Words: Josh Lee
With January lost in the memory, we’d wager that many out there have long jettisoned their new-year health goals, an understandable thing, of course, given the unforgiving dryness of January, the February hangover that ensued, and all the Easter guff in March.
When needing to get in the mood for something – be it a wedding, a quick beeline out of town, the everyday work routine – we tend to assess our wardrobe and analyse the items we’ll be wearing for the situation or occasion, as such an act will get us excited about either donning some old favourites or having to buy a few select pieces to plug any gaps.
The same notion can be applied to the workout, and though there’s a certain appeal in using some shiny Technogym equipment, we just have a soft spot for acquiring new gym wears and seeing the potential in each piece – the breathable vest that will allow you to do just one more rep; the marathon-made trainers that’ll make that final 100 metres on the treadmill a bit more pleasant; the shorts that the sales manager said would turn you into Eliud Kipchoge.
Bearing this in mind, and to get you back on the bike, the rowing machine or the dumbbells, we’ve rounded up an essential selection of workout gear for you to put in the basket now.
The contemporary basics: On Performance Tank and 5" Lightweight Shorts
In recent years, On has become the brand of choice for the city runner, a label that mixes several crucial pillars – breathability; timeless, neutral palettes; minimally embellished designs – so as to appeal to as wide of an audience as possible. The Performance Tank moulds beautifully to the upper body – neither too tight that it prevents blood circulation, nor too baggy so that it flaps around – and is both extremely featherweight and quick-drying. Below that, the matching shorts are also snug, and the inner brief provides support rather than suffocation, as is often the case. A zipped pocket at the back is also perfect for stowing away cards and keys when running the streets.
The retro-looking options: Tracksmith Twilight Tank and Session Speed Shorts
Founded as an antidote to the glaring neon and fluoro schemes common in the market, Tracksmith is venerated for giving performance a throwback-style aesthetic – a paean to the true origins of running. Here, we have a retro-looking tank, designed in a stonewash colourway with ivory trim and produced in an ‘ultra-lightweight micro mesh’. What we like is that it’s a little loose, allowing for more airflow around the neck and chest (the swaying in the wind also imparts a sort of Sebastian Coe feel), and it’s best worn when tucked into a set of Session Speed Shorts – this piece finishes at the mid-thigh area and is one of the comfier options out there thanks to its single-layer exposed elastic waistband that fits beautifully under the hips.
The all-rounder trainer: Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex
This particular model by Nike is reliable across the year, whether you’re on the track in summer, working the lat machine inside or hitting the pavement when winter comes. Its all-seasons quality is due to its waterproof Gore-Tex layer, which helps keep splashes away; the rubber outsole that makes for a smooth stride regardless of terrain; and flexible silhouette that is at once svelte and robust. The mid-top style also offers great ankle support and makes sure debris doesn’t enter the interior.
For the long distance: Adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 Strung Shoes
If wanting a little extra spring for when racking up the miles, plump for Adidas’s Adizero model, which, in recent times, has made big, big strides in running circles. The main draw is in the sole, a feature that has an ‘energy core’ sandwiched by two layers of foam and, as a result, minimises the weight of run.
The foundations: Vuori V1 Boxer Brief and V1 Tab Sock
Having everything secure helps a workout to be more streamlined and efficient – Vuori’s boxer briefs are a great base layer whose four-way stretch fabric is breathable and keeps things snug and safe. Meanwhile, we also recommend that you pick up a fair few pairs of the label’s anti-odour socks and have them on constant rotation.
The add-ons: Chilly’s Sports Bottle and The North Face Base Camp Duffel
Rehydrate before you dehydrate is a motto from the world of hard drinking – but it’s one we firmly apply to fitness, too. To keep your H20 levels up to necessary standard, plump for the Sports bottle, in matte green, by Chilly’s; the airtight lid prevents leaks and spills, and the vacuum insulation means the outside will remain free of condensation. We’d also nudge you towards this sizeable holdall – after all, you’ll have to cart all the above in something, right?
Now, where to work out? These are the 7 London gyms that are perfect for every type of fitness tribe…
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