Top Tips: Gear Up for Spring

March 1, 2010

As the days grow longer and workouts move outdoors, it's time to do some spring-cleaning in your workout wardrobe. We've selected our favorite spring essentials to enhance the time you spend outdoors.*

1. Time machines. When you're walking, running, or biking, it's less about the miles you put in and more about the time you spend burning calories. Keep yourself honest with a timepiece—whether it's an old stopwatch to log your splits or a handheld GPS device to find your way on the trail, make sure you take a watch with you when you work out.

Splurge: Garmin® Forerunner® 305 GPS Receiver with Heart Rate Monitor

2. Socks for every occasion. The wrong socks can ruin an otherwise good workout. Gone are the days of cotton, so go now and purge your drawer of these water-holding, blister nightmares. Avoid the pitfalls of bunching, wrinkling, and sliding with a good pair of socks that matches your workout. There are socks for every climate, workout, terrain, and foot type (and none of them will put too much of a dent in your wallet).

Splurge: SmartWool® Women's Adrenaline Light Micro Sport Sock

3. See and be seen. When you're exercising outside, it's important to increase your visibility. Drivers—along with fellow bikers, walkers, and runners—will have a much easier time spotting you if you are wearing reflective gear, light colors, or lights. Your best bets for color are fluorescent yellow, electric pink, or white. Pick up a blinking, reflective light at your local superstore and clip it to your shirt or hat. To help illuminate your pathway, headlamps are also a great option.

Splurge: Brooks® Women's Vapor Dry 1/2 Zip

4. Made in the shade. When the days get longer, you have to reckon with the sun during workouts. Help protect your skin (and keep those rays out of your eyes) by wearing a cap or visor on sunny days. Plus, as an added bonus, hats, caps, and visors will all help to wick away sweat and keep moisture out of your eyes.

Remember that a hat or visor isn't a replacement for sunscreen. Make sure to use a waterproof or sport-specific lotion or stick with SPF 15.

Splurge: Nike Feather Light Visor

5. Shoe horn. The most essential thing you can do for your workout attire is to wear well-fitting, properly suited shoes for whatever activity it is that you're going to do. If you only have one pair of workout shoes, a stabilizing running shoe will work for just about every activity. Ensure that you have a proper fit and shoe for your specific needs by consulting an expert at a specialty store. After all, a good pair of shoes can enhance your workout, reduce joint pain, and lighten your load. A solid pair of sneakers doesn't have to break the bank, but if you can't pop for a new pair, try a good pair of over-the-counter insoles. (They're much better than the flimsy nothingness that comes standard in most shoes.)

Splurge: New Balance 760 Stability Running Shoe

break in your new running shoes

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* The items endorsed in this article are in no way affiliated or associated with Start Making Choices™ or ConAgra Foods®, and are solely the recommendations of the author.