11 Workout Gear Essentials
Everything you need to break a sweat in top form.
By Eric Twardzik 14/01/2021
With travel at a minimum and all of us spending more time at home, some of the greatest impediments to starting that new fitness regime have melted away in the last year. But that doesn’t mean we all can’t use a little help. Whether it’s a merino-bonded running jacket, a water bottle that purifies itself with UV rays or shatter-proof sunglasses rooted in Japanese philosophy, these luxe fitness essentials will go a long way to getting your 2021 started on the right foot.
Photo: APL
Athletic Propulsion Labs TechLoom Wave
Let 2020 keep its overdesigned, headache-inducing running sneakers and start the new year fresh with this minimalist pair made from a lightweight 3D-stretch fabric.
Athleticpropulsionlabs.com; $333.
Photo: Matches
Iffley Road ‘Cambrian’ Piqué T-Shirt
This simple tee from the UK-based sportswear brand is made from a moisture-wicking piqué jersey that keeps sweat in check.
matchesfashion.com; $98
Photo: Bang & Olufsen
Bang & Olufsen ‘Beoplay E8 Sport’ Earphones
Upgrade from AirPods with these water-resistant (and more importantly, sweat-resistant) Bluetooth earphones from Bang & Olufsen that feature ergonomic shaping and 30 hours of battery life.
Bang-olufsen.com; approx.$549
Photo: Ten Thousand
Ten Thousand ‘Session’ Short
These multi-activity, four-way stretch shorts from Ten Thousand were designed with a single purpose in mind: not to get in your way. It’s up to you whether they come lined or unlined, and with a 5-inch or 7-inch inseam.
Tenthousand.cc; from $75
Photo: Mr. Porter
Suunto ‘9 G1’ GPS Smart Watch
Featuring 10 bar water resistance, this Finnish-designed sports watch is equally suited to timing precise laps around the track and the pool.
wildearth.com.au; $649
Photo: Brooks Running
Brooks Carbonite Tight
These lightweight running tights strike the perfect balance between subtlety and visibility thanks to slanted reflective stripes on the calf of each leg.
brooks.com; approx. $157
Photo: District Vision
District Vision ‘Nagata’ Speed Blade Sunglasses
Deflect mid-winter glare with these shatterproof, anti-reflective sunglasses made in Japan and inspired by the Japanese concept of kaizen, or “continuous movement”.
districtvision.com; $320
Photo: LARQ
LARQ Self Cleaning Water Bottle
Ditch plastic in favour of this BPA-free, a stainless steel water bottle that self-cleans every two hours with the help of a built-in UV light that nixes 99.9 per cent of germs.
livelarq.com; approx. $110
Photo: Tracksmith
Tracksmith ‘NDO’ Jacket
NDO stands for “no days off,” a boast this winterised jacket commits to with a wind-proof, water-resistant, four-way stretch softshell bonded to merino wool for extra insulation. A reflective sash at the back boosts style and safety.
tracksmith.com; $401
Photo: Rapha
Rapha Pro Team Shoes
Get back on the bike with these lightweight cycling shoes featuring an upper made from a single piece of 3D-woven fabric.
Rapha.cc; $355
Photo: Amazon
Hypervolt Bluetooth Percussion Massage Device
A Bluetooth-enabled massage device with three-speed settings, four interchangeable head attachments and tech designed by aerospace engineers to deliver pleasant percussion: you’ve earned it.
hyperice.com.au; $549