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Gear isn’t everything when it comes to building a fitness routine, but it certainly helps to have products that support your progress, not slow you down. And that’s exactly what you’ll find here. From ultra-comfortable workout clothes and effective recovery products to headphones that let you run while being aware of your surroundings, here are our favorite things to make you feel great, curated with expert input. Sidney Samborskipersonal trainer at The Goal Center.
Looking for more emotional products? Check out our full list of Good For You Award winners Here.
Leggings and shorts
Best Lifestyle Leggings: Ultra Soft Cut Quince Leggings
We love a moment of Quince – especially when it’s time to check out, because it’s always a deal. These cropped pants (with a slight flare at the bottom) are no exception. They’re moisture-wicking and stretchy, and they’ll fit right into your weekly rotation, whether you’re wearing them to run errands or do yoga.
Best Low-Rise Leggings: OFFLINE by Aerie Real Me High Waist Crossover Leggings
For yoga, stretching, and other low-impact exercises (not to mention daily life), it’s sleep. They have a cute crossover waist and 7/8 length, and with 19 different colors – everything from hot pink and lilac to camo black – they’ll go with anything else in your closet. “They’re not my go-to for sweaty sessions or heavy leg days because they’re a bit flimsy,” Samborski says, “but for hot girl walks, yoga, or casual wear—they’re a yes.”
Best All-Purpose Leggings: The FP Movement Has Never Been Better 7/8 Length Leggings
These FP Movement leggings come at a higher price but can also handle a slightly more intense workout. With a medium sweat, medium compression material, they won’t let you down while jogging, lifting weights or exercising.
Best Cycling Shorts: Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Short 6"
You may already have as many pairs of Align leggings as your budget allows, but don’t sleep in the short version of the bike, either for workouts or as summer wear (they’re so thin you can wear them under your clothes. Thigh society short). You have four length options, but for us the 6-inch pair hits the sweet spot.
Best Running Shorts: FP Movement Carpe Diem Shorts
These cute shorts have the perfect mix of ventilation and coverage – they’re loose, but there’s a built-in brief, so you’ll never have to worry about accidentally flashing everyone on your run. They’re also water-resistant, and Samborski praises them for their fit, especially for taller runners: “Running shoes sometimes make my feet brown, but these are very comfortable.”
Shoes and socks
Best Pilates Socks: Souls. Grip socks
These aren’t just a pretty face (er…foot?)—they’re also incredibly tough, which is exactly what you need for an intense Pilates workout. The fun designs are really just to make you smile while you change in class.
Best Everyday Socks: Aritzia Best Socks
No, your socks might not be the most attractive thing in your outfit, but if they’re uncomfortable, you’ll be thinking about them all day. These 80% cotton Aritzia socks are our favorite for everyday wear, whether we’re traveling, running errands, hitting the gym after work, or all three.
Best running and hiking shoes: Merrell Antora 4
These hiking shoes have the profile of a traditional sneaker, but have everything you need to tackle light to moderate hiking and running. With a very comfortable sole and an outsole that has serious traction, they are reliable and stylish at the same time.
Best Everyday Sneakers: Asics GT-2160
Taking care of your physical health means finally buying yourself a pair of everyday shoes that won’t hurt your feet at the end of the day. And that’s exactly what these are. “I wouldn’t choose these for intense exercise, but for walking, running errands, or lighter exercise—they’re so versatile and comfortable,” says Samborski.
Best running shoes: Brooks Glycerin Max 2
These running sneakers look exactly the same, and they have plenty of cushioning that makes running (or jogging, or walking) very comfortable. If you’re an avid runner or training for a big race, your feet will appreciate the extra comfort.
Best running socks: Balega
Stop throwing away any old socks when you go for a run because these Balega socks will change your life. Of course, good shoes are important, but just one sock can provide the cushioning, compression, moisture, and breathability that can make a big difference in how your feet feel both during and after exercise.
Bra and underwear
Best Low Impact Sports Bra: Calvin Klein Wireless Bra
When you want to refresh your bra closet with a touch of ’90s chic, it doesn’t get any easier (or much cheaper) than this low-impact cotton bralette. It’s perfect for light workouts or everyday travel when you’re not looking for a ton of support, and it’s incredibly easy to care for—wash, dry, and repeat. One of our editors has been wearing it every week for the past five years and it still looks like new.
Best Cotton: Organic Quince Cotton Cotton
The low-waisted cotton thong is made from 95% organic cotton with some stretch, so it’s soft and breathable. Aka, as comfortable as a thong can ever be.
The Best Bra: Embrace the strappy top
Here it is – a no-nonsense tank that you will wear several times a week from now on. We especially love it for light workouts when we want more coverage than just a sports bra. The tank itself is made of Supima cotton and the built-in bra is designed for cup sizes A-DD. For a cheaper option, we like this one too Cami Abercrombie with detachable plates.
Best Running Bra: Thirdlove Kinetic Adjustable Sports Bra
A wireless, seamless, adjustable bra that you can wear two ways (with straight or cut straps)? Ideal. Made with AH cup sizes, this bra provides the right compression to keep you comfortable and in place during your workout.
Best bikini bottoms: Barra bara seamless bikini
These bikini bottoms are designed to work under any outfit (even leggings) without lines or irritation, and their stretch ensures you won’t feel uncomfortable under your clothes all day. They come in 12 different shades of nude (plus pure black) and while they’re made primarily of polyamide and elastane, they’re 100% cotton.
Smart Tech & Tools
Best over-ear headphones: Bose QuietComfort Headphones
One of our favorite products, these over-the-ear headphones can help you zone out for a workout, but we’ll go so far as to say they’ll also boost your mental and emotional well-being. Whether you need to get through a grueling gym session, tackle a work project, or just enjoy a playlist or podcast, we give them a 10 out of 10.
Best headphones: Bose Ultra open-back headphones
For the same sound quality on the go, these headphones are our top pick. Unlike other headphones, they fit like cuffs, which means you still get high-quality sound without putting yourself in a noise-cancelling bubble.
Best massage gun: Hyperice Hypervolt 2
Samborski calls this massage gun a great starting point for those who have never bought a rehab product before. With three speeds and five head attachments, it gives you plenty of options, and it’s both lightweight and very quiet. In addition, the battery is designed to work for up to three hours at a time.
The ultimate muscle relaxer: Chirp Halo™ Wireless Muscle Stim
For many chronic tasks, this gadget is a hero. Choose from pads designed for use on different parts of the body (such as legs, upper and lower back, or one designed specifically for period pain), use the free app to help position them, attach one of the two Chirp pads, and then use the remote to operate them. After installing them, you can finish those last messages of the day, do the dishes, or just sit back in unbridled bliss while your muscles get the relief they need.
Best Wearable Weights: Bangles Bangles
“These are a fun way to add a little extra resistance without overcomplicating things,” says Samborski. Choose from 1, 2 and 3 pound options as well as a variety of colors – from neutral white to bright gold or a bright yellow and pink combo that’s truly statement jewelry. They are made of silicone coated steel and each set comes with a matching carrying case.
Recovery
Best S-Hook: LiBa Back and Neck Massager
It’s nothing fancy, but Samborski says, “It’s one of those very simple tools that turns out to be more useful than you might expect.” It works by hitting trigger points all over the body and includes a user manual with exercises for the neck, shoulders, back and arms. Keep it to help “open tight spaces after lifting or long days on your feet.”
Best Accessories for Yoga/Stretching: Gaiam Yoga Block and Strap
You don’t need to invest in yoga gear to see results. In fact, for less than $20, this set of two blocks and a strap can get you pretty far when it comes to stretching and changing poses. “I use this for recovery days or with clients who need more help,” says Samborski. Blocks are useful for other types of exercises, such as strength training or deep core exercises.
Best protein powder: Bloom Nutrition Whey Isolate Protein
Getting enough protein seems like less of a chore when Bloom’s protein powder is involved. Available in four flavors (iced coffee, vanilla, chocolate and strawberry milk), it contains 22 grams of protein per scoop, and whether you mix it into a smoothie or just mix it with water, it’ll give you the boost you’re looking for.
The best relief for targeted muscles: fitzelar lacrosse massage balls
What’s not to love about an affordable and easy tool for muscle relief? “It’s one of my favorite tools for really targeted release,” says Samborski. “It gets into spots a foam roller can’t—like the deep creases, hips, and upper back—and helps break up deeper tension. It’s intense, but in a good way.”
Best Muscle Recovery Cream: Penetrex Daily Muscle Care Lotion
“It’s great for local relief when something is irritating or inflamed,” says Samborski, so use after training if joints or other areas bother you. “It won’t fix the root problem, but it can certainly help manage the discomfort while you’re working on recovery.”
