Best Health and Fitness Gear February 2018

The North Face Baselayer

"Living in Vermont, I'm often cold just sitting in my kitchen! Layering is key to staying warm. I love this quarter-zip top from The North Face ($60). Merino wool makes me too itchy, so I prefer base layers made from synthetic materials. This is so soft, I can wear it next to my skin, and it's breathable and medium-weight, so I love it under a fleece and jacket when I'm skiing. I also have the Warm Tights ($50) to keep my entire body toasty and dry." — Jenny Sugar, staff writer, Fitness

1 / 22

Eden's Garden Muscle Relief + Jojoba Carrier Oil

"With a diffuser in almost every room of my house, it's safe to say that I'm a full believer in the healing properties of essential oils. It took me awhile, though, to realize that the benefits extend beyond aromatherapy. As of late I've been experimenting with using oils for soothing sore muscles after a workout. I'm a huge fan of the warming Muscle Relief Blend from Eden's Garden (prices start at $7). Peppermint, clove, wintergreen, and helichrysum mix together to help soothe tired muscles and ease inflammation. I add a few drops to a jojoba carrier oil ($13) (beneficial on its own) and go to work on key areas of my body. It's such an easy way to practice self-care on the daily." — Michele Foley, content director, Fitness

2 / 22

Rhone Love at a Hopeless Pace Kit

"Valentine's Day is around the corner, and a gift I know my husband would be obsessed with is Rhone's Love at a Hopeless Pace Kit ($168). Rhone has become his go-to fitness brand. In his words, 'The shorts wick sweat like nothing else,' and this outfit is the perfect gift prior to an active Valentine's Day date at a boxing class where he will definitely sweat up a storm." — Genevieve Farrell, video producer, Healthy Living

3 / 22

Picky Bars Performance Oatmeal

"I have a confession to make: I hate overnight oats. I never understood the hype about them — that is, until I met Picky Bars Performance Oatmeal ($3). The first thing I noticed, not surprisingly, is the rich, delicious flavor that came with each of the varieties (How' Bout Dem Apples, Can't Beet Chocolate, Game, Set, Matcha!). I'm a huge breakfast person, but I'm partial to smoothies, so to find an equally delicious and healthy alternative has been a game changer. Each pack of oatmeal has 10 grams of protein, and they're all certified USDA organic, gluten-free, and vegan. Ingredients include gluten-free rolled oats, chia seeds, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruit. Nothing fake in sight! All you have to do is add boiling water if you want a traditional bowl of hot oatmeal or add your favorite milk and put it in the fridge overnight. This is the perfect fuel after a big weightlifting session or a long run. I'm hooked!" — Gina Florio, editor, Fitness

4 / 22

David's Tea "Feel Amazing" Teas

"I've been obsessed with David's Tea for a while now, so when I discovered they were launching a wellness collection, I was beyond ecstatic. My favorite things colliding? Yes, please! These delicious loose-leaf herbal teas in the David's Tea 'Feel Amazing' Tea Gift Box ($20) make a perfect self-care treat-yo'self gift — and they deliver different wellness benefits, including bloat relief, stress reduction, and a healthy glow for skin. BRB, sipping on these forever." — Dominique Astorino, staff writer, Fitness

5 / 22

Gingerbread Almond Butter

"I have a slight addiction to almond butter, and this Base Culture Gingerbread Raw Almond Butter ($10) is NOT helping. Made with almonds, maple sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sea salt, this tastes unbelievable on warm toast with slices of banana. Or right out of the jar. I love the Maple and Cinnamon flavors too." — JS

6 / 22

Outdoor Voices Sprint Thermal Leggings

"It's still cold outside, y'all! I run outside twice a week, and my regular leggings just don't cut it sometimes. These thermal leggings from Outdoor Voices ($105) keep me warm, but they're not bulky or thick at all. They feel and look like any other sleek leggings from its other collections, and they work overtime to get me through my long runs! I love the burgundy color." — GF

7 / 22

Zeel On-Demand Sleep Massage

"I just tried my very first Sleep Massage from Zeel (prices vary) and, sweet baby lord, did I snooze soundly. If you've never tried Zeel, here's how it works: download the app, choose the type and length of massage you want, select your preferred therapist gender, and pick an appointment slot. The therapist shows up at your house — massage table included! — and provides a massage that you pay for in the app (bonus: tip is included in the price, so no need to scramble for cash). My neck and shoulders feel so good and I can't wait to schedule another one!" — DA

8 / 22

Chameleon Whole-Bean Organic Coffee in The Day Breaker

"Chameleon coffee has quickly become my favorite brand. I find its coffees to be less acidic and the perfect smooth flavor. I am currently loving its Day Breaker ($15), which has a bright and fruity flavor and is the perfect cup of coffee when made in my Chemex." — GFR

9 / 22

Puma Phenom Satin Women's Lo Ep Training Shoes

"All my workout shoes are either white or black, so to find a pair of blush sneakers that I love is rare. But the Puma + Selena Gomez collaboration has been too good to pass up. These Phenom Satin sneakers ($90) are great for strength training, a brisk walk around the park, or a hip-hop dance class. I also love to wear them with a pair of cropped jeans and breezy top." — GF

10 / 22

Amazing Grass Protein Powder

"Since I've been focusing on lifting heavier and I'm also eating plant-based, getting enough daily protein is important. Throwing protein powder in water is quick and easy, and one of my new faves is Amazing Grass Protein Superfood ($57 for 20 servings). For 120 calories, it offers 20 grams of plant-based protein, three grams of fiber, and just six grams of carbs. I love that I can buy single-serving packets to keep in my gym bag or suitcase. It actually tastes delicious on its own, and even better blended with banana and chia seeds. I'm excited to try the chocolate peanut butter." — JS

11 / 22

CoreGains Subscription Box

"Having a monthly subscription box to look forward to makes my Winter so much brighter. This CoreGains box ($20 a month) includes plant-based supplements, vegan protein bars, and other healthy snacks. It's a great way to try new products and find new faves — it's how I was introduced to the Amazing Grass Protein Powder!" — JS

12 / 22

Show Me Your Mumu Zelda Shorts and Cleopatra Bra in Tommy and the Band

"Show Me Your Mumu's Zelda Shorts ($76) and Cleopatra Bra ($72) in Tommy and the Band will have you feeling like you're on Summer vacation every time you work out. LA is currently having a heat wave, so I have been wearing this outfit with a tank top while I run outside." — GFR

13 / 22

Infrared Sauna

"My recommendation for February? Get your pretty little booty to the nearest infrared sauna in your town. This incredible wellness treatment is my new favorite recovery and relaxation ritual. It's healing on a number of levels, and celeb trainer Anna Kaiser told me it's her No. 1 self-care suggestion for her clients (she even has some of these in her studio). According to Anna, infrared saunas 'decrease inflammation, increase muscle recovery, decrease recovery time — and are a really nice way to decompress without dehydrating yourself.' Don't have to tell me twice. Check spas, wellness centers, and yoga studios near you to see where you can find an individual session locally." — DA

14 / 22

Monasita Leggings

"Think you need to spend $100 on a great pair of leggings? Absolutely not! These Monasita leggings cost $50 and are my new fave brand. They are soft and silky, stretchy yet supportive, and the patterns are so fun and bold! These felt great during a hot and sweaty yoga class as well as my CrossFit workout." — JS

15 / 22

Saje Liquid Sunshine Essential Oil and Car Diffuser

"Driving in Los Angeles is a source of daily stress for me. I was so excited when my sister's mother-in-law got me a Saje Car Diffuser ($10) for Christmas. I have used it over the last month with the bright, citrus scent of liquid sunshine ($17) and it has made my drives a little more cheery." — GFR

16 / 22

Salt & Straw Mint Chip Whoopie Pie

"The Portland-based ice cream shop Salt & Straw is famous for creating the most decadent flavors in the world. Last month, it released five limited-edition vegan flavors — and be still my heart. These dairy-free flavors were so good, they nearly brought tears to my eyes. As for my favorite, it was a close tie between Mint Chip Whoopie Pie and Dough & Co's Peanut Butter and Cookie Dough, but having always been a mint kind of girl, I'm partial to the former. You can get six flavors delivered right to your doorstep for $65. Trust me, it's worth it. How does the saying go? Treat yo'self!" — GF

17 / 22

Vital Proteins Valentine Bundle

"If you haven't heard us rave about Vital Proteins yet, where have you been!? It's OK, though; you're here now and that's what counts. And great timing, because the Vital Proteins Valentine Bundle ($55-$68) is the V-Day treat you deserve. In my humble opinion, the two best flavors of VP's collagen peptides are mixed berry and vanilla coconut water — and they just so happen to be the flavors offered in this package that comes with a supercute mug for your new collagen lattes. Enjoy!" — DA

18 / 22

Vegan Cookie Dough Bites

"If you're vegan and you miss eating cookie dough straight from the bowl, you're going to freak out over these Hail Merry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites ($4). I keep a bag in the fridge, and it's the perfect way to satisfy sugar cravings. Just one little bite is 65 calories and it tastes JUST like cookie dough! It's made with maple syrup, almond flour, and shredded coconut, so it's much healthier than real cookie dough. I'm also a fan of the Caramel Sea Salt." — JS

19 / 22

Sambazon Performance Protein Packs

"Need 12 quick grams of plant-based protein? Look no further than Sambazon Performance Protein Packs ($5), which are packed with brown rice protein, organic acai juice, and organic strawberry juice. They're delicious without being overly sweet. I never make my morning post-workout smoothie without these anymore." — GF

20 / 22

Capri Blue Volcano Reed Diffuser

"As part of the POPSUGAR Self-Care Challenge, I decided to turn my home into a spa-like oasis. One of my favorite home scents of all time is Capri Blue's Volcano (or as I call it, Anthropologie scent). The Volcano Reed Diffuser ($34) has added a freshness and touch of luxury that makes being at home feel a little more special, especially during my DIY spa treatments and meditation sessions." — DA

21 / 22

Harvest Bowls by Daily Harvest

"I'm not a smoothie person, but when Daily Harvest (a delivery service known for its smoothies) introduced savory Harvest Bowls ($8), I couldn't wait to try them out. Each 'bowl' comes conveniently packaged with all the ingredients in a freezer-friendly cup, and all you have to do is either microwave it or sauté the contents in a little water or broth. I'm digging the Brussels sprouts and tahini, butternut squash and chimichurri, and red lentil and kitchari — they're anything but sad freezer meals. Each one makes for an easy desk lunch or a quick dinnertime side. They're fiber- and protein-rich, but you can add something like chicken or tofu to make them more filling." — Erin Cullum, assistant editor, Trending and Viral Features

22 / 22