Wanted: Workout gear that actually works
Editor’s note: Our Buy section is your trusty instalment of recommendations for useful and delightful things. This community-sourced list—which we publish once a month—is designed to save you from unreliable online reviews and glorified Insta ads. You can count instead on the collective wisdom of our wise and experienced subscribers:) This month’s theme: what to wear for a comfortable and productive workout sesh.
Comfy gym fits for your workouts
Bliss Club: This active and workwear brand catered to Indian women is a favourite among our subscribers. Ramya and Inaayat both love it because it is affordable and durable. Ramya highly recommends their Greatest Leggings collections which are high waisted and hit at the ankles. The best thing about the brand is that you can choose between a petite and a tall fit. They cost between Rs 1,000 - Rs 2,000.
Lululemon: This popular fashion statement activewear brand is one of the Top 3 for Magandeep who recommends them for their running shorts, caps and vests. The running shorts retail for $68 (Rs 5060).
Bonus pick: This high-end option—2XU—which has basic apparel options for both men and women. These are priced between $60 - $120 (Rs 5,000- Rs 12,500).
Another one of Magandeep’s Top 3 recommendations is On Running. He has found that the “right fit can make a big difference to being injury free and also looking good.” And we agree! The shoes as well as the garments are priced at Rs 300,000.
Proyog: Are you looking for a comfortable fit for your yoga sessions? Monica and Aakruti got you covered. Monica likes them because they are made of “comfortable cotton, designed by yoga practitioners.” A big plus: they’re stylish! Aakruti swears by them because: “They are true to their word and not all fart and no sh**!”. The leggings retail between Rs 1,500 - Rs 2,500. FYI: They also have yoga mats!
Jockey Yoga: Our Advisory Editor Arunima highly recommends Jockey Yoga pants as they’re “super comfortable, stretchable and last for yearssss.” The price for this garment is Rs 1,200
Adidas Climacool: Udaya prefers to wear dri fit fabric. Her go to fit is usually a knee length leggings and a modest tee because: “Mostly chauvinist gyms and mixed-bag studio classes mean sweaty women still need to cover up in our metros more than at, say, a spin class in Los Angeles.” That said, she finds the Adidas Climacool to be the best. The leggings + t-shirt set will cost about Rs 10,000.
Bonus pick: She also recommends Uniqlo’s AIRism collection which has options for everyone.
Athlos: Monica likes to wear Athlos for aerobic workouts and especially recommends their cotton tees and merino wool tees because these are your “long sleeved friend for medium cold treks.” The products are made locally in India, made well, made by amateur athletes for amateur athletes. The running shorts are for Rs 2,797 and the tees cost Rs 1,797. Below is the merino baselayer tee:
Put yourself in these shoes
Nike: Gauri trusts the athlete’s favourite sponsor. She used to wear “mangy, old sneakers” until knee pain prompted her to do more research. Since, she has shifted to Nike Metcon (below) and Nike Bellas. They retail for $150.
Bonus pick: Reebok Nano X3.
Saucony: Pronounced ‘sock-a-knee’, this is a highly reputed brand catered towards runners and has great options for apparel as well as running shoes. Udaya recommends them as they are modest, lightweight and last through multiple washes. The price range is between Rs 5,000 - Rs 8,000.
Adidas: If you don’t mind spending the bucks, Aashna recommends Adidas Ultra Boost range as it “works for indoors and outdoors training. These are anywhere between Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.
Other essential accessories
Vibram 5Toe Socks: These five finger socks are made in Italy. Monica finds them to be “supremely comfortable feeling especially for people who love a wide toe box.” The socks can be worn when running, working out, trekking or even while lounging at home. (Price: Rs 1,990)
Water Bottle belt by Camelbak: Carrying a water bottle to a run can feel like a chore but Magandeep has an effective solution for this problem. He likes this product as it is a great tool for long runs on hot days. Note: It is not available in India.
Bonus pick: smart watch Garmin Fenix 7 to monitor all workouts. The watch is for Rs 111,990. You can see its cool advertisement below:
Adrenex by Flipkart: Don’t know which yoga mat to get to get started on your fitness journey? Arunima uses this yoga mat for its durability and quality. She is easily able to practise complex asanas on this one. The best part: They are just Rs 429. And oh they come in so many vibrant colours!
