Your guide to looking good while working out

Fitness

The best new gym gear

Here are this year's workout essentials.

Written by Pip Stewart and Ellie Ross

6 min readPublished on 20.12.2017 · 15:01 UTC

Still in the same old gym gear? Then it’s probably time for a change. If there’s anything that can help kickstart a fitness regime, it’s having workout gear that you actually want to wear. From stink-free layers to stamina-boosting compression tights, here’s your guide to looking – and feeling – your best while you exercise.

1. Asics Lite-Show Winter Tights, £48

A key piece of kit for running when the weather turns colder. Made from soft brushed knit fabric, these tights have been designed with moisture management in mind – so they won’t become sticky or uncomfortable even after a long run. The reflective elements mean you’ll be visible in low light, while the handy zip pocket at the back is perfect for a key or coins. asics.com

2. Adidas Seamless Climaheat Hooded Top, £70

We love the textured design of this running top, which offers style and functionality in equal measure. It’s fitted with thumb holes so your sleeves stay where you want them, and has a hood for chillier days. The climaheat™ fabric keeps you warm, while a mesh back panel ensures you don’t get too hot. Use it as an insulating layer for everything from running to skiing. activeinstyle.com

3. Fitbit Charge 2, £129.99-£149.99

Don’t start your fitness session without one of these. An essential for any gym-goer, this wristband monitors your heart rate and has multi-sports modes plus all-day activity tracking. It also features guided breathing sessions based on your heart rate – so you can snatch calm moments when you need them. The battery lasts up to five days and the interchangeable bands mean you can mix the colours when you want a change. fitbit.com

4. Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve, £62

When it comes to layering, this number from Lululemon has it all – its mesh venting keeps you cool while its tight fit still allows you to move freely. The Silverscent Technology helps prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria so you stay stink-free. This is one item that’s clearly well-made, with a seamless woven design, subtle branding on the back and thumb holes to keep the sleeves in place. lululemon.co.uk

5. Asics Accelerate Jacket, £100

Brighten up your runs with this lightweight, durable jacket for men that comes in either orange or black. Windproof and waterproof, it feels soft and has a handy chest pocket – ideal for zipping away your phone or MP3 player – as well as a media port so you can thread your headphones through. The reflective stripes will help you stay visible, while thumb holes will keep your hands warm. asics.com

6. Bjorn Borg Panthea Jacket, £52

Keep the wind and rain off with this spotty, fun jacket from the fashion label named after former tennis champion Bjorn Borg. It has strategically placed reflective details to keep you visible and the lightweight design is easily packable. The perforated back panels will keep you cool, or you can pull up the hood to stay warm. activeinstyle.com

7. Adidas Supernova Storm Jacket, £64.95

This jacket is a must for running on chilly days – it will keep you warm and dry as you work up a sweat thanks to the moisture-wicking fabric. The zip front and stand-up collar make the jacket versatile for different conditions, while the sweat-guard pockets keep everything inside them dry. Choose from black and maroon. adidas.co.uk

8. Dare 2b Mollify T-Shirt, from £8.95

The active collection from Dare 2b gives you a high-octane fusion of fashion and functionality for multi sport use. This lightweight number has fast wicking properties that remove moisture away from the body, while the man-made fibres are quick drying. There’s also in-built anti-bacterial odour control treatment so you feel – and smell – fresher for longer. dare2b.com

9. Asics Elite Base Layer Top, £45

There’s a reason why this top is is called ‘Elite’. Soft and flexible, it can warm your body up to 3 degrees in cold conditions – so you can still run outside when the mercury drops. It has non-rub, flatlock seams and is stretchy enough to allow you to move as much as you like. Available in green or blue, and with a reflective logo, it’s an essential piece of winter running kit. asics.com

10. Lorna Jane Sweat Squad F/L Tights, from £56

Understated yet on trend, these tights feature a bold, supportive waistband, as well as a hidden pocket to stash your cards or a key in. The fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking and washes well – so they look newer for longer. activeinstyle.com

11. Adidas Essentials 3-Stripes Chelsea Shorts, £22.95

You can’t go wrong with a pair of these baggy and versatile shorts from Adidas. The climalite fabric sweeps the sweat away from your skin, while the drawstring and elasticated waist ensure a good fit. The pockets are spacious, and the shorts themselves are sustainable, having been made from recycled polyester to reduce emissions. adidas.co.uk

12. Lululemon Fast and Free Tights, £118

Stand out in these bright and funky tights from Lululemon that are made from quick-drying, sweat-wicking fabric to keep you comfortable during even the most intense workout. They are fitted with a handy drawstring to fit snugly to your waist, and feature discreet pockets for your key or card, as well as reflective detail. lululemon.co.uk

13. Adidas Techfit Long Tights, £32.95

Perfect for a hardcore training session, these women’s training tights have a lightweight, compression fit that boosts speed and endurance. As well as the techfit fabric that hugs your your legs, focusing your muscles’ energy, they also feature an elastic waist and 50+ UV protection. adidas.co.uk

14. Vie Active Mia Bralette, from £30

We love the fun and unique print of this sports bra that would style up any gym outfit. Ideal for low-impact workouts such as Pilates and barre, its flattering design features cut-out detail at the back and slender, feminine straps. activeinstyle.com

15. Adidas Techfit Base Capri, £24.95

These maroon capri tights may be lightweight, but they offer your muscles support when your training steps up a notch. Made from special techfit fabric, they hug you muscles for compression fit – which helps boost your stamina. The moisture-wicking material draws sweat away from your skin to keep you comfortable, and they feature a slimming stripe down the side. adidas.co.uk

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