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?
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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!
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Great roundup of faves! I just got some yurbuds and I can’t wait to give them a try. Happy New Year’s to you…. I hope it’s the best year yet!
I love your lists of favorite things! It really helps me find some new additions to my fitness equipment and clothing collection. Thanks for the ideas and tips!! 🙂 Happy 2014!
So glad to hear this!! 🙂
My Nike Structures have been my go-to running shoes this year. I’ve gone through two different pairs. They have carried me through my marathon training and hopefully will carry me through my marathon in a few weeks.
Happy New Year, Julie!
Good luck!!!!!!
You motivated me to shop! I need the New Balance shorts and those tanks. I am obsessed with my Brookes Ghost running shoes and everything lululemon. I find their stuff just fits me really good and my absolute favorite is the swiftly tee, tank and long sleeve shirt. The material is so breathable and colors are so awesome!
I hope you have a great New Year!
Thank you so much for this roundup! I’m not a fitness-gear-savvy person, so this helps a lot. The Yurbuds and Polar Watch look like things that I would put to good use!
My favorite workout workout bottoms are the the Jockey cotton capris and the Old Navy (yes, Old Navy!) cropped compression capris. I’ve also been loving my iPhone arm band case. Gotta have the tunes when I’m working out! 🙂
Great list! I’m always looking to try new gear, so this is a good place to start 🙂
Happy New Year!
Great list! My favorite workout top is the MPG Omnia Tank – so cute and PERFECT if you have a long torso like I do. I scooped it up in neon coral from http://www.activewearoutlet.com for $25 (such a steal!!). MPG makes a great product – their pants are awesome too (also on sale at activewearoutlet.com).
I have been eyeing up that gym bag and have had it in my Amazon cart for a while. it’s just so practical! I would have to say a great pair of shoes (mine being Brooks Ghost) is one of my favorites. Also, capris that stay up! Old Navy fitness has been awesome
I also love the yurbuds. For running shoes, I like Newton Gravity shoes! I also like Lucy running tights and the fitbit ultra!
Not to be combative or anything but the Yurbuds do not stay in everyone’s ears like you mentioned. I run long distances, half and full marathons and they do not stay in during those distances. Maybe for shorter distances they are better. I know everyone is different but just thought I would mention that! Hope you have a Happy New Year! 🙂
Thanks for introducing me to the Nike Training Club app! I use it multiple times per week, and I love it!! I actually noticed this morning they updated the user interface – it’s sleeker and user-friendly.
Happy New Year, Julie!! Thanks for always sharing such great finds! 🙂
I need to check out those socks! And I’ve never tried BICbands, but I love Sweaty Bands and BAMRbands 🙂
Thanks for all the great products!
This isn’t exactly workout equipment per se, but I absolutely love Rock My Run’s mixes. Discovered them this year and can’t get enough of them! I love the fact that you can download them as well as stream them; this is particularly important when I’m running on trail areas in which I get spotty service.
I love every single one of these products! All amazing!
Happy New Year!!
The Brooks Ghost running shoes are my favorites! They come in narrow which makes a huge difference in the fit! I also love a bright green Nike quarter zip pull over I purchased at the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in DC this year-it’s bright so I’m easily seen, cute, and super comfy!
http://www.sneakersandspatulas.com/2013/12/30/family-eats-and-fun/
Thanks for sharing! I want a pair of Nano Speeds so bad!
These are all great products! Thank you for sharing! 🙂 Happy New Year!
oh my gosh, I practically live in nike tempo running tights! I also love my new Mizuno Wave Riders 7.
I love that gym bag. I am in need of one desperately and it would be perfect!
Hope you have a great new year!
New reader here — came across your blog recently and love it. Even added the Gaiam gym bag to my xmas list after reading your review. I’ve used it every day since. Love it!!
Happy New Year!
I am so happy to hear that you love it as much as I do!
Loving your list! I need that Reebok tank!
I am training for my first half (4 weeks out) which compression socks do you reco? Do you like socks or the sleeve? Do you reco them for a half? I have never worn them!
My all time favorite run tights for winter are the Lululemon Speed Tight Tech. They keep you warm and stay in place!
I absolutely fell in love with Old Navy’s workout capris and sports bras. Seriously my favorite and I can’t seem to find any that beat them!
Huge thanks for your posts on products. I am hooked on BICBands after trying so many others and seeing them on your blog. I also gave my sister some for xmas and they passed her Crossfit test!!!
Woohoo!! I love that they “passed the CrossFit test!” 🙂
I just got those socks, and oh.em.gee. THE BEST!
Aren’t they fabulous!?! They were recommended to me by one of my running friends and I was so impressed after the very first wear!
Awesome post! Like almost everyone else I am always on the look out for new fitness gear. Searching for some of the items from this post will definatley help pass the time at work today 🙂
I, too, am a new reader – and absolutely LOVE these last few round-ups. Thank you so much for compiling this list! I’ve been wanting a heart rate monitor for a while now but haven’t known which one to get. My only question is: is it uncomfortable/bulky to strap across your chest?
Thanks again! Definitely buying that gym bag too 🙂
The strap doesn’t bother me at all because it just slips right underneath my sports bra!
I need to try those earbuds. The apple earbuds always fall out of my ears! Have a great NYE Julie!
I got some yurbuds for Christmas after reading your review. I’ve only used them a few times but so far they have stayed in my ear. Also bought the gaiam gym bag for my boss for Christmas and she loves it. I may have to get one for myself. Happy New Year!!!
I’ve really been loving my Bose Sport earbuds! They were a little pricey, but definitely worth the investment!
Thanks for these ideas! I gotta try the Yur Buds, never heard of them but my earphones are always falling out! Happy 2014!
I totally agree on the Yur Buds- I don’t know if I have ridiculously small or miss-shapen ear holes or what but I have never found ear buds that work until these ones. 🙂
So many favorites… I love Yurbuds too (go purple!). I run in Brooks Adrenaline, but also love Saucony Kinvara for gym work. My favorite clothing items are Brooks Utopia Thermal Hoodie, their Utopia tights, and the Heater Hog. Big Brooks clothing fan! Feetures socks are my faves. 🙂
I’m so glad everyone else is getting obsessed with the NB 1400s. They are the best shoes in the world.
Oh I love your gym bag! I definitely need to upgrade mine 🙂
I got that Gaiam gym bag for my sister-in-law for Christmas and I kind of wanted to keep it for myself! 🙂 Happy New Year Julie!
Long time reader but first time commenting. I really love your blog. Today I did your Row, Row, Row workout – it sure was a tough one. By the way, I think Sadie is adorable she has so much energy!
Happy New Year!
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
I am such a huge fan of gym clothes and I have always had a hard time to find yoga pants that are long enough for me. I recently discovered yoga pants at Gap and they come in a long version. They are perfect for my long legs. I love these pants!
I got a garmin forerunner 10 back in October and this has naturally become a favorite find, especially since I am training for my first half marathon! (<– I sweat every time I think/speak/type that)
I also really like bic bands for my hair. I have short hair and it keeps it all out of my face!
I just bought those yurbuds …. I'm sitting next to my husband and he told me to stop scrolling your page in fear I'd keep buying things 😉
Nike tempo shorts will always be my fave. I’ve bought other running shorts but I always find myself buying more when I see old colors on sale. I need a new brand of running tights maybe Ill like moving comfort.
Wow–this is a fantastic roundup! I love my BIC bands too! I also love the lulu lemon ta ta tamer, nordstrom capris, and the polar ft4 is pretty great too!
I got the Polar FT4 heart rate monitor for Christmas this year and I love it!
I bought the polar ft4 because of you and I love it! You are seriously my go to gal for anything fitness. You don’t let me down and you’re honest in your reviews! So glad to have found your blog!! Thanks for all the tips this year. I look forward to your help in the fitness world next year! 🙂 Have a happy new year!
Yayyy!! Happy New Year to you!
I always love learning about new products. I’ve been in the market for a heart rate monitor and really like the style of Polar FT4 – thanks for the recommendation. My favorite purchase of 2013 has definitely been the Brooks Utopia Softshell II – keeps me warm and dry during the cooler months in Oregon.
I am so glad you posted about the bic bands on your blog. I have super fine thin hair and everything else slides right off of my head- except for the bic bands (and they are gentle on hair too). I wish yurbuds worked for me – I must have oddly shaped ears because I have a terrible time finding ear buds that stay in for longish runs. Happy New Year!
I tried BIC Bands based on your recommendation and they are amazing! I love the prints and more importantly they don’t slip when I run. Thanks!!
They are my favorite! I’m so happy you like them, too!
Love my Polar! It’s so fun to see how many calories you REALLY burn! Great post- happy New Year!! 🙂
My favorite 2013 fitness item would have to be my newton running shoes! When training for a half last year, I made the mistake of running on a treadmill during the winter then transitioning too fast to pavement running and got really bad shin splints. I went to a running specialist store and he recommended changing my shoes to newton. I swear they got rid of all the pain and changed my running style to the “barefoot” type which allows me to have less pain after distance running. I recommended them highly!! Ill add a link in case anyone wants to check out the pair I have!
http://www.newtonrunning.com/shop/womens-running-shoes/women-energy-trainer-purple