The Spring Fitness Gear You Can't Live Without

Written by
ACTIVE.com
Summer may seem like the ultimate get-fit season, but true fitness fanatics know spring is when the real work begins.

Whether you’re building that beach body, making up for winter indulgences or setting your eyes on a new personal best in the weight room, you’re going to need gear—and lots of it.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite items for spring, from shiny new tech gadgets to exciting new apparel from your favorite brands. Whether you want flash or functionality, we’ve got a little of both.

Lace up your shoes, charge your fitness trackers and get ready to sweat, because this spring lineup doesn’t mess around.
Adidas PureBoost Xpose
$130
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A women-specific pair of running shoes may seem like an, ahem, marketing ploy from this big-name company, but after taking ours out for a run, we see what all the fuss is about.

The moneymaker of the Xpose is its floating arch. Not only does it give the shoe its distinct flair—simply glance down, and you know you've got a special pair of kicks on—but it's designed to allow a woman's arch to extend and flex naturally. Granted, it takes a little getting used to, but you'll feel a noticeable bounce as you push off. Pair that with a mesh upper that wraps around and even underneath the midfoot (women's midfoots are especially narrow), and you'll feel like this shoe is practically giving you a hug.

The major energy return and tighter construction of the shoe mean you'll want to break these in slowly, but if you're looking for some serious boost to those calorie-torching, pre-summer HIIT routines, this shoe delivers.
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Under Armour Accelerate Packable Jacket
$149.99
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If stylish workout gear is your thing, then you need this running jacket. With its laidback, loose fit and cropped cut, this jacket looks so good on that we wanted to wear it long after our Saturday run was finished. The technical features aren't anything to breeze over, either. It comes with a hood for inclement weather, but if hoods aren't your thing, you can stow it away thanks to a hidden zipper. It also has reflective features for morning and evening runs, plus a mesh phone holder in one of the side pockets to keep your cell phone from bouncing. The sleeve even has a built-in "watch window" so you can check your pace without rolling up the fabric. And the jacket can completely fold into itself for easy packing.

Should we continue? Didn't think so.
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PowerBlock Dumbbells, U33 Set
$298
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After working out to more YouTube Fitness Blender videos than we can count, we knew we had to get our hands on those adjustable weights we see in every one—and boy, are we glad we did.

The PowerBlock dumbbells are truly an exceptional product. They're a big investment, sure, but if dumbbells are your misery-maker of choice, they're exactly what you need to take your weight training to the next level.

We tried the U33 set, which contains 3 to 33 pounds of weight and replaces—are you ready for this—25 pairs of dumbbells and 866 pounds of free weights. That's a lot of floor space you're freeing up with one product.

Here's how it works: The dumbbells come with a selector pin in each set, which you slide in and out to select the weight you want. We found it quick and easy to move from one weight to the next, and because the product comes with two one-pound "adder" weights in the handle, you can customize the weight to whatever you need. The square construction also makes the dumbbells ideal for push-ups with an added row (you won't risk rolling!), and we like that you have a choice between holding it with one hand or two hands—perfect for tricep extensions.

The weights go up to 125 pounds if you'd like more resistance, but our set was more than enough to give us a killer workout right in our own living room.
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Jabra Sport Coach Headphones
$119.99
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Long gone are the days of person-to-person coaching—now everything you need is already in your ear. That's the concept behind the Jabra Sport Coach Headphones.

The magic starts in the Jabra Sport Life app, where you enter all your critical information like personal fitness metrics and workout goals. You then can choose either a pre-programmed workout circuit or make a customized circuit. As you get started, you'll hear personal coaching in your headphones on form and technique, as well as a real-time rep count—and don't worry, your music still plays around all of this, too.

If you're more concerned with audio quality, you'll be happy to know the product also comes with passive noise cancellation and enhanced bass.
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Lululemon Sculpt Tank II
$58
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This Lululemon tank is an ideal base layer for your spring workouts, and it comes in some seriously springy colors like light lava and lip gloss. It's shorter in the front than in the back, with a relaxed fit throughout, but it's still long enough to tie up with high-waisted leggings for a trendier look. There's mesh paneling in the back to keep you cool and Lycra fabric for four-way stretch.

We found the high scoop neck to be a comfortable, modest touch for the gym.
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Lululemon Twill Chill Short
$78
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Whether you're headed to the gym or a patio with friends—or both—the Lululemon Twill Chill Short is the only short you'll need.

Made from four-way stretch, sweat-wicking material, they're great for anything from cardio to box jumps, and you can be sure you're dry and ready for your next move. As we've come to expect from Lululemon, these athleisure shorts are understated and stylish and can be worn practically anywhere.
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Violet Love Headband
$17
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These headbands are so soft you'll think there's no way they can stay on, but that's the beauty of the Violet Love Headband. Gone are those plastic grips that pull at your hair and that tight elastic band that squeezes your scalp, yet it still has a reliable fit thanks to its adjustable width. Because you can make it as slim or as wide as you want, it works with any hair type; and we're telling you, it's genius. We wore it to the gym and on multiple runs (the ultimate test), and there was zero to minimal slippage.

And with more than a hundred colors and patterns to choose from, you have plenty of options for all the athletes in your life.
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FlipBelt Zipper
$34.99
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If you've exercised with a belt before, then you're familiar with how annoying it is when it starts riding up—but not FlipBelt. It's the only belt we've ever run with that actually stays on our hips, thanks to its wide construction. The new model even features more storage than the original, due to a larger, zippered pocket that's big enough to fit the iPhone 6. There's also three access points around the belt to slip in other essentials, like your keys, credit cards and energy chews.

The belt is moisture-wicking and machine washable and has a reflective safety logo should you venture out after dark.
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Body Glide
$14.99
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Training for a race? Then you need to stock up on the miracle worker that is Body Glide. The anti-chafing product can prevent painful hot spots and blisters, and all you have to do is glide it on your pain points before you head out.

The balm forms a dry, invisible barrier on your skin and won't come off even when you get sweaty. Plus, it's made with plant-derived ingredients so it's safe for your skin (and your clothes).
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Saucony Ignite Capri
$68.00
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If you're a big fan of workout capris, then you know the checklist for what makes an exceptional product: a wide waistband that actually stays up; a compressive, flattering fit; at least one discreet zipper for storage; and material that isn't too see-through or flimsy. We're happy to report that the Ignite capri from Saucony checks all those boxes.

Sliding these on, we immediately noticed the thicker feel and surprisingly structured fit. But thanks to Saucony's four-way stretch material, they still move with you once you hit that cardio circuit. Though you won't want to reach for these during a run in mid-August, we can't think of a better pant for early spring. It has just enough material to ward off any lingering winter chill.

If you like a little added construction in your workout pant, these will become your new go-to.
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Perform Better Resistance Bands
$2.50 - $28.50
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Resistance bands are a gym bag essential, especially for the fitness-lover on the go. The Perform Better resistance bands can be bought individually or as a four- or 10-pack. They are super durable and can be used for numerous exercises and warm ups. Can't do a pull up on your own? Resistance band. Need a good IT band stretch? No problem.

Perform Better even includes a list of exercises you can do with their bands if you're a first-time user.
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Under Armour Fly-By Short Sleeve
$39.99
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A classic short sleeve goes a long way in warmer weather, and if you're in the market for one, we highly suggest the Under Armour Fly-By. Not only does it keep the look simple—no crazy patterns or floral designs here—but it ventilates well, too.

The shirt is lightweight, moisture-wicking and hangs loosely on the body, with mesh panels on the front and back. We found the shirt had a considerable amount of airflow, especially with the large keyhole opening in the back, and the front keeps it simple with an everyday crew cut. There's even a slight drop tail at the bottom for extra coverage over your tights.

Love the shirt as much as we do? Don't worry, it comes in eight colors so you can stock up.
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Hydro Flask
Prices vary
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The Hydro Flask is one of the pricier water bottles on the market but for good reason. It keeps your water or sports drink cold for at least 24 hours, and it can also keep hot liquids warm for up to six hours. The condensation-free coating keeps the bottle from slipping out of your hands, even during the sweatiest workouts. Hydro Flask also gives buyers a lifetime warranty and is, of course, BPA-free.

Hydro Flask recently introduced "MyHydro," a customization tool to build your perfect Hydro Flask for whatever your active might be.
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Bose SoundSport Pulse Wireless Headphones
$150
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Wireless has become the new norm for fitness-focused headphones, and if you've ever run untethered, then you can understand why—the freedom and minimal fuss of no wires makes it hard to go back to the old model.

These SoundSport Pulse headphones from Bose not only capitalize on the wireless trend, they also add a built-in heart rate sensor. With the Bose Connect app, you can monitor your workout efforts in real time and receive in-ear coaching that will tell you when to push harder or when to slow down.

Another great feature is the inline mic. Not only can you use it to discreetly turn up or lower your volume, but you can also take calls without reaching for your phone. All those features combined with five hours of battery life, and your long run just got a whole lot easier.
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Shanti Bars
Prices Vary
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Inspect the label of your favorite protein bar, and you'll probably find a list of hard-to-pronounce artificial ingredients that aren't doing your body any good. That's where Shanti comes in.

These bars are 100 percent raw, organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, plant-based, Paleo and Kosher certified—did you get all that? And they pack up to 17 grams of protein to boot. We found the flavors to be surprisingly tasty, especially the coconut (called the "Boost" bar), which contains ingredients like almonds, dates, coconut and sea salt. With no refined sugars and no preservatives, it's going to be hard to reach for anything else before your next workout.
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Reebok Pump Plus Camo
$119.99
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For gym-goers who plan to mix a little cardio with their iron-pumping, the Reebok Pump Plus Camo is a fashion-forward, all-encompassing solution.

Reebok's well-known Pump technology may be better known for its prevalence in the mid-'90s basketball world—and for its subsequent resurgence on classics like the Shaq Attack—but the Pump Plus Camo brings the magic of air to the running world with a SmoothFuse Fusion Fit upper that offers a seamless (and surprisingly snug) fit.

A shock-absorbent, injection-molded midsole provides a reasonably cushy landing, while a rarely-seen, molded sockliner keeps this shoe relatively secure and stable for being sans laces. We recommend the Pump Plus Camo for short to intermediate runs—and for looking super fly at the gym.
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Saucony Breeze Short Sleeve
$48
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If you live somewhere that gets way too hot way, way too quickly (looking at you, Texas), we suggest adding the Saucony Breeze Short Sleeve to your wardrobe ASAP.

One run in this tee and you'll notice it has some kind of magic fabric (OK, it's called "ultralight stripe," but whatever) that allows total breathability, so you feel every blessed breeze. There won't be much sweat to speak of, but for those especially humid workouts, rest assured the shirt air dries within minutes, stays odor-free and, with cap sleeves, you can even lay off the sunblock a bit.

If you love the fabric as much as we do, we suggest scooping up the Breeze tank, too.
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Brooks Hot Shot Sports Bra
$38
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Calling all yogis out there. If you need a stretch-friendly bra that still keeps everything right where it's supposed to be, we recommend the Hot Shot by Brooks. Made for low-impact activities, this bra has a surprising amount of support, thanks to the wider straps and racer back. We easily made the transition from our mat to the weight room and even worked in some medium-impact cardio without any noticeable discomfort.

It comes in a few fun designs and has removable cups for when you want a little less lift and a little more compression. The bra best suits an A, B or C cup.
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Fitbit Alta HR
$179.95
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If you're having trouble getting up and moving each day, then it's probably time to get a Fitbit, and we recommend the Alta HR.

This slimmer fitness tracker has everything you need to prioritize your health: It tracks your activity (including your steps), analyzes your heart rate, reminds you to move and tells you how many calories you burned each day. You will even get notifications to your wrist, so you don't have to stop a workout when your phone goes off.

Fitbit also recently added Sleep Stages technology to the Alta. Gone are the days of simply knowing how many hours you slept—now, you can know whether you were in light sleep, deep sleep or the ever-important REM Sleep. The Alta syncs wirelessly with your phone, too, so all you need is the Fitbit app to view your data.

Best yet? The device goes a whole week before needing to be charged.
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New Balance Kairosport Tee
$39.99
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Dear reader, may we introduce you to your all-time favorite workout top?

The Kairosport Tee, what with its heathered horizontal stripes may look super trendy, but it's ready to work. Simply put, the premium high-stretch fabric combined with New Balance's NB Dry technology is nothing short of sorcery. And, best of all, it holds its shape and integrity through a normal wash and dry cycle.

If you want to look and perform awesome, this shirt is ideal for anything from long-distance running to getting those gains—or even just cruising around town on a casual Saturday.
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Pressed by KIND
Price Varies
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If you're looking for healthy fueling options to get you through your workout, try stowing a few of KIND's new Pressed bars in your gym bag.

They're the first KIND product to have zero added sugar—in fact, the only ingredients you'll find in these bars are fruits, vegetables and chia seeds (each bar has only five ingredients or less).

We're especially big fans of the Mango Apple Chia bar, which, you guessed it, only has mango, apple and chia in it. Each bar also contains two servings of fruit and is gluten-free, so if you're looking for a well-rounded, nutritious snack, you can't go wrong with these.
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Adidas Supernova TKO Jacket
$90
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The unpredictability of spring weather means you need a few light jackets you can depend on, and this one from Adidas is a solid choice. We took the Supernova TKO out for two weekend runs and were impressed by how well it ventilated, thanks to the large mesh panels on both sides. The jacket also comes with a hood and waterproof construction, so any unexpected spring showers won't ruin your run.

The sleeves have thumbholes to improve the fit, and you'll find a pretty sizable zippered pocket on the right side for stashing your phone or keys. Here's the kicker though: If you regret the added layer a mile in, you can simply take it off and pack the jacket into its own pocket. Now that's a product we can get behind.
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Saucony Freedom Sleeveless
$48
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If you're looking for a tank that isn't so, well, strappy, this simple number by Saucony doesn't have a single unnecessary bell or whistle.

Made with the brand's jersey fabric, the product is so soft it actually feels like cotton (don't worry, it's not), but what really sold us was the modest cut. Unlike all the racer back, keyhole or crisscross details of most workout tanks, this one keeps it wonderfully simple. It has a higher front than most tanks on the market, and the back goes all the way to the base of your neck.

With a looser fit that has pretty much zero cling, this refreshing tank is a great base layer to have on hand for warmer workouts.
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The Henry Mid
$120
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You don't have to be Rocky to rock a boxing brand on your feet at the gym.

York Athletics has made an impressive charge into the world of fitness footwear as of late, with a standout product known as "The Henry," leading the way. We tested both "The Henry" and "The Henry Mid," and came away with a new favorite strength-conditioning shoe.

The mid comes in at 5/8 height for a little additional ankle support, and both shoes are extremely breathable, what with a lightweight mesh upper and a toe box built of Dri Freeze lining that feels like it was pulled from your favorite pair of joggers. Couple that with a smartly constructed tongue that wields comfort, security and protection against laces, and what you've got is a fantastic trainer that's up for any fight.
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Endeavor Eclipse Legging
$98
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In a land of colorful, bright leggings with various geometric designs, sometimes it's nice to just add a classic black pair to your collection. That's where the Endeavor Eclipse comes in.

These may seem like simple, everyday performance leggings—and they mostly are—but it's the fit that lands this product a spot on our list. The pants are described as having a "true high waist," and honestly, we had no idea what that meant until we put them on. Unlike other high-waisted leggings, these rise a full three to four inches higher for even better coverage (and tummy tucking, if that's your concern). They also are thin enough that they have a very tight fit through the legs—even down to the ankles—but not so much that they lose their black sheen.

If you need a simple, compressive pant to get you through the remaining cold days, this is the one.
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Misfit Phase
$175
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If you want more style and class in your everyday fitness tracker, then look no further than the Misfit Phase. This tracker looks like nothing more than a classic timepiece, but don't be fooled—it still tracks all the essentials like steps, calories burned, physical activity and sleep, and sends all that data straight to your phone.

With a small touch of a button, the hands of the clock move from telling you the time to updating you on your progress—ours moved to 3 o'clock to let us know we'd completed 25 percent of our activity goal. But that's not all this watch does. It can take a selfie (c'mon, you know you need this), control your music, send you alerts from your phone and even change slides on a presentation.

However, this innovative tracker decided to play it old school in one key area: The Phase doesn't require charging. It comes with a battery that lasts a full six months before it needs replacement, which is a serious bonus in our book.
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Nike Air Max Thea Flyknit
$150
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The time-tested Nike Air Max kicks never stop getting better, and the newly released Thea Flyknits are the best version yet. The breathable Flyknit upper and extreme cushion make them comfortable to wear all day long—literally, never take them off. The stretchy structure of the laces doesn't ever get too tight, rounding out the sock-like features.

These might be as stylish as the trendiest lifestyle shoe, but they're also practical for any indoor workout or run. They're incredibly lightweight despite the thick Air-Sole heel and the cored-out midsole is flexible and supportive.
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Lululemon Wunder Under Pant (Hi-Rise) Shibori
$98
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The Lululemon Wunder Under Pants were already our favorite leggings, but the new Shibori print screams, "Hello spring! I'm here to kick some butt in the gym." This tie-dye print will put you in a great mood just looking at them, and that confidence will help you crush your workout. They're high-waisted so you'll feel supported—but not squeezed—no matter what type of workout you're doing.

The fabric is soft and breathable with flat lock seams and a hidden inner-waistband pocket for a credit card or key.
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Under Armour Mid-Crossback
$34.99
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With a tight, compressive feel, the Under Armour Mid-Crossback is perfect for medium-impact activities. It fits like a second skin, and with the wide elastic band, it doesn't inch upward, so we felt secure and supported during the entire workout.

The Crossback also comes with built-in cups for extra coverage, but if you're looking for an even tighter fit, they are removable. True to its name, the reverse also features a racer back detail.

For those looking for an extra dose of color, this bra is available in an impressive nine shades, so you'll never get bored.
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Rumi X Long Sleeve Support Top
$65
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Want your workout gear to do a little good in the world? Scoop up a product from Rumi X, a company devoted to designing and selling eco-friendly workout attire. Their clothes are made from coffee grounds, recycled plastic bottles and sustainable fabrics, so your money won't leave a heavy carbon footprint.

We tried out their long sleeve top and appreciated the built-in shelf bra that let us forgo a layer while we made it through Pilates class. The top has mesh panels on the sides and arms so you won't overheat, plus notably deep pockets that can easily store a phone or wallet. The top is made from coffee grounds, spandex and recycled polyester, which uses 50 percent less energy to produce than regular polyester.
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Balega Hidden Dry 2 Socks
$12
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If you have not discovered the wonder that is a Balega sock, you're in for a treat. Endurance athletes swear by Balega, and for good reason—their socks deliver maximum comfort with minimum bulk.

We tried out their Hidden Dry 2 socks, which Balega advertises as the lightest sock on the planet and—spoiler alert—we concur. We loved the way these socks padded our five-mile run. The heel tab, as well as the elastic grip construction in the arch and ankle, kept the sock from bunching inside our shoe, and we experienced no blisters as the miles wore on.

But the real selling point is their famous deep heel pocket; it feels like landing on a small pillow with every step.
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Reebok Crossfit Nano 7.0
$130
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Weight lifters rejoice, for your favorite shoe is here. Reebok pretty much owns the Crossfit arena, and the Nano 7.0 is the go-to option for any gym junkie trying to push their limits.

The Nano 7.0 takes stability to the next level with just a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop and a wide anatomical toe box that maximizes foot-to-surface contact. Though stiff and stable, these shoes are still cushioned, creating an all-around supportive feel.

The Nano 7.0 is available for both men and women and comes in nine different color ways.
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Under Armour Launch Tulip Short
$34.99
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After a winter spent in tight, constrictive leggings, these relaxed-fit shorts are a serious relief.

They're simple, gym-friendly and have a generous, four-way stretch construction that moves with you, plus a built-in liner for extra coverage.

But what makes this short special is the hidden zippered pocket on the right side. Not only is it the perfect size to discreetly slip your phone into, but it also has a built-in media port so you can run your headphones right through. Time to say goodbye to your bulky armband—it was a nightmare for supersets, anyway.
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