Fitting exercise into everyday life is a balancing act. It often requires hitting the trails between errands or squeezing in a lunchtime yoga class. Keeping the right products in your kit is critical for freshening up on the go. We asked six professional and experienced athletes for their recommendations on the best products to help you look and feel good after working out.
The Undress ($99) and Nathan Power Shower Wipes ($5)
Traci Falbo, Ultrarunner
When shes not racing marathons around the country, ultrarunner is an in-home pediatric physical therapist. She squeezes her runs in between long car rides and appointments with clients, cleaning up afterward with . Usually one wipe is sufficient after a workoutmaybe two if it was a really muddy trail run, she says. They make me feel refreshed and clean enough to sit on my cars cloth seats.
Falbo has run in all kinds of weather, but if a workout is particularly wet, she slips into her before hopping in the car. Stepping into the dress and pulling the halter strap under her shirt gives her a quick, discreet way to switch into a fresh outfit. I can change my underwear or bra and throw on dry clothes without flashing people or getting arrested for public indecency, she says.
Palmers Cocoa Butter Daily Skin Therapy ($5.50)
Mikhail Martin, Co-founder of Brothers of Climbing
Mikhail Martin created Brothers of Climbing to connect people of color who might otherwise feel alone in the climbing gym or at the crag. When hes not at his software engineer job, the New York Citybased climber is cramming three bouldering or roped sessions into his typical workweek. At the end of a workout, one of Martins chief concerns is his handsall that chalk can leave them dried and cracked. Thats why he keeps this lotion in his bag. It does a great job of bringing moisture back to your skin, Martin says.
Psssst! Instant Dry Shampoo Spray ($7)
Meghan Takacs, Running Coach and Aaptiv Trainer
When isnt coaching or crafting new workouts for fitness company Aaptiv, she can be found on the trails of Central Park or the West Side Highway. Takacs keeps in her bag, especially if shes headed to a client meeting after a workout. I use it because it makes my hair look like I didnt work out, she says. It helps to prevent grease.
All Good Lotions ($16)
Caroline Gleich, Professional Ski Mountaineer
Most of Caroline Gleichs workout routine involves covering as much vertical terrain as possible. When it comes to cleaning up afterward, the ski mountaineer keeps it simplea brush through the hair and a little mascara can go a long way. But to tame extra-frizzy hair, Gleich uses a dab of in her locks. I like the lemongrass scent, she says. Its invigorating and covers up some of the sweat. Made with organic calendula cocoa butter and rose hip oil, the lotion is designed to be rubbed in without feeling too greasy.
Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar ($6.50 for 6 Bars)
Jason Fitzgerald, Running Coach and Founder of the Strength Running Blog
As a Denver-based running coach, spends much of his time in the citys park system or on longer trails in the mountains. The running is tough, but the arid climate can be just as hard on the body. Thats why washing with this made with moisturizing cream has become a part of Fitzgeralds ritual. I get clean without overdrying my skin in the dry Colorado climate, plus theres a nice exfoliating effect thats not too harsh, Fitzgerald says.
Clean Life No-Rinse Bathing Wipes ($5.70)
Mirna Valerio, Runner, Author and Writer at Fat Girl Running
After a muddy or overly sweaty race, ultramarathoner and writer reaches for . I particularly love to use them during a relay race, when there isnt a lot of opportunity to wash, as you are in a van the entire time with other stinky runners, she says. The wipes are premoistened and enriched with aloe vera. They dont leave a film, and they smell great, Valerio says.