It’s two weeks into the new year, which means that—by now—you’ve had a chance to make and break a fitness resolution or two. (Don’t feel bad. The stats show that half of us don’t follow through.)
But the thing is, it’s never too late to re-commit to your goals, and sometimes, all it takes is a little something that makes your workout easier or gets you excited again—a better bag to lug your gym stuff to work, a bike that’s actually built for those long training rides, a base layer to make a winter run more comfortable.
So with your goals in mind, we’ve rounded up the best fitness products and workout gear that will help you stay on track. Click through, find your salvation, and repeat after us: Bring it, 2013.
So you wanted to run more—but the cold temps are keeping you inside? This Under Armour ColdGear Thermo Hi-Crew might weigh close to nothing, but the warmth it provides is unbeatable. The pattern design of the shirt allows it to trap heat, while the fabric simultaneously wicks sweat. Yes, this top makes being cold a thing of the past. ($60; underarmour.com)
You swear this is the year you finally knock that triathlon off your bucket list. Problem is, your bike is a clunker, and your training rides feel like hell. Enter the light frame on the Cannondale CAAD8 6 Tiagra, which makes it a perfect road-bike purchase. This cycle’s taller head tube allows you to pedal in a more relaxed position, and the chain stay helps absorb shock for a smooth ride. It’s an investment, sure—but you’ll be thanking yourself all the way up the next killer hill. ($1,250; cannondale.com)
Hate having to schlep clothes to the office for an evening workout? The Helly Hansen Duffel Bag can hold up to 50 liters (which is definitely enough to fit your gear). The best part? It converts into a backpack using the two shoulder straps, for a simple sling-over-the-shoulder-and-go. Plus, we dig its “Olympic-like” look. ($90; hellyhansen.com)
In 2013, you're down for CrossFit, spinning, or even kickboxing—the point is, you want to switch up your routine. Well, that’s easy in these lightweight Reebok Fitness Strength Wind Pants. Featuring a two-way stretch, your movements won’t be restricted no matter if you’re jumping, pedaling, or practicing high kicks. Plus, the low-pressure waistband will keep you secure and covered, and the ventilation on the legs keeps sweat to a minimum. ($60; shop.reebok.com)
Sleet, snow, and rain no longer mean a day of TV in bed with the girlfriend. Sorry. Hit the ground running (literally) in the Adidas Terrex Fast R GTX. These trainers are low cut, but have a waterproof GORE-TEX outer that will keep your feet dry, yet able to breathe. And they have extra cushioning in the forefoot to protect knees and joints from damage. ($180; adidas.com)
If you’re missing morning workouts because you go to bed too late or can’t seem to sleep through the night, then the Gear4 Renew Sleep Clock is for you. Using a non-contact sensor, the device knows when you fall asleep, measures and monitors your sleep patterns, and wakes you up at the lightest moment in your sleep cycle. Sync it with your iPhone, iPad, or iTouch and receive reminder alerts when it’s time to think about hitting the sack. Bonus: Once you get your sleep schedule on track, you won’t just murder your workouts—research shows you’ll probably eat better too. ($129; us.gear4.com)
Snow sports might not be the easiest, but they are a great way to build muscle and burn calories. And if you’re headed to the slopes, throw on this Obermeyer Ketchikan Jacket. With Cocona in the shell, insulation, and lining, you’ll have lots of breathability, but remain dry as a bone. You’ll be so comfortable and warm that the only reason you’ll be taking a break from the mountain is for lunch. ($525; obermeyer.com)
Not everyone can afford a trainer, but most of us need a little motivation to get moving. So get your hands on the Nike+ Kinect Training Video Game. After completing a generic challenge, the game evaluates your fitness level and creates a personalized program designed by Nike’s master trainers. Then, as you workout, the sensor reads your movements so your virtual trainer can give you real time feedback on your form and effort. Connect your Windows or iOS phone to the game and take your workouts anywhere. ($50; amazon.com)
So you want to run a marathon. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a trainer’s help? Well, the PEAR Training Intelligence literally puts a world-class running coach in your ear. Download the app on your phone and choose a workout based on your fitness goals, then let the device track your workout and heart rate while you run to your favorite tunes. It’ll deliver real-time coaching advice directly into your headphones, telling you when to speed up—or even alerting you when you’re close to the finish. ($150; pearsports.com)
For some people, working out more is sometimes as simple as cutting out the trip to the gym. So instead of wasting $83.73 a month on a gym membership you won’t use (that’s the average, according to Mint.com), invest in the Epic A42T Treadmill. It allows you to trace a route on Google maps, then upload it so that the machine automatically reflects the inclines and declines of the actual terrain. Plus, you’ll get to view the actual scenery from the route as you “jog by” it. Bonus? The more miles you log, the more rewards you get, like trainer tips and Dick’s Sporting Goods discounts. ($2,199; dickssportinggoods.com)
Biking to work instead of driving or taking public transportation is a great way to get fitness into your daily routine. And you can do it year round in this Nau Shell-A-Tour Jacket. With four-way stretch that lets you to move with ease, the coat has seam sealed construction, making it highly waterproof. Plus it’s wind-resistant so nasty weather won’t affect your routine. ($345; nau.com)