The Best Fitness Gear for Your New Year’s Resolution

December 28, 2017

You're getting in even BETTER shape in 2018, right? It's the New Year's Resolution we all make. Here is the gear to make it easier.

Credit: Lukasx/Adobe Stock

“I need to get in better shape!”

There’s a reason it’s the most common New Year’s resolution. Because fitness is health and health is fitness. (And you’ve got nothing without your health!)

Plus, we all want to hike further, cycle faster, ski harder and enjoy the outdoors with more gusto. Fitness is a major component to that.

Here are our top picks for fitness-freak gear to help make your resolution a reality:

Salomon Sense Ride

($150; salomon.com)

The Sense Ride combines features from Salomon’s pro trail shoes—like an internal liner for fit, lightweight cushioning and a super sticky outsole—with the durability and support needed for long training runs or ultra-racing. It’s a versatile combo at an approachable price.

Darn Tough Badass Betty/Barney

($30; darntough.com)

The Badass Barney and Betty, his and hers socks, are made for the specific needs of fat-tire winter biking. Nylon helps with wicking. Merino wool helps with warmth. Fine gauge knitting, seamless construction and a snug, no-slip fit keeps blisters at bay.

Metolius Portable Power Grip

($30; metolius.com)

Climbers: don’t let the specific muscles built only by pulling on stone fade just because there’s no wall or rock nearby. This pair of sculpted wood blocks is compact enough to pack and easily hung for ripping off pull-ups just about anywhere. The asymmetric design creates four different grip patterns for keeping hands strong.

The North Face HyperAir Jacket

($325; thenorthface.com)

Rather than the usual waterproof-breathable jacket construction—protective inner layer, membrane, protective outer—in the HyperAir, TNF opted for Gore-Tex Active with Shakedry. The membrane is tough enough to stand on its own and the lack of a protective outer layer makes this one of the most aerobic-friendly rain shells we’ve tried.

Bkool Smart Air Pro

($1,550; bkool.com)

One of the most realistic feeling bike trainers, the Smart Air attaches to the rear of your bike. It’s stable and quiet and even rocks just like a real bike. The magnetic resistance can make it feel like you’re climbing a 20 per cent grade and the onboard computer will log your output, while a simulator keeps things interesting.