Days are getting longer, weather is getting warmer and finally, people are vaccinated and rearing to get their lives back on track.
Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, it's time for the annual tradition of pushing the winter workout jackets, leggings and headbands to the back of the closet and bringing out the breathable, lightweight gear that'll keep us cool as we train and recover through the spring and summer months.
No matter if you're heading to the gym for the first time in over a year or you're taking your at-home workout routine to your local park or trail, this mix of new workout gear and nutrition will refresh your stash and up the excitement levels as we leave winter (and the pandemic) in the rearview mirror.
Nathan Rise Running Tee
$49 men, $45 women
Available in both men's and women's sizing, Nathan's new Rise running tee pairs a buttery-soft fit and feel with must-have warm-weather performance features, like moisture wicking, quick drying and ventilation. It's also made with flat lock seams, so rubbing and chafing won't be an issue, and the comfortable stretch side split seam adds a nice athletic contour to the overall look and fit.
Nathan Essential Short
$55
Now that you've seen Nathan's new running tee, all that's left is a pair of running shorts to complete the ensemble! Available with a 7-inch and 9-inch inseam for men, and a 2.5-inch inseam for women, these are the perfect do-it-all shorts for both runners and fitness enthusiasts alike. They're made with lightweight material and have a quick-drying liner and a comfort waistband with drawcord for a customized fit. They also have pockets galore to hold all your gels, keys, ID cards and phone, as well as reflective details to keep you seen in low-light summer mornings and evenings.
Headsweats Custom Gear
Price Varies
Since things are opening up and we're able to attend our favorite workout classes and rejoin group runs, it's the perfect time to consider custom performance hats and visors for your local running club or workout group. Headsweats offers custom designs for any logo, bright colors, personalization and more on everything from hats to apparel—plus it has just a 24-item minimum, perfect for race directors, run clubs or even just for family reunions and friend groups.
Honey Stinger Short Stack Waffle
$16.99 per 12 pack
Are they pancakes or waffles? We'll let you decide! A "real food" option for hard-training athletes (or a nice pairing for a morning cup of coffee), these Honey Stinger are made with a mix of natural carbohydrates to boost and sustain energy levels. And unlike other gels and chews that taste gross when warm, these only get better as the maple flavor becomes more pronounced.
Swiftwick Aspire 4
$17.99
We've been a big fan of Swiftwick's line of Aspire socks for the firm compression, thin profile and a responsive feel for a long time now, but its new hi-vis colors make these an instant spring and summer classic. The channeled upper improves breathability, and the lightweight Olefin fiber wicks moisture and dries quickly—ultimately increasing comfort in warm weather (and therefore improving performance).
Gatorade Gx Sweat Patch
$24.99 / 2 pack
Gatorade's research and development team has been doing some really cool stuff in its testing facilities around sweat science over the past few years. These Gx Sweat Patches are the result of this research—designed to help you determine how much you sweat, and therefore how you need to hydrate. It measures fluid loss, sweat rate and sodium loss and can be scanned by the app to personalize your preparation and recovery.
Reebok MYT Tank Top
$30
No warm-weather gear roundup would be complete without a tank top! Reebok has been hitting its stride lately, creating athletic wear that strikes an impressive balance between style, design and performance. The new MYT tank showcases this, with its recycled materials, stylish graphics, v-shaped neck and unique colors. This is just one offering in Reebok's MYT lineup that also includes other warm weather-friendly apparel, like shorts, bras, leggings and tees.
Klean Kanteen Food Box Set
$59.95
You already know and love Klean Kanteen for its insulated bottles that keep drinks cold or hot for hours, but the latest food storage set is another must-have for athletes of any discipline. They're BPA-free and made with durable 18/8 food-grade stainless steel to keep your pre- or post-workout snacks or meal fresh—no matter if you're adventuring up your local peak or doing pushups and squats in the park.
UCAN Edge
$29.95 / 12 pack
UCAN has had other high-performance sports nutrition products on the market for years, but Edge gel is the latest offering that features its proprietary SuperStarch formula. It has zero sugar and is GMO free, gluten free, vegan friendly and keto friendly. One pouch has 70 calories per serving, 19 grams of carbohydrate, 55 mg of sodium, 180 mg of Vitamin C and 10 mg of Calcium—basically everything you're looking for to complement hard, warm-weather training efforts in a simple, straightforward gel housed in a single-serving packet.
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