When it comes to perfecting your pump, having the right gear is essential. You can just go and lift some heavy things in whatever ratty, battered tee-shirt you scraped off your floor, and those mangled gym shoes that smell like they died about three years ago, but you’re doing yourself a disservice. By choosing clothing and equipment that is better for your body, you are helping to keep cool, protect yourself from injury, get more out of your workout, and ensure that when the women’s hot yoga class lets out, your attire sets you out from the crowd.
In choosing the gear for this situation, we wanted high-tech items that belonged in the rough-and-tumble gym rat’s world, clothes that were as sharp as they were utilitarian, and stuff that works as hard as you do so the only thing you need to worry about is your protein intake and finishing the next set.
FitBit Charge HR
The newest iteration of the FitBit is one of the finest fitness trackers we’ve ever seen and a true all-day activity tracker. The HR lets you know your heart rate, movement level, and even helps keep track of your sleep so you are always well-rested and ready for action when the on-board alarm goes off. For the data-junkie, there’s lots of comparative tracking that syncs wirelessly so you always know where your peak performance is and can even show off to your friends for the ultimate bragging rights.
Plantronics BackBeat Fit
Though they’ve been out for a while, the BackBeat Fit headphones are among the top of the line for anyone who’s serious about working out. Their water and sweat-resistant build, comfortable over-ear headband, and immovable in-ear style is comfortable for hours on the treadmill or for the most rigorous crossfit routine. Simple side-based controls and easy Bluetooth syncing to your favorite device makes these a must for your gym bag. They even sound excellent, so you’ll hear every note through repeated “Eye of the Tiger” replays.
Nike Roshe One Fleece
Completely customizeable, the Roshe One is your understated gym shoe of note, capable of keeping pace with your racquetball game, giving you plenty of support for doing military presses, and enough traction for a round of pickup basketball. Built with Zen concepts in mind, this is about minimalism and balance rather than flash, and with its breathable body and undeniable comfort, it’s easy to forget you’re wearing them. That is, until you take them off.
Myles Everyday Short
Made of material that resists binding as well as moisture, the Everyday Short’s 4-way stretching blend of nylon and spandex is ideal for gym workouts, cycling, or just a day at the beach. In a multitude of sizes, you’ll find one that is long enough to keep you covered yet short enough to stay out of your way. The crowning achievement is the pockets, which hold your EDC gear in place with less bouncing and jostling, even when your body is redlining. Comes with a stink and moisture-resistant bag for safe, odorless carrying.
Isaora Engineered Mesh Knit Training Tee
Crafted as a single piece, there’s as few seams as humanly possible on this T-shirt, keeping weight to the barest of minimums and offering a sleeker, slimmer, more aerodynamic fit. Triple targeted mesh patterns allow for the warmest parts of your body to breathe more easily even as targeted wicking moves moisture away from your skin. Reflective points on the sleeve and back allow for night missions without causing too much flash during daytime workouts.
Olivers Merino Wool Pullover
For any weather and any condition, Merino wool is the wicking and breathable fabric of choice that is capable of keeping you dry and warm even when you’re covered in sweat and heading out into a winter snowstorm. Due to its adaptable nature, this is likely to become your daily wearer. With a tailored fit that goes on like a glove, you’ll never look like just another rube in a sloppy hoodie. It even tightens just right to display the parts you work so hard to sculpt.
Defy Ultimate Gym Bag
The military knows a thing or two about toughness, and that’s why Defy borrowed their know-how in constructing their ultimate gym bag. It’s made with minimalist style, but styled with M35 Military truck tarpaulin fabric that doesn’t let smell out of its sight, and gives you one of the toughest, long-lasting bags on the market today for lugging your gear to and from the pumping station. Rather than loads of pockets, they opted for making an item that never retains scent and lets you find everything in a snap.
New Balance No Show Socks
You’ve seen the guys at the gym with their big baller stocks pulled up to their knees. Please, we beg of you: Don’t Be That Guy. Instead, go with the low-profile No Show. They’re ankle socks meant to disappear, yet their lycra, spandex, and specialized polyester build goes the distance when it comes to keeping your feet cool, dry, and comfortable.
Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers with Fly
Ditch your standard cotton boxer briefs and get something that is more comfortable and keeps your most prized possessions from becoming a wet, muggy mess. Made of stretchable Lycra and merino wool, they move with you through any routine and won’t lose their shape even after hours of use and days of abuse. The flat seams reduce chafing for endless comfortable activity that doesn’t wear or tear.
Adidas Adilette Slides
Set one foot into a gym shower and you can expect to become a breeding ground for all kinds of fungus and bacteria. The only cure is to keep your feet up, up, and away from the germ-ridden tile that graces the floor of even the cleanest gym. With the Slides, you have a safe, clean set of shower shoes that are inhospitable to filth, easy to carry, and simple to clean, not to mention plenty comfortable.
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
For every rep you do, you need to match it with one rep worth of water drinking lest your muscles cramp up and your workout leave you curled in the fetal position. Staying hydrated means having a tough bottle that is easy to carry by your side during any activity. For indoor sports and outdoor adventures, few things stand up as well as a Hydro Flask, and nothing shows more style or refinement.
