefoot. The outsole expands and contracts with every step to help keep your foot flexing naturally and to help you feel completely grounded throughout your workout.
New Balance Vazee Pace
$109.99
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These New Balance kicks are light and snappy enough to fulfill any fitness needs, especially if you favor cardio over weights and want a shoe that can keep up with a killer HIIT workout.
The breathable mesh upper is snug but not constricting, so it leaves plenty of room for your toes, plus the lightweight cushioning is supportive without slowing you down.
The breathable mesh upper is snug but not constricting, so it leaves plenty of room for your toes, plus the lightweight cushioning is supportive without slowing you down.
Under Armour Crossback Bra
$34.99
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This Under Armour Crossback fits like a second skin. With a tight, compressive feel, plus a wide elastic band that keeps the bra from inching upwards, the fit lady in your life will feel secure and supported during her next workout.
The Crossback also comes with built-in cups for extra coverage, but if you're looking for an even tighter fit, they are removable. True to its name, the reverse also features a racerback detail.
For those looking for an extra dose of color, this bra is available in an impressive 15 shades, so you'll never get bored.
The Crossback also comes with built-in cups for extra coverage, but if you're looking for an even tighter fit, they are removable. True to its name, the reverse also features a racerback detail.
For those looking for an extra dose of color, this bra is available in an impressive 15 shades, so you'll never get bored.
Oakley Elevate Shorts
$45
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It can be rare to find a pair of shorts that have everything you could want, but the Oakley Elevate shorts fit the bill. The shorts are short enough in the front to promote optimal mobility and long enough in the back to cover the good stuff. The O Stretch fabric actually repels water, and the shorts have ventilation holes around the waistband to keep you cool.
Unlike most modern running shorts, the Elevate shorts don't have the tiny pocket on the back but, instead, have two regular front pockets making them even more versatile. The best part? These shorts don't ride up when you're running.
Unlike most modern running shorts, the Elevate shorts don't have the tiny pocket on the back but, instead, have two regular front pockets making them even more versatile. The best part? These shorts don't ride up when you're running.
Saucony Interval 2-in-1 Shorts
$55
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For the anti-brief wearers among us—particularly those of us who aren't really short-shorts people—the Interval 2-1 shorts may well be the best you will ever wear.
The boxer brief liner ensures that there will be no chaffing, while the stretch fabric is an ideal light-weight option that falls naturally, but feels virtually weightless. The back of the short features a zippered storage pocket, perfect for storing a credit card and ID—just in case you want to run to brunch.
The boxer brief liner ensures that there will be no chaffing, while the stretch fabric is an ideal light-weight option that falls naturally, but feels virtually weightless. The back of the short features a zippered storage pocket, perfect for storing a credit card and ID—just in case you want to run to brunch.
Lucy Racerback Tank
$35-45
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A basic racerback tank is essential to any gym rat's fitness wardrobe, and we have a feeling your loved one will want to order this one in every color. For starters, the fit of the tank is hard to beat. The top fits tighter around the bust, so you feel all tucked in, but the bottom flares out around the stomach and hips for ease of motion. There's even a slight drop tail in the back for extra coverage over leggings.
The tank also features LucyTech, the brand's moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric, and flatlock seams that reduce chafing around your shoulders, back and arms.
The tank also features LucyTech, the brand's moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric, and flatlock seams that reduce chafing around your shoulders, back and arms.
Oakley Next Level Short Sleeve
$50
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The Oakley Next Level Stripe Training Tee checks all the boxes. Much more than just a T-shirt, the garment is made from Oakley's super light Hydrolix fabric. But unlike a lot of moisture-wicking fabric, Hydrolix won't stick to your skin, even with heavy perspiration.
Of equal importance, the Stripe Training Tee just looks awesome, complete with a feathered pattern and a curved hem that will ensure you look especially good while you do those dumbbell flies.
Of equal importance, the Stripe Training Tee just looks awesome, complete with a feathered pattern and a curved hem that will ensure you look especially good while you do those dumbbell flies.
lululemon Skinny Fly Away Tamer
$12
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Lululemon's Fly Away Tamer is the perfect headband for the gym, studio, track or even the grocery store. It's made out of Lulu's signature, moisture-wicking Luon fabric and has a four-way stretch that snugly holds your hair without being too tight. It also won't lose its stretch halfway through your workout, which is a big win in our book.
But the real reason we love this headband is on the inside. Lulu uses velvet on the underside instead of rubber or another sticky material, keeping flyaways tucked for good without any pulling or pain.
But the real reason we love this headband is on the inside. Lulu uses velvet on the underside instead of rubber or another sticky material, keeping flyaways tucked for good without any pulling or pain.