The best fitness gear of 2019
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Whether you're fulfilling a 2019 resolution or just looking to upgrade some old equipment, getting new fitness gear is always a good idea. Whatever it is, it'll look good, feel good, work well and hopefully, you'll want to use it often.
It's finding the right gear for you that's the real challenge (other than getting up at 6 a.m. to actually workout) and it can be make-or-break on a resolution or routine. You don't have the time to search through and test tons of products, but at Reviewed, we do.
While we haven't tested every product out there, we've got some great recommendations on the basics like foam rollers and earbuds that'll get you in the gym mood, so get motivated and moving with the best fitness gear of 2019.
The best fitness tracker: The Fitbit Charge 3
We loved the Charge 3's predecessor the Charge 2 and so far, the new version has lived up to its billing. The fitness tracker is perfect for anyone who's trying to get more active, or monitor their activity better and was named our top fitness tracker of many that we tested. Fitbit's constant notifications to move, its massive battery life, its easy-to-use interface and app, and its community of users make it top-notch.
A great feature is that all of the stats on your watch sync to the Fitbit app, so you can track it on your phone as well. The watch comes with both a small and large band, so sizing isn't a problem and since it's waterproof, it can do in a shower, pool or rainstorm with no problem. The battery life is also excellent, lasting 10 days after its first charge and can support texts, calendars, weather updates and other reminders too.
One of our favorite parts, though, is the sleep tracking function which can help you monitor your sleep habits and try to improve them.
Get the Fitbit Charge 3 on Amazon for $149
The best earbuds for running/the gym: The JLab Audio Epic Sport wireless
The Epic Sport comes with JLab's signature bendable earhooks, multiple eartip sizes, and three types of cush fins to help the buds stay in place. The inline controls consist of a streamlined remote with three buttons.
The audio can still sound a bit tinny and lacking in bass, especially if the fit isn't perfect, but JLab Audio has really gone the extra mile by building in three "sound profiles": one that augments vocals and bass, one that has a flat profile with no extra enhancements (best for those looking for studio-like audio), and one that boosts the bass notes.
With an IP66 rating (able to withstand both dust and "powerful water jets"), the Epic Sport should be able to withstand rigorous workouts. Another high point is the satisfyingly long battery life which, in our experience, clocks in at over 12 hours. The skinny wires may make it easy to break the headphones, so be sure to pack up these earbuds in their case when not in use.
Overall, we were impressed by the JLab Audio Epic Sport earbuds-especially their ability to connect from the first floor to a phone on the second floor. A few customers didn't appreciate the proprietary charging cable (which cradles the remote and isn't merely a micro USB to USB cable), but we think that the Epic Sport is a solid choice whether you're walking in the woods or cranking through reps at the gym.
Get the JLab Audio Epic Sport earbuds from Walmart for $84.99
The best water bottle: The Hydro Flask standard mouth with flex cap
The Hydro Flask checks off all of our boxes: It’s portable, versatile, durable and well designed. And it was the top performer by far during our temperature tests. Ice deposited in the Hydro Flask one morning remained largely unmelted, well into the next day. Its patented double-wall vacuum enables the bottle to hold cold and hot beverages and prevents condensation from forming on the outside, keeping it slip-free, and safe to store in bags alongside papers and laptops.
Though it’s often a caveat with stainless steel, the bottle didn’t transmit any funky flavors to our water. It’s also crafted from recycled materials and comes with a lifetime guarantee (which definitely helps justify the price). The only downside we found is it's not dishwasher safe. The extra-wide mouth can fit any sized ice cube, and the bottle is compatible with a range of Hydro Flask caps, that lets you rotate between flex caps, sports caps, straw lids, flip lids and press-in lids, to suit your specific needs or activity.
Get the Hydro Flask on Amazon for $29.95
The best yoga mat: The Lululemon Reversible Mat 5mm
The surface may seem hard at first, but it actually has just the right amount of softness for comfort without any wobbling on the user's part. It also boasts a completely flat, non-stick surface. We could can firmly plant our hands and feet on the mat without slipping while switching poses or trying to hold a plank. It’s easy to wipe down after a workout, too, though it does take some time to fully dry. And while it's a bit on the heavy side, it rolls small, which is great for portability.
The biggest downside is the steep price point. So, we'd recommend this mat for either experienced or passionate yoga-goers, especially those who are going to stick with the sport. If you do a lot of yoga or bodyweight workouts and want that “barely there but still comfortable” yoga mat feel, this is an awesome option.
Get the Lululemon Reversible Mat 5mm from Lululemon for $68
The best foam roller: The LuxFit Premium high density foam roller
Our personal favorite of the bunch is the LuxFit Premium High Density Foam Roller. Not only is it incredibly simple to use, it works exceptionally well to massage out my sore muscles, as it's hard enough to be effective without being painful. The roller also offers a great stabilizer for planks and an effective aid for pushups and yoga moves (for those who are interested in multi-purposing their roller).
So while it doesn't offer the deepest massage, going too deep isn’t always what you want. The LuxFit gives a worthy massage without inducing further pain, and we can see ourselves reaching for this one time and time again.
Get the LuxFit foam roller on Amazon for $23.95
For those running with a buddy:
The best jogging stroller: The Graco FastAction fold jogger stroller
We tested this stroller and liked it for it's fast-action folding which, true to its name, breaks down the stroller very easily for storage and transport. It's price point among jogging strollers was also a plus for us and Amazon buyers like it too as it's the No. 1 selling jogger on the site.
Get the Graco FastAction jogging stroller on Amazon for $99
The best dog leash: The Lead Mate and Leash combo
Designed specifically with arthritic or carpal tunnel-plagued owners in mind, the Lead Mate is an ergonomic attachment that ingeniously eliminates hazards that clutching at, tying knots in, or wrapping a leash around your wrist for greater control, can impose. When simply clipped on the desired portion of the leash, the lightweight, no-slip sphere—made of 100 percent recycled ABS plastic—provides superb grip and a thoroughly comfortable hand-hold, allowing walkers to effortlessly deal with pullers, and clearly transmit commands. The Lead Mate can also be used to couple two leashes together for a double dog walk, fasten a leash around your waist for a hands-free jaunt or jog, or used as a tether, for securing a leash to a table at an outdoor cafe.
While you can purchase the Lead Mate with a 6-foot reflective nylon lead with padded neoprene handle, the Lead Mate attachment can be purchased separately and be used with any leash—magically transforming it into one pretty near perfect product.
And as if this weren’t already a strong enough sell for animal lovers, the company donates its products and 10 percent of all profits to animal shelters. Several shelters were also involved with development and initial prototype testing. The Lead Mate comes in five colors, and two models intended to fit either flat or rope leashes.
Get the Lead Mate and leash combo on Amazon from multiple sellers
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Prices are accurate at the time this article was published, but may change over time.