Top Fitness Gear and Must-Haves
Our Yes.Fit Team put together a few things to make your fitness journey easier. Maybe even give you a few ideas for gifts for your fellow fitness enthusiasts. I know some of these would make great stocking gifts.
BodyGlide or Alternative
Chaffing during a long run or during rigorous endurance exercise can be painful, and even embarrassing for some. Runner’s World refers to chafing as a "runner’s rite of passage," otherwise known as the friction that occurs as a result of skin rubbing against itself or clothing. The insides of thighs, along shirt seams, inside bra straps, and nipples grazing against a rough material shirt can all cause a variety of different chafing.
Experts like dermatologist Dr. Fayne Frey advise avoiding cotton because it absorbs sweat and stays wet. Also make sure to stay hydrated, while going seamless, tag-less, and wearing Band-Aids to protect the nipples from rubbing up against the shirt, which can cause bleeding in many cases. Lubricate yourself any and every body part you feel prone to chafing. During marathon training and race day, I chose BodyGlide to lubricate chafe-prone body parts. It's made from plant-derived waxes and an allergen-free product that keeps skin well moisturized and drastically decreases your chances of chafing during exercise. It’s also packed with vitamins A, B, E, and F to help keep skin hydrated for all-day protection. About $8.00 at Bodyglide.com
Textured Foam Rollers
One medium and small sized foam roller pack offers different options, depending on the desired workout intensity. The small 12" x 4" textured foam roller fits inside the hollow high density 13" x 5.75" foam roller, making it easier for travel.
Foam rollers are key to injury prevention, especially for runners, cyclists, and weight lifters. The log-shaped roller is typically made out of foam, which has been shown to improve circulation, range of motion, and balance while reducing pain and alleviating muscle tightness. Foam rollers are key to massaging away fascia (bands of connective tissue) buildup in the muscles, which can prevent IT band syndrome. Putting pressure on the muscle and slowly rolling into the target area is considered one of the most effective at-home self-myofascial release techniques. Flare-ups in tight muscles could lead to a full-on injury unless they are kept loose and flexible. Foam rollers are essential to maintaining normal muscle function and relieving sore and stressed joints.
$12 to $26 at Amazon.com
FlipBelt
The fanny pack got a make-over and it looks like a FlipBelt. This stretchy fitness accessory fits around the waist, equipped with several compartments to fit your phone, keys, license, and even some light-weight snacks. There are no buckles to cause uncomfortable chafing. It slides under or over clothing and is designed to eliminate bouncing while moving during exercise.
$15-$28 at Flipbelt.com
Resistance bands
Want a rounder rump? Place one of the bands around your quads, ankles, or knees during squats, bridges, or banded walks to help wake up those lazy glutes.
$2-$17 at Powersystems.com
Balance Ball
This Challenges your posture while forcing you to work those core muscles. Plus, it’s a great tool for stretching.
$6-$16 at Walmart.com
Exercise Bench or Aerobic Steps
Thirty years later and the Step High Step Aerobic Platform still reigns supreme. Here’s why: You can use it for cardio and explosive exercises, to advance moves or make them easier, or simply as a trusty bench. Aerobic steps will also help you by improving strength while increasing cardio. Increasing your strength will help you in the event you misstep while running or walking. It will help strengthen the muscles that support the knee and can help reduce knee pain.
Target, Kohls, Amazon, Walmart
On a long bike ride or long hike and you don't want to carry a water bottle then this is just the thing you need.
Hydration Packs (Camel Packs)
Do you hate carrying your water bottles? Camel Packs are designed (just like a camel) to keep you hydrated without having to hold something in your hand. Camel Packs are neat in that they also supply additional storage space for phones, and other must haves on your run or walk. Staying hydrated on your run is extremely important and the camel packs of today are designed for maximum comfort and convenience.
$44-$120 at Camelbak.com
Safety Lights
Burning the midnight oil? Sometimes it is the only option for getting your workouts in. In the winter time, running when it is dark is the only option. That is why it is super important to stay safe. There are a lot of options in the safety light space. What is most important is choosing something that will be comfortable while providing adequate light. When possible choose a product that lights up not just reflective. People are more likely to see a lit object, especially in the early morning hours when fog is possible or windows are wet.
$40-$70 at Noxgear.com
Identification
Do you run or walk without your drivers license or other identifying information? Most of us do. On top of that, we often go for a run or walk by ourselves. Carrying information on us can be vital to notify family members and/or medical professionals in the event of an emergency. Road Id can not only tell a first Responder who you are, but it can also save your life if you have medical issues and need special care. Road Id’s products can be attached to wearable's or used simply as dog tags or wristbands.
$15-$25 at RoadId.com
Protection
The world can be a scary place. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a victim. When at all possible, don’t go out alone, be aware of your surroundings, and walk or run in a known place where there is adequate lightning. If you can’t do all these things, make sure you aren’t a sitting duck. Protect yourself by carrying a firearm or other self defense products. These Tigerlady Safety Grips might give you just enough time to get away and get help in the event you are attached.
$62 at Tigerlady.com
So be safe and don't chafe.
