No matter where we hike, how long we go for, how (or whether) we train, or how much or little weight we carry, there’s one thing all hikers need: strong legs. On the trail, legs help you keep up the pace, , and maintain your balance on everything from uneven treadpath to tricky creek crossings. Ensuring yours are ready for your next adventure could be the difference between having a fulfilling trip and spending more time thinking about your aches and pains than the scenery.

Need a primer on the science of stems? We’ve collected some of our best writing on it, plus a couple of personal trainer-backed exercises to help you get yours ready to tear up the trail come spring.

The problem with “hiking your way into shape”: Those first couple of trips aren’t much fun. If you’re looking to maximize your trail time, then doing some pre-hike training is one of the best investments of your time that you can make. We’ve collected six of our favorite leg workouts—including an off-the-couch conditioning plan, plus workouts for steeps, endurance, and overnight trips—in one convenient place so you can find the routine that works for you whether you’re starting from zero or trying to take your fitness to the next level.

Of course, getting strong is only half the battle: Leg injuries are an ever-present hazard for hikers, ranging from minor inconveniences like sore feet or quads to season-ending injuries like ACL tears. Learn the anatomy behind your leg pain and get mobility exercises to help you prevent and deal with it in this expert-written primer.

If you mostly spend the colder months on other pursuits, hitting the trail in spring can be a shock to your hammies. These workhorse muscles keep your knees aligned and stable, especially on downhills and uneven terrain, and play a key role in helping to support your pack weight. This three-exercise, three-times-a-week routine is designed to work your hamstrings into shape over six to eight weeks, allowing you to feel more confident tackling your first big trips of the season.

You’ve probably heard the term “trail legs” before; for those of you who aren’t up on your long trail lingo, it’s the state thru-hikers reach where their muscles handle the daily stress of of the trail well enough that they’re able to keep going day after day. Turns out there’s some pretty serious science behind why it happens. In this piece, fitness columnist, personal trainer, and physical therapist assistant Lee Welton went long on how your body adapts when you hike dozens of miles day after day, and whether it’s possible to keep your trail legs after the hike is over. (Spoiler alert: It’s not.)

3 Leg Exercises Every Hiker Should Know

Kickstart your fitness routine with these exercises from ‘s Six Weeks to Trail Fit class, taught by coach and guide Jason Antin

Leg Blasters

Combining several different exercises into one, this circuit is a great base to build your leg conditioning routine around.

Goblet Squats

These modified squats are easy to do with any heavy object from a kettlebell to a dumbbell to a weighted pack.

Walking Lunges

Trail your glutes, hamstrings, and more with this exercise—no weight necessary.

The post Strong Legs Are a Hiker’s Secret Weapon. Here’s How to Get Them. appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Online.

You should do something that makes you sweat every single day, right?

At least, that very loose metric has long been the standard for anyone who wants to stay fit, live longer and healthier, and stave off any number of diseases that are associated with inactivity. According to in both the U.S. and UK, adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (like running) each week to reduce the risk of long-term health issues like .

However, according to a journal from the American Heart Association, it might be perfectly fine to cram a week’s worth of exercise into one or two days. In fact, the study says that doing as much—becoming a “weekend warrior,” so to speak—can lower the risk of developing more than two-hundred diseases when compared to wholly inactive people.

The study, led by scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital, analyzed information from nearly 90,000 people enrolled in the UK Biobank project and categorized their physical activity as weekend warrior, regular, or inactive based on federal guidelines. Researchers found that weekend warriors’ approach of going hard on their days off seemed as effective at reducing disease risk as regular exercise spaced more evenly throughout the week.

“Because there appears to be similar benefits for weekend warrior versus regular activity, it may be the total volume of activity, rather than the pattern, that matters most,” the study’s co-senior author, Dr. Shaan Khurshid, said in .

It’s hardly a shock that doing something is better than doing nothing. But seeing the positive impact of just a few workout sessions per week backed by scientific research is reassuring, especially for people who may not have the time to get sweaty every day.

All that being said, don’t give in to the temptation to skip your warmup so you can pack all of your fitness goals into a compact timeframe.

“Even if your time is very limited, I would never tell an athlete to go into a workout cold,” says Mandy Gallagher, a level-one USA Cycling coach based in Durham, North Carolina. Gallagher also says you should still move your body as much as possible during the week, even if that just means taking a short walk every day, lightly stretching and loosening your body during work hours, or, if you’re a parent, getting outside and playing with your kids.

“Do something active during the week, even if it’s just for ten minutes a day,” she says.

Matt Sanderson, a human performance coach at the fitness company , stresses the importance of approaching a reduced workout load for exactly what it is.

“Don’t try and pack five days of working out into two days,” says Sanderson, who has a master’s degree in strength and conditioning and was previously a physical training instructor with Britain’s Royal Air Force. “Approach it as a two-day-a-week training plan.”

So how do you become a weekend warrior? How do you wring the most out of those 75 or 150 minutes? Here’s how to optimize your weekend workouts.

Change Up Your Zones

To get the most out of your two-day-a-week workout plan, both Gallagher and Sanderson agree that varying your level of intensity is key.

Alternating workouts between two of the five heart-rate training zones is an effective way to build aerobic and anaerobic fitness, Sanderson says. He recommends exercising in zone two, which is typically 60 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate, for one of your workouts. Then on the next day, try exercising in zone five, which should push you to 90 to 100 percent of your maximum heart rate. (To calculate your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220. For example, a 35-year-old would have a maximum heart rate of 185 beats per minute).

If you don’t have a way to track your heart rate, Sanderson says you can estimate your workout intensity by your ability to talk. While exercising in zone two, you should be able to hold a conversation; a zone five workout will require “everything you’ve got,” he says.

Depending on your level of cardiorespiratory endurance, a zone two workout could be an hour of brisk walking, jogging, or alternating between walking and running at a leisurely pace. For another moderate intensity workout, Sanderson recommends rucking—an increasingly popular fitness trend that involves walking with a weighted backpack.

“Go ruck for 400 meters,” he says. “Then ditch your pack and walk for 400 meters. Then throw your pack back on for 400 more. Alternate that for an hour.”

Your zone five workout may include sprint repeats or shorter, max-effort runs. For these efforts, Sanderson stresses focusing on how close you are to your endpoint, whether that’s your home or your car.

“Pick a loop around your neighborhood or go work out at the local track,” he says. “The last thing you want is to have done hard efforts five kilometers down a trail only to say, ‘OK, I’m done,’ and have to walk five kilometers back.”

Ride Your Bike

If you’d rather spend your weekend cycling, Gallagher also recommends varying the pace and length of your bike rides.

“One day focus on endurance or a longer ride, one day focus on intensity or a shorter ride,” she says.

To build a strong endurance base, Gallagher recommends a 90-minute ride at a steady, conversational pace. Bookend that ride on either side with a 15-minute warmup and a 15-minute cool down and stretch. For your warmup, Gallagher suggests an easy ride peppered with some quick speed bursts, where you’re pushing your pedals over 100 RPM.

To increase your , your next workout should focus on intense efforts. For those, Gallagher recommends the following with the same warmup and cool down efforts.

“Find some short climbs, under three minutes, and do hill repeats,” Gallagher says.

She advises starting with a set of three to five climbs with about two to three minutes in between efforts. As your fitness increases, you can add additional sets.

Gallagher also suggests finding some flat terrain and focusing on 15- to 30-second-long sprints. Start with five to eight sprints with about two to three minutes of moderate cycling in between efforts, and add more sprints as you are able.

Finally, Gallagher encourages one-to-one bursts, where efforts and rest come in equal measure. In other words, ride hard for 30 seconds and then rest for 30 seconds. As you gain fitness, increase to one minute on, one minute off; three minutes on, three minutes off, etc. Repeat the efforts three to six times per set with five to ten minutes of rest in between sets.

Keep It Fun

The key to staying consistent as a weekend warrior is having fun. If you don’t enjoy running, don’t run. If you have limited time to achieve your fitness goals, it’s best (and easiest) to get your exercise in by planning an activity you’ll look forward to.

“It’s essential to do something that you enjoy rather than something you hate that you think is going to be beneficial to you,” Sanderson says. “You have to think of it like, ‘What’s something I’m going to do for the rest of my life?’ rather than, ‘This is something that’s going to be beneficial to me over the next six weeks.’”

Sanderson also says that exercise can be a social activity. In particular, the conversational nature of zone two workouts allows you to connect with a workout partner in a way that intense efforts may not.

“Find a flag football league or a softball league, a running club or a cycling group,” he says. “That helps massively, not only for fitness but also accountability and mental health.”

If you enjoy your workout, it will feel less like work, Gallagher says.

“The big thing is that you don’t want to make it seem like another job,” she says. “If you’re out on your bike, that’s a good thing.”

Too often, we associate fitness with suffering in a gym or miles thumping underfoot. In reality, fitness can and should be fun. And when it is, you’re more likely to keep coming back to it, even if it is just for a few hours each week.

The post You Don’t Have to Work Out Every Day. Here’s How to Be a Weekend Warrior. appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Online.

Now, as the leaves fall and winter looms, is a great time dial in your home gym. Spend your addressing any aches, pains, or muscle imbalances, so you can hit the trails stronger this spring. Working out at home offers loads of flexibility, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are three exercises and three home gym equipment additions I’d add into a workout routine.

Adjustable step

The adjustable step is a highly versatile piece of gym equipment for hikers. Adjustable steps are usually between 3 to 4 inches on the lowest height and each additional riser adds 2 to 4 inches depending on the model. With the lower height, you can focus on form and movement control. As you get stronger, add risers to increase the range of motion and difficulty level. This will maximize your workout efforts and help reduce risk of injury on lots of different types of terrains and on-trail obstacles. One of my favorite exercises for hikers is the lateral step-down.

Lateral Step-downs

The lateral step-down will do wonders for your knee health by strengthening the hip and quad muscles. In addition, this movement can help reduce downhill hiking knee pain.

For hikers, start this exercise with three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions at the lowest step height. If you can maintain good form and control—meaning your knee stays in line with your second toe and doesn’t move inward—then you are ready to increase the step height. Add a riser, repeat sets and reps until proficient, then progress to add another riser. If you experience any knee pain during this exercise, try a lower step height.

1. Start by standing with your left foot on a step. Bending your left knee, slowly lower the right foot toward the floor and tap your heel. Try not to reach for the floor with your right foot; instead, lower yourself only with the left leg.
2. Press through the left foot to return to the start position. Slow and controlled is the key here; fast reps won’t do you any good. Aim for a three-second lower. Do 10 to 15 repetitions, then switch legs.

Try to keep your hips level during this exercise. Imagine two flashlights on the front of your hips, one on each side. As you raise and lower, you want the flashlights to shine straight forward during the exercise. By keeping your hips level, you will engage your side hip muscles, which are essential for healthy knees.

Adjustable Weights

Arguably one of the most versatile additions to any home gym would be a set of adjustable dumbbells. There are numerous brands available that allow for weight ranges from 5 to 90 pounds, and they don’t take up as much space as non-adjustable dumbbells.

There are no shortages for exercise options using dumbbells. There are lots of variations of squats, deadlifts, carries, presses, rows, and lunges to help you get stronger for both hiking and life demands.

Goblet Squats

Goblet squats are friendly for beginners and advanced gym-goers alike, and they offer many benefits for all skill levels, especially strengthening muscles in the torso, improving posture.

The goblet squat offers a slight variation on the traditional squat. Keeping your feet about shoulder width apart, grab a weight and hold it close to your chest as you perform a squat. Use a weight that allows you to complete the reps with good control. As you squat, keep your core engaged as you unlock your knees, bringing your rear toward the floor.

Maintaining an upright torso and engaged core, squeeze your glutes to return to standing. Avoid letting the knees move inward during the squat throughout the movement. By keeping the weight close to your chest, you engage more muscles in the mid-back and core, which will help you carry a loaded backpack on the trail.

Begin with three sets of 15. If you can complete the reps with ease, increase the weight until you find the last two to three reps more challenging.

Suspension Trainer

A suspension trainer or similar brand is another valuable piece of home gym equipment. There are so many benefits to suspension trainers: They’re portable, making them great for travel, and they’re quite versatile. Suspension trainers generally come with a door attachment that allows you to anchor the trainer in any room of the house.

With the suspension trainer in place, you can perform a variety of squats, lunges, rows, and presses. There are also a number of great core exercises you can add in such as fall-outs and plank variations. One of my favorite exercises for hikers are reverse lunges. Suspension trainer lunges are the same as a standard reverse lunge but your arms can now take some of the load as you descend and rise. With help from the arms, you’re putting less . Using the suspension trainer to modify the reverse lunge, hikers with ache-prone knees can build strength without adding too much pressure to the joint.

Reverse Lunge

, hold the suspension trainer straps so they are taut in front of you, keep your core tight and take a big step backward, lowering your hips to bring your back knee toward the floor. Keep your back knee directly below the hip in the bottom position of the lunge. Make sure your front knee stays stacked over your ankle during the lunge—it shouldn’t push forward.

Return to standing by squeezing the glute on your front leg while pressing through the front foot. Avoid leaning forward as you do so; keep your torso upright, your core engaged, and the suspension trainer straps taut the whole time.

Perform a set of 10 on each leg before switching to the other leg. Repeat three times.

The post The Home Gym Equipment Every Hiker Needs This Winter appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Online.

Crushing your summer workout isn’t just about mental fortitude or a high heat tolerance—what you wear can seriously impact performance, too. Clothing that wicks moisture, shields harsh rays, and provides ample ventilation can spell the difference between a workout high and a full-on sufferfest.

We spent over 200 hours testing nearly 50 products in conditions as hot as 100 degrees. Our goal: identify the best women’s summer workout clothing to elevate your exercise game. Here are the tops and shorts to shop now.

At a Glance

Tops

Shorts

How to Choose Workout Apparel
How We Test
Meet Our Lead Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Summer Workout Tops

Vuori Pose Plyo Tank

Sizes: łÝłÝł§â€“XłÝł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Stylish design
⊕ Soft, comfortable fabric
⊗ Not enough support for running
⊗ Crop cut and bust support may not be comfortable for some

This cropped tank earned top style points, with three testers scoring it a 10 out of 10 for aesthetics. The high neck and racerback design created a sleek, sporty look that lead tester Jenny McCoy enjoyed wearing both during and outside of workouts; it quickly became her go-to option for running errands and lounging at home. Colorado-based tester Megan Giehl described the rayon-elastane fabric as soft, comfortable, and breathable for barre, indoor cycling, and outdoor walks in conditions as warm at 95 degrees.

The built-in bra secured Jenny’s chest as she performed a variety of movements in HIIT and strength workouts, including jumping jacks and squat jumps, but she noted it didn’t provide enough support for longer-duration high-impact activities, like running. Lastly, not everyone was a fan of the trendy, cropped style: Jenny only felt comfortable wearing the shirt with high-waisted bottoms, and another tester found it too short for any occasion.

Helly Hansen Tech Split Back Tank 2.0

Sizes: łÝł§â€“Xł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Silky fabric
⊕ Split back design provides ventilation
⊕ Versatile adaptability
⊗ Minimalist style may not appeal to all

The split-back design of this top kept testers cool during a variety of workouts, including hiking, HIIT workouts, strength sessions, and walks in 90-degree heat. Though two testers found the loose, billowy style to be ill-suited for moves like pikes and yoga inversions, NYC tester Elle Brunsdale discovered that by tying the two back ends together, the shirt transformed into a more secure, form-fitting garment. “I like having the back open while I’m running or otherwise moving around vertically for the extra air flow to keep me cool,” she said. “For horizontal movements, like pendulum push-ups, I like having the back tied together for a tighter style.” Another tester praised the recycled polyester-elastane fabric for its breathability, and called it, “very smooth,” and “silky to the touch,” while a third tester enjoyed the shirt’s generous length, which covered her crotch and the top of her thighs so she felt confident wearing it with tight shorts.

Fabletics Dry-Flex Muscle Tank

Sizes: łÝłÝł§â€“4łÝ

Pros and Cons
⊕ Butter-soft fabric
⊕ Loose, comfortable styling
⊕ Wide range of inclusive sizes
⊗ Cropped, flowing design not suitable for activities like yoga or Pilates

Testers loved the soft, lightweight fabric of this shirt; Jenny described it as “velvety” and “buttery” and even slept in the top several times—because it was that comfortable. Beyond its luxe feel, the flowy, loose style proved functional as testers wore it on long hikes and during cardio and resistance classes without overheating. Jenny appreciated that the cropped bottom was longer in length than some that she says feel “inappropriately short,” and liked that the high neck provided sun protection for her chest, such as on a 90-minute hike in 60-degree weather. Another tester raved about the overall aesthetic, saying the barely-there feel and muscle top style made her feel “strong and confident.” Though the cropped, loose style was a hit for cardio workouts, testers warned that it may not be suitable for activities like yoga or Pilates where the excess fabric could be distracting.

Nathan SportsWomen’s Sprinter Sleeveless Shirt

Sizes: łÝł§â€“Xł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Quick drying fabric
⊕ Flowy design boosts ventilation
⊕ High neck adds sun protection
⊗ Boxy design more functional than stylish

This mesh fabric top is marketed as having “superior moisture management,” and Jenny discovered that claim to be spot on. During a sunny 6-mile high alpine hike, an unexpected downpour soaked Jenny but this lightweight, water-wicking top didn’t get saturated, helping her avoid hypothermia as her temperature dropped. In less extreme conditions, one tester said the loose, crop-style top provided ample breathability on sweaty outdoor runs and didn’t stick to her skin.

Jenny said the arm holes—which were a “nice balance between loose but not too baggy”—prevented sweat from pooling during a 60-minute indoor strength workout. One tester appreciated how the high neck design helped shield her chest from the sun, but docked the top’s style. “It’s not as cute as I’d typically want,” she said, describing the boxy style as “more utilitarian.” And, given the loose cut, she wouldn’t recommend the top for any activity involving inversions.

Nathan Dash 2.0 Short Sleeve Shirt

Sizes: łÝł§â€“Xł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Soft, stretchy, and sweat-wicking fabric
⊕ Flattering, stylish cut
⊕ Versatile for any type of workout
⊗ Limited sizing range

By far our testers’ favorite pick in 2023, this minimalist t-shirt is functional, comfortable, and stylish. Made with a polyester-nylon-elastane performance blend that’s oh-so-soft and stretchy, this top wicked away our testers’ sweat during a variety of workouts, including a walk in 80-degree weather and a 30-minute indoor strength session. The flattering, relaxed fit, which Elle described as “loose in a good way,” provided ample ventilation and breathability, and, she said, remained comfortable as she busted out burpees. The top even performed well in an impromptu workout: Jenny was wearing it when she had to sprint a mile through the airport and arrived at her gate with zero chafing or obvious sweat stains.

Workout Shorts

Alder Roots x alder Cargo Short

Sizes: łÝłÝł§â€“4łÝ

Pros and Cons
⊕ Thick, supportive waistband
⊕ Durable fabric
⊕ Wide range of inclusive sizes
⊗ Too bulky for high-intensity activities like running and yoga

A favorite of all three testers who tried them, these high-waisted, cargo-style shorts ranked high in fit and comfort. Jenny enjoyed the “snug but not constricting” waistband and Megan appreciated the inner drawstring that she called “comfortable” and “not bulky.” The fabric, a water-resistant nylon-spandex blend, felt “very practical and durable,” said Megan, who tested the shorts during hiking, biking, and walking workouts.

The 5-inch inseam and loose fit through the legs provided ventilation that helped Jenny avoid a sweaty crotch as she taught a 45-minute fitness class in 81-degree weather and walked outside for an hour in 90-degree heat. The short’s pockets were another plus: two deep, open pockets on the side and one zip pocket in the back provided generous storage options for necessities like a phone, keys, and wallet. Testers loved these shorts for strength training as well outdoor activities like hiking and walking, but noted they would be too bulky for running, yoga, Pilates, and barre workouts.

Alo Yoga Ivy League Dolphin Short

Sizes: łÝłÝł§â€“L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Thick, supportive waistband
⊕ Lightweight, soft fabric
⊕ Functional pockets
⊗ Limited sizing for folks with bigger bodies
⊗ 2.5-inch length may feel too short for some

These flowy, lightweight bottoms ticked all the boxes Megan looks for in shorts: “They had pockets, a thick waistband, were stylish, cool/breathable, and had built-in underwear support,” she said. Another tester raved about the soft, quick-drying fabric, which kept her dry and comfortable during indoor strength workouts as well as outdoor walks and hikes. That same tester noted the loose cut around the legs also made them an easy choice for running, and especially loved the bright coral color, which differed from many bottoms in her closet.

The downside: Both Jenny and Megan found the retro, high-cut, billowy style to be too high for comfort in some settings. While doing on-the-floor exercises in an indoor strength class, like bicycle crunches and leg pulses, Jenny worried about indecent exposure. Also, though Megan liked the coverage provided by the built-in underwear, she found it a smidge small and prone to wedgies.

Nike Universa Women’s Medium-Support High-Waisted 8″ Biker Short

Sizes: łÝłÝł§â€“XłÝł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Supportive high-waist design
⊕ Breathable fabric
⊕ Chic style
⊗ Skin-tight fit may not be comfortable for some
⊗ Lack of drawstring can cause waistband to roll down

As someone who typically prefers loose-fitting shorts, Jenny found these body-hugging bottoms to be the best biker shorts she’s tried to date—out of about a dozen. The 8-inch inseam length–longer than most styles–didn’t bunch as she squatted, lunged, and jumped during strength classes, and the medium-support style felt tight but not constricting. Another tester reported the nylon-spandex fabric was “surprisingly breathable” given the form-fitting design, and loved how the high waist provided support around her core as she completed Pilates, cardio, and physical therapy workouts.

A bonus: The bottoms made her feel “athletic and chic,” like “Kim Kardashian on a coffee run.” Unfortunately, the seamless design and lack of drawstring meant the waistband occasionally rolled down annoyingly on one tester.

Vuori Clementine Short 2.0

Sizes: łÝłÝł§â€“XłÝł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Breathable, soft fabric
⊕ Flowy fit provides good ventilation
⊕ Supportive waistband with thick drawstring
⊗ Only one small pocket; low-cut waist uncomfortable for some

These flowy, low-waisted shorts ticked a lot of boxes: lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and stylish. The fabric—a blend of polyester (50 percent recycled) and elastane—was soft and breezy, while tough enough for 90-minute strength sessions, one tester reported. They kept Jenny cool and free from crotch sweat on a summer run with temps pushing 70 degrees.

The waistband struck the ideal balance between supportive and too tight, and the drawstring allowed for easy adjustments. The thickness of the drawstring cord was a particular plus since it meant minimal risk of the string getting lost inside the shorts. A single small zip pocket in the front provided a secure place to stash a key, but wasn’t large enough to store anything else. In sum, testers named this a standout, lightweight and breathable short for running, hiking, or HIIT.

Smartwool °Â´Çłžąđ˛Ô’s Active Lined 4” Short

Sizes: łÝł§â€“Xł˘

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight, breathable fabric
⊕ Supportive and easy-to-adjust waistband
⊕ Soft, odor-resistant merino-blend liner
⊗ Thick waistband can get sweaty
⊗ Rides up thighs in inversions

Testers felt comfortable and supported in these shorts thanks to the thick elastic waistband and sturdy drawstring that allowed for easy adjustments. The lightweight polyester-elastane body fabric with a liner of merino blended with Tencel Lyocell was also a plus: during indoor cardio and strength training sessions, Elle said, “It felt like I was wearing nothing.” Another tester, based in sunny Colorado, described the fabric as “super light and breezy,” noting that it prevented her from getting too sweaty as she hiked and played with her grandkids outside on warm days. In fact, the quick-drying shorts became her “go-to” for hot hiking workouts.

One negative: They’re not ideal for any upside-down movements–like handstands or yoga inversions–as the loose style exposes your upper thigh, noted Elle. Another ding: One tester found the thick elastic waistband got slightly soaked during really sweaty workouts.

How To Choose Workout Apparel

First consider a garment’s material: You want breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that allows ample airflow and prevents sweat from pooling on your skin. Steer clear of cotton, which tends to absorb and retain moisture, and instead reach for synthetic, technical blends.

Then, evaluate how the clothing fits and feels on your body. Walk around and do squats and jumping jacks to ensure it’s comfortable, stays in place, and doesn’t chafe as you move. Notice how tight or loose it feels against your skin, and consider how functional the fit is for your preferred workouts. For example, you may want body-hugging attire for activities like yoga, cycling, and barre, since extra fabric could impede your movements. In contrast, you may prefer looser garments for ventures like hiking and running where ample ventilation is key.

Next, consider how much sun protection the clothing offers. The recommends attire with a UPF rating of at least 30, noting that a UPF of 50+ is “excellent.” They also suggest looser-fitting clothes in dark or bright shades as well as garments that cover as much skin as possible.

Lastly, look in the mirror and take stock of how you feel wearing a given item. Does a shirt elevate your confidence, giving you mojo to crush your workout? That’s the type of attire worth spending your bucks on.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 8
• Number of products tested: 42 tops, 33 shorts
• Number of workouts: 351
• Number of miles: 369
• Hottest workout: 100 degrees
• Number of minutes exercising: 19,690
• Number of workout types: 18

We enlisted eight testers of varying ages, sizes, body shapes, and workout preferences. They lived in differing climates across the U.S.–including the high Colorado desert, the muggy Midwest, and coastal Northeast–and tested gear at home and in vacation spots that included British Columbia, the Bavarian Alps, the suburbs of Detroit, and Big Sur, California.

In most cases, three different testers evaluated each piece of clothing, trying it in at least two workouts–everything from running, walking, hiking, and biking to yoga, HIIT, Pilates, and weightlifting. During the testing process, reviewers scrutinized fit, style, comfort, and price, as well as a garment’s ability to breathe and wick sweat. The products listed here scored highest in these categories.

Meet Our Lead Testers

is a freelance journalist and fitness instructor in Louisville, Colorado. She stays active with trail running, gravel biking, hiking, swimming, strength training, and neighborhood walks with her dog, Lucy. For this review, Jenny tested 21 tops and 14 shorts, logging 2,905 total exercise minutes. Her most memorable test experience: a sunny hike at 10,000 feet that unexpectedly morphed into a torrential downpour. Luckily, she avoided hypothermia thanks to moisture-wicking, quick-drying garb.

is a sustainable infrastructure investor in New York City. An avid outdoorswoman and former Division 1 collegiate athlete, Elle maintains her fitness with track workouts, HIIT sessions, strength training, and swimming. She also enjoys fly fishing, horseback riding, and skiing. Elle tested the gear in contrasting climates–from the deserts of southern Utah to the temperate forests of Germany to the humid coast of New York. All in, over two testing seasons, she logged 1620 minutes assessing 15 tops and 11 shorts. Her hottest workout? A tempo run in Central Park in 85-degree weather.

is a licensed couples therapist in Westminster, Colorado. Her fitness routine includes a mix of cycling, barre, yoga, hiking, and weight training. A lover of summer weather, Megan recorded the hottest workout of all the testers: a 45-minute walk in 100 degree heat. She evaluated eight tops and five bottoms for this review, taking 300,500 total steps and completing 46 workouts in the process.

Rebecca Kay is a Chicago-based writer. Her fitness routine includes a mix of yoga, running, barre, and cycling workouts. In the summer, you can find her dodging tourists while biking the lakefront path. She spent a total of 1,050 minutes testing 5 tops and 5 bottoms for this review, logging 23,412 steps and discovering a new appreciation for biker shorts in the process.

The post The Best Summer Workout Apparel for Women appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Online.

During the hottest summer on record we put dozens of pieces of workout clothes to the test to see if they could help keep us cool and motivated while doing everything from pickup soccer to a 23-mile hike. Some of what we tested was easy to forget, but the six pieces that emerged as the best made a significant difference in our comfort and performance.

At a Glance

• How to Choose Workout Gear
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Buff 5 Panel Air Cap

Sizing: One size fits all

Pros and Cons
⊕ Coolest, most breathable hat we tested
⊕ Easily packable
⊕ Convenient fit adjustment
⊗ Runs small: giant heads need not apply

Made almost entirely from recycled polyester mesh, the Air Cap is the most breathable hat we’ve ever tested. It was a tester favorite on 90-plus-degree days when we needed something to protect our faces from blazing sun during runs, hikes, and outdoor time with our kids. A sweat-wicking liner made mostly from recycled polyester absorbed and dumped sweat surprisingly fast, and lead tester Jakob Schiller liked the understated, sleek five-panel design. A bungee cord closure in the back cinched the fit down easily on windy days for most testers, but we found that the circumference of the hat was limited, meaning those with gargantuan heads should look elsewhere.

Buff says the cap is made with 100-percent renewable energy, earning a tip of the hat from us.

The North Face Lightrange Summer Short-Sleeve

Sizing: XS-XXL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Highly versatile, multi-use shirt
⊕ Comfortable tailoring
⊕ UPF 40+ sun protection
⊗ TNF branding is too bold for some tastes

Tester Micah Newman is a busybody. If he’s not teaching high school kids he’s out riding his mountain bike, running, or coaching a local soccer team—and the Summer Lightrange shirt was his go-to top for all of these activities. “I liked the wide cut through the body with slits down along the hips for a flowy and comfortable feel and look,” he says.

Made from 89 percent recycled polyester, the shirt is coated with TNF’s new Lightrange finish that adds UPF protection and helps with wicking. After 30 miles of testing in later-summer New Mexico heat, Newman said the shirt dumped heat as well as anything he’d ever worn and only smelled bad after repeated uses. He also gave the shirt kudos for the slightly longer sleeves—similar to what you’d find on a mountain bike jersey—that kept sun off more of his arms on long days outside.

Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts

Sizing: 28-42; 7-, 9-, 11-inch inseam

Pros and Cons
⊕ Versatile comfort for a wide range of activities
⊕ Breathable and durable nylon fabric
⊕ Convenient, secure pockets
⊗ Some found the test pair’s nine-inch inseam too long

One of Steve Jobs’ minor, but still important, cultural contributions was to point out that if you wear the same thing every day you save brain power that can be applied elsewhere. Consider these shorts the black turtleneck of summer workout wear. Thanks mostly to the thin, breathable, stretchy-but-durable ultralight ripstop build, they were comfortable for hiking and backpacking, fit well over a bike chamois for mountain biking, were flexible enough for yoga and soccer, and still looked great for apres.

Mountain Hardwear also accessorized them nicely, with vented pockets deep enough to hold a phone, a zippered pocket to hold credit cards, and a drawstring to hold them up. Lead tester Jakob Schiller said the nine-inch length he tested never felt inhibitive, even on longer runs.

Le Bent Mickey Pro Model Sock

Sizing: S-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ High-performing fabric blend
⊕ High cut adds protection and compression
⊕ Look good anywhere, any time
⊗ Only available in three-quarter crew height

Michele “Mickey” Graglia excels during ultra-distance runs in extreme conditions, and that experience shows in his eponymous do-it-all socks for summer workouts. Made from a mix of rayon (from bamboo), merino wool, nylon, and elastane, these socks kept even the sweatiest tester’s feet happy, dry, and blister free on trail runs and mountain hikes. Some people might shy away from the three-quarter crew height during summer workouts, but we loved how they kept out gravel, lightly compressed our calves, and looked great with their mountain graphics, whether during a workout or heading out to dinner.

Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie

Sizing: S-XXL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight warmth
⊕ Water resistant
⊕ Easily packs small into small pocket
⊗ Could use even more stretch

This was the layer we pulled out when we were adventuring up in the mountains and weather rolled in. At just five ounces, it was never a burden to haul around but easily cut the wind so it felt 10 degrees warmer than the windchill temps. Thanks to a non-fluorinated DWR coating, it also fought off light rain and kept us dry while we climbed down from an alpine lake.

Tester Andy Dean’s favorite part was the built-in stretch that allowed him to move his body however he wanted while running, climbing, or any other activity, without the jacket restricting his full range of motion. A tapered hood fit snug over our heads to keep our ears warm, and when not in use, the jacket packed away into its own chest pocket and disappeared into our packs.

Mystery Ranch Gallagator 10 Pack

Sizing: S/M and L/XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Goldilocks size for day hikes
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Accessible, well-organized pockets
⊗ Too bouncy for running

Packing for an adventure is full of contradictions. You must bring everything you absolutely need but want to avoid overpacking because extra weight quickly becomes a burden and slows you down. We found that the Gallagator 10 had enough room for everything we needed for a day-long adventure—food, water, extra layers, first aid kit—but was small enough that it was impossible to load with unnecessary junk. Thoughtful pockets, including two on the shoulder straps for small items like a phone, made gear organization super easy.

Tester Zach Kline, who spent countless hours with the pack on, said it carried comfortably on long hikes and mountain bike rides, and everything was easily accessible thanks to the double zipper that splays open the top. He didn’t, however, love it for running because he said he was never able to cinch it down tight enough to prevent bounce.

How to Choose Workout Gear

If you’re just starting to work out regularly, first buy the simplest, most affordable workout gear you can find and build from there. One day you’ll be out running, hiking, or playing soccer and realize the shirt you’re wearing dumps sweat about as well as a wet rag. That’s when it’s time to upgrade to something like the TNF shirt described above. Another time you’ll realize you need to carry more than a phone and wallet while out adventuring and an accessory like the Mystery Ranch Gallagator 10 pack will come in handy. Experience is always the best kit builder.

Once you start collecting more expensive pieces, you’ll have some choices to make. Here are a few guidelines to help with your decisions:

Wool vs. Synthetic

You’re going to have to decide between wool or synthetic materials, especially when buying workout tops. Synthetic tops are usually more affordable, more durable, and better at wicking. Wool tops come in handy, however, when you’re on a multi-day adventure and don’t want to stink (or if you like to wear your clothes for weeks without washing).

Color

Call us vain, but you want to be thoughtful in your color choices when buying workout gear. It’s easy to dress yourself head to toe in clashing and bright colors so that you look like a bag of Skittles on the trail. Put a little thought into how all your color choices work together so you don’t draw unnecessary attention (unless you want attention, then go wild with Day-Glo).

Size

Workout gear is easy to find in stores, so try everything on. Sizes are fairly consistent among major brands, but some do run slightly smaller or larger. People who are on the line between sizes will also want to see which one fits best. There’s no rule of thumb in the workout world about whether you should go tighter or looser. It just depends on your preference and what feels most comfortable. But make sure you have full, unencumbered range of motion for all the activities you’ll be using the piece for.

Lined or Unlined

Workout shorts come with or without a liner. Sometimes the liner is great, sometimes it’s awful and immediately leads to chafing. If you have merino or synthetic underwear you already like to exercise in—like —we suggest buying unlined workout shorts so you always know you’ll be fine, no matter how far you’re running or how many hours of frisbee you’re playing. If you prefer to go as close to commando as possible, find a pair with a comfortable mesh liner.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 9
• Number of products tested: 59
• Number of miles: 425
• Hottest temp: 106
• Highest elevation reached: 10,500
• Favorite post-workout snack: Beer

Most of the testing for this category took place in New Mexico. Fortunately/unfortunately New Mexico had a brutal summer, with several weeks of temps over 100 degrees. In weather that hot, high-quality and thoughtfully designed gear made a big difference.

This year’s tester group ran the gamut, with a couple weekend warriors testing gear alongside a former soccer star and a guy who trains incoming special forces troops. The age range was anywhere from mid thirties to mid sixties, and interests ranged from ball sports to rock climbing.

Because there’s so much workout gear on the market, anything that made our final list had to stand out in more than one way. Breathability, for example, wasn’t enough. A shirt had to be breathable and fit well, or offer some other unique characteristic that made our testers want to wear it every time they headed out the door.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lead tester Jakob Schiller was a gear editor at şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř and is now a columnist. One of his favorite memories from şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř was going down to the gear cage in the basement of the Santa Fe office and marveling at the mountains of outdoor gear that the staff tested for the twice-annual Buyer’s Guide. His personal garage is still packed with brand new stuff waiting to be tested, but it will never rival the infamous gear cage.

One of the routes Jakob used when testing workout gear:

Other testers in this cohort include Zach Kline, who trains elite search and rescue troops for the Air Force, and Micah Newman, who played Division 1 soccer and is now one of New Mexico’s most accomplished soccer coaches.

The post The Best Workout Gear for Men appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Online.

Is Taylor Swift an elite endurance athlete? On the Eras tour, the singer-songwriter is performing three nights a week, singing and dancing for as long as it takes most people to run a marathon.  When ultrarunner and şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř editor ZoĂŤ Rom read about the six-month fitness program Swift used to prepare for the tour, she decided to give it a try—and quickly learned that being a pop star is harder than it looks. But training like one may change the way you think about fitness.

Check out trainer Brookelynn Miller’s  and the .

The post Training Like a Pop Star (Taylor’s Version) appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Online.

Last week, Taylor Swift released her training regimen for the Eras Tour, her three-and-a-half-hour stadium extravaganza, and the running internet went wild.

Swift said she began training for the tour six months before the first show, saying, “Every day I would run on the treadmill, singing the entire set list out loud. Fast for fast songs, and a jog or a fast walk for slow songs.”

That’s three and a half hours on a treadmill, singing the entire time. Swift would also increase the incline for songs that required more movement during the show. Keep in mind that during the actual show, she’s romping around in sparkly boots with three-inch heels. In an interview with Time—in which Swift was named Person of the Year—Taylor said her feet often make crunching sounds the day after shows from hours in those boots, a feeling relatable to any runner flirting with plantar fasciitis.

I’m an ultrarunner. I’ve knocked off 50- and 100-mile races and won them on occasion. I haven’t been this excited about a specific training regimen since , and the principles behind this workout are solid. It’s essentially a controlled fartlek workout with alternating intensities. The singing while training will keep you honest, ensuring you never wander too far outside your aerobic threshold lest you lose your breath.

First of all, this workout is a behemoth. Even ultra legend Courtney Dauwalter usually caps her long runs at three hours. But not T-Swift. To prepare for a career-spanning show with ten costume changes (depending on the acoustic set, give or take an additional costume) and upwards of three guest appearances and bonus tracks, Taylor dropped miles like they were scarves at Jake Gyllenhaal’s house. Not only did she likely log as many miles as many marathoners (I propose we now measure time in “Eras,” or 3.5 hours. As in, “I’d like to run a sub-Eras marathon this year.”), but she did so while singing. Well.

The Workout

I approached my own workout with the strategy and prep that I’d usually put into a marathon. I planned my fuel and liquid breaks. I assembled the playlist. Showtime!

Each era in the show is between seven and 42 minutes. The Lover set is fairly uptempo but manageable. Infused with pre-pandemic pop-timism, it moves and shakes at a lightly aerobic effort. I’ve got this! I thought to myself, singing at the top of my lungs to the songs I love. At least you’re not wearing heels! Then Fearless (Taylor’s Version, obvi) kicks in, with driving guitar bridges and epic crescendos. But still manageable. It’s a tempo run, baby, just say yes!

Thirty-two minutes in, the downbeat Evermore set begins. A folksy 23-minute respite. I took a gel and a swig of water. When did Taylor have time to fuel during the Eras Tour? Was there a bottle of Maurten just out of view or a Clif Bar tucked into a brazier? What was her electrolyte strategy? You can’t do this show in Nashville or Brazil without a dialed-in electrolyte plan. Taylor, if you’re reading this, we recommend between 60 to 90 grams of carbohydrate per hour for this level of activity.

At this point, I’m feeling the miles but reasonably well recovered from Tay’s first pandemic album. My bangs are plastered to my forehead, but I’m glad I don’t have to wiggle into a sequined leotard.  No sooner had I brought my heart rate back down to baseline than the Reputation set blasts on with (somewhat regrettable and very 2017) bass horns. Every song on this album is a banger of a sonic middle finger to anyone who has ever crossed Ms. Swift, and it shows in the BPM. This was likely the crux of the workout, leaving me more or less part gasping, part belting over “Look What You Made Me Do.” Then, Speak Now offered a brief but necessary reprieve before I dove into the steady-state effort of Red. (Break-up albums are great to run to; it’s just science!) There is no catharsis quite like screaming and running on a treadmill.

The Folklore set offered another brief rest of slower and middle-tempo hits. I drank. I fueled. I prepared myself mentally for what was to come. The 1989 and Midnights sets are back to back, offering a double-whammy of Taylor-in-her-prime-pissed-off-about-Harry-Styles magic—42 minutes of dazzling, danceable, near-threshold effort.

Beyonce–if you’re reading this, please don’t tell us how you got ready for Renaissance. I don’t think my soft tissue and joints can handle it.

I Got Swiftied

I’ve done one-mile repeats. Hill workouts. Track workouts. Long runs with tempo efforts. This is the hardest workout I’ve ever done. I was wrecked. My trachea felt like I had swallowed Taylor’s bejeweled duster. I was soaked in sweat and fighting the urge to lie down on the gym floor (lest I lose favor in a gym that had already so kindly lent me a private room to sing to myself as I ran on the treadmill). Is it possible to get DOMS in your feels?

But it wasn’t just hard. It was fun. Constantly varying efforts help you stay engaged, and focusing on remembering the lyrics helps you stay more present with the effort, rather than hyper-fixating on how far you’ve gone, or time elapsed. Though I’ve had the set list nearly memorized since it dropped at 3:31 P.M. EST on March 18th, the unpredictability in song length and intensities is a nice mental challenge. It’s tough but flexible. Demanding but fun. Much like the singer herself.

I could say that I like the Taylor Swift workout because it made time pass more quickly on the treadmill or because it made otherwise dreary winter running fun, or because it helped me hone in on my aerobic effort, and all of that would be true. But the thing that I really liked about Taylor Swift’s treadmill workout is that it makes not shrinking your body but growing your capacity the focus.

So much fitness and workout advice aimed at women is premised on minimizing our ability to show up in the world, sapping us of time, energy, and the stuff of our very bodies. They tell us how to run to make ourselves smaller or lift to make certain acceptable and desirable parts of our bodies bigger. But Taylor’s workout is different. It doesn’t claim to make you thinner or faster. No part of it will help you look better in a swimsuit, or a dress, or even a cardigan. But it has a vital purpose. It’s about owning your strength so that you can own your voice and own your story. And that’s a fitness trend I can get behind.

, the editor-in-chief of , is a host on the new şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Show, on which you’ll see more of her Taylor Swift treadmill workout soon. 

The post I’m an Ultrarunner. Taylor Swift’s Treadmill Workout Wrecked Me. appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Online.

AllBirds TreeFlyer 2 ($160)

The TreeFlyer 2 is a shoe with serious sustainability chops that doesn’t sacrifice performance while running—a rarity in the category. The shoes disappeared on our testers’ feet, particularly the midsole foam, which one tester said provides the perfect balance of softness and liveliness while not bogging you down.

Read the Full Review.

Bala Bangles (starting at $55)

Workout fiends that love a little extra burn will love these half- to two-band bangles that quickly attach to your wrists or ankles. They range from a half-pound to two pounds and are made of steel wrapped in soft silicone, so they don’t add any discomfort to your limbs.

Read the Full Review.

Roll Recovery R4 Body Roller ($60)

This moderately dense foam roller is next level thanks to the groove down the middle that makes space for your spine while effectively massaging the muscle around it, which we found worked equally well for our achilles and IT bands.

Read the Full Review.

Sponsor Content
Birkenstock Arizona ($130)

Active recovery—meet your footwear. Whether you’re getting mad miles running or running on a treadmill indoors, Birkenstock is your go-to shoe for active recovery. The cork footbed provides longitudinal and transverse arch support, a deep heel cup, and raised toe bar to promote recovery for anyone living an active lifestyle. Plus, the timeless design paired with oiled nubuck leather gets better with every wear for a one-of-a-kind look on any occasion.

TRX HexGrip Kevlar Medicine Ball (starting at $70)

The HexGrip Kevlar Medicine ball takes workouts to the next level—but doesn’t get slippery when your sweat gets next level too. Choose from weights ranging from four to 50 pounds and add them to your wishlist this holiday season.

Read the Full Review.

Avocado Organic Pranayama Yoga Pillow ($89)

The yogi in your life will love this understated, functional, and sustainable bolster for their practice. It’s filled with buckwheat hulls which provide a firm yet satisfying foundation and the organic cotton cover is washable after sweaty sessions.

Read the Full Review.

The post Workout Junkies Will Love These Gifts appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Online.

Working at a magazine called şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř, we are obviously big fans of fresh air—spending hours in a gym just isn’t as fun and fulfilling as hours on a mountain, in the woods, or on the water. We approached this set of gear testing with that in mind; we looked for small pieces of equipment that could easily fit into your existing at-home workout setup and would complement your outdoor exercise and adventures. After a season of testing, this is the home gym equipment we fell in love with.

The Reviews: The Best Home Gym Gear of 2024

Apple Fitness+ ($10/month or $80 annually)

We were impressed by the breadth of guided workouts Apple offers in the Fitness+ app. We cherry-picked from more than 4,000 different episodes—ranging from five to 45 minutes— focused on weight lifting, yoga, pilates, HIIT workouts, dance, cycling, running, kickboxing, rowing, and even walking and meditation. Classes are conveniently arranged into programs designed to increase your fitness over multiple weeks, grouped in themes, from “Travel-Friendly Workouts” to “Totally 80s Cycling.” I was particularly fond of the episodes tied to the Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso, which included appearances from two of the show’s main actors.

Fitness+ episodes are designed to be like virtually stepping inside a trendy fitness studio with a diverse, inclusive, and polished set of instructors. Each session is led by multiple instructors demonstrating three ways moves can be modified—making almost every workout suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes—with the lead instructor incorporating American Sign Language. Is that worth ponying up the cost of an Apple device plus the subscription fee? We say yes. (Note, you can only subscribe to the app if you have an iPhone, and it works best—providing real-time metrics—when paired with an Apple Watch).

Bottom Line: This robust library of studio-style fitness classes truly offers something for everyone.

Bala Bangles ($55–$65 depending on weight)

These sleek weights ranging from a half-pound to two upped the intensity of whatever we were doing in our home gym when we wore them on our ankles or wrists. Made of steel wrapped in soft silicone, they provided extra resistance to strength workouts without any discomfort (besides the muscle burn): The elastic hook-and-loop fasteners are much softer to the touch than any other velcro straps we’ve worn, so there’s no itchiness when putting these on or taking them off.

Bottom Line: A comfortable way to add a little extra difficulty to your workout.

Roll Recovery R4 Body Roller ($60)

I can’t live without a foam roller, and found this one to be a satisfying upgrade thanks to its centered groove that aligns with the spine and neck—allowing those body parts to stay relaxed while rolling out knots in your back. That groove is also great for working on the achilles tendon and your IT band. The roller is dense, moderately firm, and wide—its six-inch diameter at least a half inch larger than other rollers we’ve tried, creating a broader massage surface.

Bottom Line: A versatile roller that is easy to grip and neither too hard nor too soft.

TRX HexGrip Medicine Ball ($70–$150 depending on size)

Medicine balls are versatile workhorses for at-home training, but their traditional rubber exteriors tend to get slippery. This durable option with a tacky, easy-grip surface removes worries about slips and lets you focus on maximizing your medicine ball exercises. Offered at weights from four to 50 pounds and diameters of 10 or 14 inches, it has low bounce and a fantastic hand-feel. “It’s grippy without being excessively abrasive,” said one tester, who particularly appreciated the touch when catching and throwing the ball.

Bottom Line: This high-quality medicine ball feels luxurious and is built to withstand abuse.

Alo Yoga Warrior Mat ($128)

This mat is extra long (6.2 feet), extra comfortable (it’s 5mm thick), and extra grippy (the top layer of polyurethane stayed matte and dry no matter how hard we sweated). It’s the first mat my always-too-sweaty hands and feet didn’t slip around on, which motivated me to start doing more vigorous yoga sessions. One gripe: the matte surface, which isn’t the easiest to clean, is beginning to show signs of wear and tear after about 10 months of frequent use.

Bottom Line: In size and comfort, this is a major upgrade to the standard yoga mat.

How to Buy

Home gym equipment leans toward expensive, so it’s worth figuring out what fitness goals you’re prioritizing before you start spending. It’s also important to know your existing routine and abilities and be honest about what kind of gear will end up collecting dust.

Speaking of dust, consider where you plan to keep your gear and how easy it will be to clean. A foam roller that attracts dog hair or yoga mat that looks grimy after just a few workouts can get annoying fast.

Finally, look closely at product warranties and return policies before you buy, so you know what to do if something breaks or if the material turns out to not feel good when you hold it with sweaty hands.

Meet the Lead Tester

Svati Kirsten Narula is a writer and editor in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She primarily hikes and runs for exercise, but will happily stretch out on a yoga mat indoors for short strength workouts or foam rolling sessions.

How We Tested

When it comes to home gym equipment, the best products are ones you’re motivated to actually use on a regular basis. We selected items that were either the easiest to incorporate into our existing workout routines, or that successfully pushed us to try something new. We (a group of fitness enthusiasts ranging from regular weight-lifters to occasional yoga-doers) tested everything in our homes—mostly in living rooms.

The post The Best Home Gym Gear of 2024 appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Online.

Great cold weather workout gear should move with you, keep you warm, and let you breathe. From the gym to the trails to the studio, these pieces will outfit you for a winter of indoor and outdoor training and recovery.

The Winners at a Glance

• Norrøna Senga Warm1 Hood
• Ridge Merino °Â´Çłžąđ˛Ô’s Aspect Wool High Rise Base Layer Bottoms
• Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer
• Vuori Mid Rise Elevation Slim Bootcut Pant
• Lululemon Align Bra Light Support and 6” Align High-Rise Shorts

The Reviews: The Best °Â´Çłžąđ˛Ô’s Workout Gear of Winter 2024

Norrøna Senja Warm1 Hood ($189)

Sizing: XS-L

This versatile midlayer fleece, made of 100 percent recycled polyester, is lightweight and impressively warm, with thoughtful details like a generous half-zip for dumping heat, a zipper chest pocket, and extra long sleeves with thumbholes. It was designed for trail running, so it works well for higher-output activities: it dries quickly, wicks sweat, and has been treated with an amino sugar polymer that helps minimize odor. But it’s equally useful while backcountry skiing and on cold runs as it is for mellow dog walks and around-town wear.

Bottom line: A warm layer for any and all cool-weather activities

Ridge Merino °Â´Çłžąđ˛Ô’s Aspect Wool High Rise Base Layer Bottoms ($74.95)

Sizing: XS-3X

Wool leggings are hard to get right. They tend to stretch and sag, and often are too warm for anything other than layering under Gore-tex. But these 80-percent wool leggings from Ridge Merino feel like my favorite synthetic-material yoga leggings, with a wide waistband and a flattering, snug fit. And despite the wool blend, they’re lightweight and breathable enough for indoor training (though I wouldn’t wear them to hot yoga). Whether you’re looking for something cozier than poly for an early morning gym session or a soft, warm base layer for a winter run, they’re versatile, flattering, and comfortable.

Bottom line: A supremely versatile, natural-fiber base layer

Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer Long Sleeve Top ($88)

Sizing: XS-L

This is a do-it-all merino layer. The 52 percent wool, 28 percent nylon, 20 percent polyester blend is smooth and soft next-to-skin, thanks to a seamless construction. A more open weave throughout the core and a denser weave in the arms offers extra warmth where you need it and more breathability where your body generates ample heat. It’s equally happy layered underneath jackets and overshirts, worn as an outer layer during an outdoor workout, or as a yoga top on a cool day in the studio. It became a go-to baselayer for cool early-morning ski tours, thanks to its mix of breathability and warmth.

Bottom line: A good-looking, easy-wearing, breathable, next-to-skin layer

Lululemon Align Bra Light Support ($58) and 6” Align High-Rise Shorts ($64)

Sizing: 2-14 (Bra) / 0-20 (Shorts)

The Align collection from Lululemon is made of a buttery-soft, gently compressive, nylon/lycra fabric designed for yoga. But for this tester, it became a go-to for gym workouts, stretch sessions, hikes, hot yoga classes, and more. For an A/B cup, the Align bra is supportive enough for skiing, mountain biking, and similar higher-impact activities, and the long-line cut offers extra coverage, making it a good option to pair with a high-waisted bottom if you feel like skipping a shirt. The Align shorts are the best biker-style shorts this tester has tried: they’re snug and flattering, stay put through complicated mobility work and weight room circuits, and have stretchy hems that don’t cut in at the thigh.

Bottom line: The comfiest, most flattering bike shorts this tester has tried, and a comfortable yet stylish bra

Vuori Mid Rise Elevation Slim Bootcut Pant ($108)

Sizing: XS-XL

If you’re ready to branch out from the legging silhouette, these super-soft polyester/elastane pants from Vuori are a great option. Sweat-wicking but still soft and cozy, they’re perfect for the gym, yoga, and other studio classes, and make a great lounge pant for your recovery days, too. A mid-rise through the waist offers security while still allowing freedom of movement, and the gentle flare and slight crop at the ankle keep them out of the way when you’re doing fancy footwork.

Bottom line: Cozy workout pants for the legging-averse

How to Buy

Your gear needs for a winter workout will depend on your preferred way to move and where you like to do it, which is why we prioritized pieces that work well in several different contexts. If you’re going to be exercising outside in cool temperatures, look for wool next-to-skin layers, which will help you stay warm even if you’re sweating, and choose insulated pieces that still help you shed heat. I’ve found that running layers generally double well as ski base layers or other high-output activities outdoors. If you’re a die-hard gym-goer or a yogi with a penchant for heated classes, your needs likely won’t change much seasonally, but you should focus on finding light, sweat-wicking fabrics that offer you the range of motion that you need.

Fit is a matter of personal preference and will also change based on activity, but it’s always a good idea to order a couple of sizes in any given piece and return what doesn’t work. If we’ve learned anything from testing gear, it’s that sizing varies wildly between different brands, and isn’t always consistent even within a brand. The best piece of clothing is one that fits just right. No matter how much you like how something looks, you’re not going to wear it if it’s not comfortable.

How We Test

• Number of products tested: 40+
• Number of workout activities: 12 (Winter mtb, winter road cycling, trail running, road running, yoga, weight training, stretching/recovery, backcountry skiing, downhill skiing, hiking, pilates, crossfit)

This year, we prioritized finding pieces that are multi-functional, with the versatility to cross over from barre class to the ski hill to the trail and back to the weight room. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t feel excited to pull on your ski base layers for a yoga class, or your favorite running shirt for a gym session. And of course, comfort and function were top of mind. We offered bonus points for clothing made with natural fibers or sustainably-sourced synthetics. Our products were primarily tested in Santa Fe, New Mexico: on cold, stormy mornings up at the local ski hill, on cool, dry afternoons on our techy foothill trails, in studios and gyms, and on downtown streets.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Abigail Barronian is a multi-sport athlete based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a senior editor at şÚÁĎłÔšĎÍř Magazine. She’s an avid skier, mountain biker, flyfisher, and backcountry traveler, with a fondness for the weight room and a nice, mellow yoga class. She’s been testing gear for a decade, and moving her body as much as she can for even longer. If you’re looking for a strong opinion about a sports bra, ski jacket, or pair of socks, you know where to look.

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