Health Gear Awards 2011: The Best Fitness Products of the Year

Had enough of sports bras that don’t support you, sneakers that give you blisters, and workout wear that leaves you hot and sweaty? After testing hundreds of new get-fit products, our judges have chosen these 44 standouts.

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Apparel
• Footwear
• Gear
• Food/Drink

• Su Reid-St. John is Health’s senior fitness editor; she writes frequent product reviews for Health.com.

• Lisa Halbower-Fenton is a footwear product development consultant specializing in fit-and-performance analysis and structure.

• Jessica Matthews is a personal trainer, plus the certification director and a gear reviewer for the American Council on Exercise.

• Kristin McGee is a yoga and Pilates instructor and personal trainer, as well as a regular Health columnist.

• Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RD is a physician and registered dietician, as well as a personal trainer and spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise.

Best workout jacket

REI Airflyte Running Jacket

($169; REI.com)

Light-weight and breathable (not what we usually associate with waterproof fabric!), this jewel-toned jacket is just the thing for damp hikes, power walks, and rides. What’s more, it looks great on virtually any body type.

New Balance NBx Jacket

($99; NewBalance.com)

Stay cool (and visible) on your run in this featherweight, fast-drying coverup—then store it in its own back vent when you’re through. One more thing judge Kristin McGee loves: the iPod holder hidden in the front pocket.

Kalyx Angelina Jacket

($88; GoKalyx.com)

Cute, comfy and organic! This eco-friendly, slimming jacket will take from the gym to your final destination in style. One touch of the buttery soft cotton and we’re betting you won’t want to take this jacket off.

Icebreaker Rush Crewe

($70; Icebreaker.com)

This wool top (you read that right) is itch-free, surprisingly light, and so comfy. The fabric wicks sweat pronto and nixes stink, too. Add the iPod stash pocket on the back and you’re ready to run. Or walk. Or skate.

LL Bean Fitness Skort

($45; LLBean.com)

Whether your exercise agenda includes hitting the tennis court, pounding the pavement, or just sauntering about on a Sunday, this saucy, figure-smoothing skort deserves a prime spot in your workout wardrobe—and beyond. "This is great for working out and wearing around town," McGee notes.

Icebreaker Swift Short

($60; Icebreaker.com)

Flattering yet so comfy (hello, drawstring waist), you’ll be loathe to take these shorts off. Made of Merino wool, they’re naturally wicking, breathable, and antimicrobial—which is a good thing, since you may be tempted to sneak in a second wearing instead of tossing ‘em in the laundry.

ASICS Cross Back Bra

($40; ASICSAmerica.com)

With two layers of lightweight support fabric and adjustable cross-back straps, this stylish (but comfy!) bra will hold you in place whether you’re Piloxing or doing Pilates. "It gives full coverage and support, yet still makes me feel sexy!" McGee says.

PUMA Complete Run Top

($45; RoadRunnerSports.com)

Sweat your heart out in this layered-look tank (we love the shirred back). There’s a mesh-backed shelf bra to keep you cool and supported, then the tank itself skims over your body, hiding those jiggly bits. "It’s so forgiving!" says judge Su Reid-St. John.

Champion Pro Cotton Tank

($18; ChampionUSA.com)

From lotus to lunge, this buttery soft, eye-catching racerback tank is the perfect pose partner—and just the thing to pair with jeans for an outing with the girls afterward. And talk about a bargain! "Can I just live in this?" McGee asks.

PrAna Mackenzie Pant

($75; PrAna.com)

Got curves—and lots of ‘em? Doesn’t matter: These soft, stretchy pants are almost universally flattering, giving legs a long, lean look. Bonus: "I love the shirred waist and front side tie—so cute!" McGee says.

TYR Polynesian Double Binding Reversible Diamondback

($74; TYR.com)

This quick-drying suit stays put without making you feel like you’re stuffed into a sausage casing. "It’s supportive and comfortable—like a second skin," McGee says. Bonus: It’s reversible, so you can wear beautiful blue one day, then wow ‘em with a jazzy print the next.

Nautica Rugby Stripe Halter with Belted Hipster Bottom

($64 top, $54 bottom; Nautica.com)

Who says two-pieces are for just for sunbathers? This suit looks great, sure, but it also stands up to (and stays in place during!) both butterflies and beach volleyball. With a super-cute v-neck top and moderate coverage bottoms, you’re covered in all the right places.

Terry Coaster Skort

($69; TerryBicycles.com)

Chic and figure-flattering, this skort offers ample padding to make longs rides comfy. We love the reflective details and hidden zipper (hello, unemcumbered leg movement), plus the fact the shorts are separate from the upper skirt, so you can wear them with other bottoms.

Adidas by Stella McCartney Cycle Performance Padded Shorts

(shopadidas.com; $115)

The silicon grips inside the leg bands help keep these moisture-wicking shorts from riding up—plus the padding keeps you comfy while you’re in the saddle. Style bonus: We’re wild about the sky blue with leopard-print jacquard pattern.

Brooks Printed Mesh Cap

($20; BrooksRunning.com)

Say hello to the lightest, coolest hat we’ve ever worn, thanks to mesh venting on the top and perforated bill to let the breeze in. Plus, it has a sweat-wicking inner band and reflective edging—nice touches.

Salomon XA Pro Ultra Cool

($11; SalomonSocks.com)

The perfect sweat session sock: thin, light, and breathable with a flat seam that won’t kill your toes. The anti-friction fiber underfoot means you can wave buh-bye to blisters. "They feel like silk going on," Reid-St. John says.

Best running

K-Swiss Kwicky Blade-Light

($130; KSwiss.com)

"Super-light plus super-supportive—that’s rare," judge Lisa Halbower-Fenton says. These shoes are both—and more: The angled treads help you gain traction during fast runs, then soften up to act as cushioning as you slow down. Plus, the seamless upper part of the shoe means no pinching.

New Balance 860

($90; NewBalance.com)

These have just the right balance of cushioning and support, plus a mesh upper that acts like an air conditioner for your feet and a flexible forefoot to speed you on your way. Walk on!

ECCO Biom Train

($145; EccoUSA.com)

Basketball with the girls? BodyPump class followed by a few power-walking laps around the track? This shoe can handle it. Halbower-Fenton raves that it’s "so snug and comfy from heel to toe that it’s almost glove-like." She adds, "This is a good-for-everything, multi-purpose shoe."

Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity HPi

($130; www.Hi-Tec.com)

Grippy tread? Check. Toe bumper to protect your piggies? Check. Just the right amount of cushioning? Check! This feather-light shoe is just the thing to help you stay firm-footed on even the rockiest trail, Halbower-Fenton says. We heart the vibrant colors, too—so sleek.

Patagonia Drifter AC Gore-Tex

($150; Patagonia.com)

This stable shoe will help keep you from turning an ankle on the gnarliest trails, thanks to an outsole that wraps around your foot from heel to toe. Other things we love: they’re waterproof yet breathable (a hard-to-find combo), super-comfy, and made of partially-recycled material.

Vibram Five Fingers Bikila LS

($100; VibramFiveFingers.com)

"These feel like a second skin with a layer of toughness on the bottom," Halbower-Fenton says. Your toes act independently, giving you the closest-to-barefoot feeling of everything we tested. (Just be sure to ease into wearing them if you’re used to pavement pounding in regular running shoes.)

The North Face Hydroshock

($75; thenorthface.com)

Move effortlessly from trail to kayak and back again with this hybrid shoe. It’s quick drying and sturdy—yet flexible—so your feet will feel equally comfy wading through the drink and tackling rocks and roots on land.

Kalso Earth Premier 2

($119; EarthFootwear.com)

We can’t think of anything more pampering to slip into after a sweat session. While the lower heel position gives you a great leg stretch and terrific arch support, the thick cushioning inside molds luxuriously to your foot. Plus the outside leather is soft and beautiful.

Skechers Tone-ups Ready Set

($72; Skechers.com)

"Of all the toning shoes out there, the pods on these make you feel most in control," Halbower-Fenton notes. With soft, cushy bottoms, this lightweight, breathable shoe makes you feel like you’re walking on a sponge, challenging your muscles in a good way. Just the thing for a day spent on your feet.

Specialized Spirita Touring

($90; Specialized.com)

This sleek cycling shoe’s internal cleat and non-slip sole lets you clip in for a more efficient pedal stroke, then clip out and walk around without slipping or teetering—ingenious! The mesh venting on top is a nice, cooling touch.

Best sports watch

Timex Ironman Sleek 150-Lap with TapScreen Technology

($90; Timex.com)

This is one user-friendly watch—you can start and stop the interval timers, turn on the light, and record splits by just tapping on the screen. Plus, it's too cute to save for workouts.

Polar USA FT40

($180; PolarUSA.com)

Though it’s sleek and slim, we didn’t just pick this monitor for its good looks. "Both the watch and chest strap are very comfortable to wear," judge Jessica Matthews says, "plus it’s really easy to use." For added motivation, it also calculates calories and fat burned.

Oregon Scientific/Gaiam Zone Trainer G3

($110; us.OregonScientific.com)

Forget waist-clip gadgets that make you twist and squint to get a reading. A single glance at this bright blue watch-style pedometer tells you just how many times you’ve put one foot in front of the other. Bonus: It also measures heart rate and tells how many calories you’ve burned.

High Sierra 7139 Switch Blade

($35; Hssc.com)

There are pockets for everything in this bag—mesh ones for sweaty clothes, big ones for shoes, smaller ones for toiletries and a snack. Yep, it’s spacious—but it’ll still fit in your gym locker. Love the fun prints, too.

Osprey Sirrus 24

($99; OspreyPacks.com)

Bye-bye, mid-hike backache! This pack’s mesh panel conforms to your back (so comfy) without causing you to overheat. What’s more, it has pockets for everything from iPod to waterbottle, plus a built-in rain cover. "It’s a really well thought-out design," Matthews notes.

Manduka PRO Black Sapphire

($104; Manduka.com)

Yes, it’s pricey, but this thick mat is worth every penny. It’s dense and amazingly cushy (a boon for achy knees during low lunges), but your hands and feet won’t slip an inch. And that deep blue color? Gorgeous!

Gaiam Audio Yoga Mat

($30; Gaiam.com)

Plug your iPod into the built-in speaker and pose you way through your favorite playlist, or let top yogi Rodney Yee guide you through a private yoga session (via a free download). The mat itself offers ample cushioning, with a pretty koi print—and it’s latex-free, too.

Maui Jim Lighthouse

($149; MauiJim.com)

"Extremely comfortable," Matthews enthuses. With flexible arms to hug your face and keep them in place, plus polarized lenses to nix glare, you won’t want to take them off. And that’s okay: Looks-wise, these specs move seamlessly from workout to sightseeing trip.

TYR Hydrolite

($14; TYR.com)

Whether you’re just splashing around or powering down the lanes, these goggles won’t fog up or let a drop of water sneak in. Plus, they’re lightweight and soft, and come in a range of great colors.

HEAD Youtek Seven Star

($250; HEAD.com)

This slightly larger yet lightweight racquet works beautifully for both beginners and more advanced court divas. "The comfortable grip makes it easy to handle," Matthews notes. "I feel like I always have control over the ball." And really, isn’t that what it’s all about?

Adams IDEA a7oS Women’s Integrated Set Regatta

($800; AdamsGolf.com)

Okay, we admit it: We love the cute honeycomb print on the bag and clubs. But here’s what really makes these tops for women: The graphite shafts are remarkably lightweight, and the wonderfully comfy, not-too-big grips make for easy swinging. Says Matthews, "The overall quality is incredible."

Trek Lexa S

($960; TrekBikes.com)

It can be hard to find quality wheels for three digits, but we’ve done it! The Lexa S (designed specifially for for the fairer sex) is lightweight, smooth-riding, and easy to handle—making it an excellent choice for anyone from newbie on up.

Best workout bar

Stinger Waffle

($1.39; HoneyStinger.com)

This crispy, honey-flavored treat beat out the bars! It has all the carbs you need stay energized and feeling strong during that long weekend run or challenging bike ride, says judge Natalie Digate Muth, MD, RD. Plus, it’s tasty (not too sweet!), low fiber (for easier digestion), and slim enough to slide right into your jersey pocket.

Gatorade G Series Fit 02 Perform

($1.49; Gatorade.com/gseriesfit)

"This low-calorie refresher tastes so good that you want to drink more," Digate Muth says—and that’s a great thing during a tough workout. Plus you’re getting electrolytes, sodium, and potassium (the stuff you need when you’re working up a super-sweat)—and the ingenious ticker marks on the bottle tell you exactly how much you’re drinking. Our fave flavor: melon pear.

GU Chomps, Peach Tea flavor

($2.20; GUEnergy.com)

These yummy, gummy treats, with their mix of quickly-digested carbs and electrolytes, will keep you going during a long, strenuous sweat session. Bonus: A little shot of caffeine adds a quick energy boost. "These are a great alternative to gels," Digate Muth says.

Pure Organic Cherry Cashew Bar

($1.99; ThePureBar.com)

Just powered through a super-intense training session? This tasty all-natural fruit and nut bar is chock-full of carbs and protein to recharge your body and repair your muscles post-workout.

Kellogg’s Special K Multigrain Oats and Honey

($3.99; Specialk.com)

Help prime your body before you sweat with a bowl of these delish high-carb flakes. Body bonus: They’re not super-hgh in fiber, so your tummy won’t cramp during your workout.

Skinny Cow Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Cup

($1.49; SkinnyCow.com)

Had a major calorie-crushing day? Go ahead and indulge in a mini cup of this yummy ice cream. It’s lowfat and low-cal too (though you’d never guess that from the taste!).