It’s the last day of 2013!!! I hope you guys have fun (and safe!) New Year’s Eve plans, though I’m just as big of a fan of a low-key New Year’s Eve. We are planning to go to a friend’s house to ring in 2014, but I still have a day of work ahead of me that can’t pass fast enough!
I wanted to round out 2013 with a blog post dedicated to highlighting my favorite fitness apparel and gadgets from 2013. Since I get emails and comments all the time with questions from you guys about my fitness favorites, I figured it would be a fun post to put together to shine some light on my go-to fitness clothing and products. I’d love to hear about your 2013 fitness favorites in the comments section of this post!
Fitness Favorites of 2013
Shorts
My go-to running shorts! I have them in a million different colors and love that they don’t ride up or stick to me when I sweat like crazy in the Florida heat.
I give these shorts major points for being both functional and flattering. The waistband doesn’t dig into my sides and the material is thin but not revealing. (You can see them in action in this post: Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K Race Recap.)
Tops
This tank is one of my absolute favorites because it is ridiculously comfortable and flows over my body, giving it a breezy, lightweight feel. I have it in two colors and wear it all the time.
This tank top seems to drape right over my body in a way that it both flattering and comfortable. Plus, it’s extra long which is great for my super long torso! I bought two for my sister for Christmas this year because I knew she’d love this top just as much as I do! It’s a winner!
Ear Phones
Before I discovered YurBuds, traditional earphones would either slip out of my ears or make the insides of my ears feel sensitive and slightly sore. I can 100 percent vouch for YurBuds’ TwistLock technology that guarantees that these earbuds will stay in place and won’t hurt.
Shoes
- Best All-Purpose Gym Shoe: Reebok Nano Speed
This shoe is, hands down, my favorite gym shoe. Close runner up: Reebok CrossFit Nanos. I wear either my Nano Speeds or my Nanos to the gym nearly every single day.
- Best Distance Running Shoe: Mizuno Wave Rider
The Mizuno Wave Rider has been my go-to distance running shoe since 2007 when I trained for my first half marathon. It’s still a favorite! I’m also loving the new colors of the Wave Rider 16. (The Aruba blue and violet are my favorites!)
- Best Lightweight Running Shoe: New Balance 1400
If I’m running five miles or less, I love running in this shoe because it’s so lightweight and incredibly comfortable. I love that the shoe isn’t bulky and seems to provide the perfect level of support for my feet.
Gym Bag
My Gaiam Everything Fits gym bag gets a lot of use! I love all of the pockets and the separate compartment for my smelly gym shoes. I bring this bag to work with me regularly and it comfortably fits all of my clothes and shower supplies. (You may see my full review of this bag by clicking here.)
Running Tights
My absolute favorite running tights are Moving Comfort’s endurance tights (also available in patterned gray). They’re high-quality, flattering, comfortable and keep my legs nice and warm!
If you’re in the market for a pair of workout tights that are great for a wide range of activities like running or yoga, I love Moving Comfort’s urban gym tight. They’re softer than traditional tights and are ideal for both running and lounging. (I have them in “black space dye.”)
Headband
I swear by BICBands! They stay in place and after I slip one on, I can forget all about it since it doesn’t annoy me or slide around.
Heart Rate Monitor
The Polar FT4 heart rate monitor is extremely user friendly and takes less than three minutes to set up before you’re good to go. It constantly displays your heart rate, the duration of your workout and calories burned. I’ve gifted my dad and Ryan the gray FT4 and my sister the pink FT4 before and they all love it just as much as I do.
Socks
I swear by these socks whenever I run long distances. They are snug but breathable and have extra padding built in to protect against rubbing and chafing.
Capris
These capris are made of the perfect material. They smooth the leg and butt and the thick waistband doesn’t dig into my sides. They are the best!
More Favorites
- Athleta Rishi Jacket
- Oakley Women’s Overtime Sunglasses
- 32-ounce Nalgene Water Bottle
- Old Navy Active Running Pullover
- New Balance Moto Pullover
- Pro Compression Socks
- Reebok CrossFit Pullover
- Camelbak Groove Water Bottle
Question of the Morning
- What are some of your favorite fitness apparel or product finds in 2013?
***
Note: This post is not sponsored in any way and is simply a list of some of my favorite fitness finds. Some of the items included are items I was sent to review throughout the year, but they are only featured on this list if they became a personal favorite that I found myself loving and recommending over and over again. Some affiliate links are included and I sincerely appreciate your support!
***
Kristin S says
I love Zella capris for running. May be over-share, but the “crotch” area is slightly lower which allows for some air flow. My OBGYN warned me years ago against staying in wet workout clothes more than 30 minutes after sweating. These allow for some breathing room but also so comfortable and great material.
Kelly says
I got a Garmin for my birthday (the 210) and I’m obsessed!
Jess says
I GOT THE GAIAM BAG FOR CHRISTMAS! Sorry, still ridiculously excited about this bag! We were able to find one gently used on eBay in the green, which is awesomesauce. I plan on using it as my carryon for my upcoming trip to Florida, but then it’ll get switched around when I go back to the gym once the new semester starts.
I am SO THANKFUL you reviewed this bag on your blog. I never would have heard about it, or experienced its awesomeness, if not for your review. THANK YOU!
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says
I’m SO happy you like it!!!! 🙂
Katie @ Mouthy Marathon Mom says
This list is ah-maz-ing! I also pretty much NEED the Gaiam bag and 20 new BIC bands because they can’t be beat…too bad christmas is over. I’m obsessed with moving comfort pants and the new balance shoes too. Great taste!
Becca says
Hey Julie! Thanks so much for the recommendation on the gym bag. I got it for Christmas and I am loving it so far!
Just a question – how accurate would you say the Polar FT4 is? I know you wouldn’t recommend it if it wasn’t great, but I’m just curious! Thank you. 🙂
Britt @ Fit Fit Britt Britt says
Just treated myself to a pair of YurBuds… WOW they are amazing!
peanutbutterfingers says
Awesome!! I’m a big fan!!
Rachel Donald says
I have to thank you! I bought those headphones and didn’t get my hopes up but I used them running and they really stay in! I’m so happy I could cry. I have really small ears and no headphones ever stayed (not even the ones that wrap around your ears) but these worked!!!
Thank you so much <3
peanutbutterfingers says
Woohoo! So glad to hear it!
kathy v says
Hi Julie! I just bought the Gaiam bag that you recommended. Living Social is having a deal for the Gaiam website where if you pay $30 you get $60 to spend there plus Living Social is having a 10% off purchases with the code “winterweekend.” So I purchase my deal for $27 and then used the voucher to buy the bag! So in the end I paid $27 plus 4.99 (shipping) for a $60 bag! Wahooooo. Thanks for the reviews. I also bought a pair of the running socks too.