“NEW YEAR, NEW YOU.” THIS IS the time every year when we all aspire to improve ourselves, whether that means losing weight, stressing less, working out more or getting more sleep. Here are a few products we’ve found to help with keeping new year’s resolutions throughout the year:
Rush Pant by Brooks Running
RUNNING/WALKING
I’ve gradually lost 50 pounds in the last few years, and daily fastwalking was key. The Rush Pant from BROOKS RUNNING (BrooksRunning.com) is excellent for walking or running in cool weather, made from lightweight, moisture-wicking DriLayer fabric that feels more casual and comfortable than running tights
E:Motion Road N3 from PEARL IZUMI
Having the right shoes made a huge difference in improving my speed/stamina. The E:Motion Road N3 from PEARL IZUMI (shop. PearlIzumi.com) was named Best Debut by Runner’s World for its lightweight structure, Energy Foam cushioning and abrasion resistance.
Vapor Storm by Berghaus
The Vapor Storm Jacket from BERGHAUS (usa.Berghaus.com) is another award-winner– the world’s first waterproof venting jacket designed for serious athletes. Extremely comfortable and lightweight, the GORE-TEX jacket provides protection from the elements while allowing ultimate freedom of movement.
20lb Weight Vest from Harbinger Fitness
WORKOUT GEAR
One of the tricks I used to build strength/endurance was to incorporate weights into my walks. HARBINGER (HarbingerFitness.com) has a HumanX 20lb Weight Vest designed to increase workout intensity exponentially. Its finest feature is the patentpending flex weight design, which conforms to your body comfortably and allows you to do push-ups, sit-ups or burpees without becoming imbalanced.
Marine earbuds from Toughtested
When I work out alone, I always talk on the phone or listen to music. Marine Earbuds from TOUGHTESTED (Toughtested.com) are great for exercising because they’re completely waterproof and sweat-proof.
Self Defense Claw from Tiger Lady
The Self Defense Claw from TIGER LADY (TigerLady.com) is one of the coolest products we’ve seen for women who walk/jog alone. Weighing a few ounces and fitting perfectly in the palm of your hand, it becomes Wolverine-style claws when you tighten your fist. Plus, the hollow channels on the claws’ underside capture DNA, helping cops make a positive ID if you’re attacked.
InstaShiatsu Plus from TRU MEDIC
IMPROVE MUSCLE HEALTH
The older we get, the longer it takes our bodies to recover from intense physical activity. My favorite Christmas gift this year was the InstaShiatsu Plus from TRU MEDIC (TruMedic.com). Cordless and rechargeable, this personal massager is remarkably effective, with custom heat settings, adjustable pressure and circular shiatsu-style massagers. It’s the closest thing I’ve ever felt to a deep-tissue spa massage.
Better Back for Perfect Posture Effortlessly
As a writer who sits hunched over a computer 10-12 hours a day, my posture could be a lot better. BETTER BACK (GetBetterBack.com) is a lightweight, portable product designed to build up back strength and improve posture in 15 minutes a day, making any chair that you sit in more ergonomic.
Tempur Contour Breeze Side-to-Side Pillow by TEMPUR-Pedic
RELAX/DE-STRESS
Because of the aforementioned 10-12 hour workdays and the stress of being a self-employed entrepreneur, relaxation and sleep have always been a struggle for me. The Contour Breeze Side-to-Side Pillow from TEMPURPEDIC (Tempurpedic.com) has made a huge difference in the latter, with a unique ergonomic shape perfect for side-sleepers and a cooling gel that provides extra comfort and support.
Repose Aromatherapy Resting Cream from Temple Spa
My lady loves the Repose Aromatherapy Resting Cream from Temple Spa (templespa-usa.com), the brand found in luxury hotels. The natural plant extracts and antioxidants smooth and refine the skin overnight as the essential oils help you relax and get a better night’s sleep.
Gratify Pretzel Crackers
HEALTHY SNACKS
A lesson I had to learn before losing weight permanently was that snacking between meals is vital, and choosing healthy snacks is key. We love the gluten-free Pretzel Crackers, Baked Bites and Milk Chocolate-Covered Twists from GRATIFY (GratifyFoods.com): The former come in a variety of savory flavors (Sea Salt, Buffalo Wing, Tuscan Herbs), while the latter satisfy my sweet tooth without spiking my blood sugar.
Peas Please from Peeled Snacks
PEELED SNACKS (PeeledSnacks. com) is a new favorite for us: From the baked, high-protein flavors of their Peas Please line to the organic dried fruit in Apple Clusters and Much-Ado-About-Mango, we loved everything we tried from the organic, gluten-free, non-GMO brand.
“Chewable” juices from Harvest Soul
Atlanta’s own HARVEST SOUL (HarvestSoul.com) makes delicious organic, “chewable” juices high in fiber, rich in protein and packed with flavor. The texture of the veggies, super fruits, nuts, seeds and berries takes a bit of getting used to, but the Berry Banana Fusion totally rocks our world!
Smart Scale by Pivotal Living
TECH
Being more healthy mostly boils down to tracking stats– blood pressure, heart rate, BMI, etc. The Smart Scale from PIVOTAL LIVING (PivotalLiving.com) was named “The Best Health Tech Bargain of 2015” by Digital Trends. Rather than mere daily weight fluctuations, this high-tech device uses sensor technology to accurately measure body weight, lean body mass, body fat percentage, body mass index and basal metabolic rate, giving you a much more complete picture of your health.
Personal Activity Monitor from NUYU
The water resistant Personal Activity Monitor from NUYU (HealthometerNuyu.com) comes in at half the average price of a FitBit, yet essentially does the same things: It tracks steps, calories burned, distance and sleep patterns in real-time, wireless sends that data to a few mobile app, and helps you understand how to reach your goals via 12-week Coaching Plans. It’s an affordable first step towards a better, healthier you!
