Women’s Health Fitness Awards – Best Fitness Products Of 2022

Calling runners who need extra support (C-DDD cups): The weightless design is like butter on the skin—yet it holds you up.

This pair of distance kicks from On (a brand beloved by serious runners) is lightweight and features a bouncy, cloudlike cushion. 

Several WH editors took up (or restarted!) tennis over the past year. And why not play in a chic, classic style from a yogi-fave brand?

We adore this zip-up from Athleta for its flattering fit and function. It makes for a perfect top layer on a cool morning walk or run, and has little storage pockets for necessities.

Meet the connected rower that was first to the game. The sleek and quiet technology makes you excited to hop on, stream on-demand classes, and nail that stroke. 

The Nimbus is a reliable neutral-support shoe that still packs max cushion for a more comfortable ride.

This watch is ideal for the multi-sport athlete. “During quarantine, when races were canceled, I took up cycling,” says Khatib. “I used my watch to track my riding.” The athlete and activist also uses the gadget to track her swimming for triathlon training and events. “It’s easy to use and very stylish!”

Rapha has the chicest cycling kicks (and gear!) in the game with true functionality and quality to back up the price tag.

This is one of the few at-home fitness apps (which launched in August) that accurately captures the in-person experience. Barry’s X features both live and on-demand workouts, and the video quality is *chef’s kiss*. The workouts are a breeze to follow along with if you’re not sure what to do in the gym but are intimidated by the IRL Barry’s environment or don’t have a studio near you.

“As a Muslim athlete, I practice modesty by covering my hair and arms. This buff allows me to do so while staying cool.” —Rahaf Khatib (@runlikeahijabi)

I have always been a huge Ultraboost fan,” says Caitlin Carlson, WH contributing fitness editor, who has run five-plus marathons in these kicks. “This pair is def the best yet! I love that they look really cool but actually perform.”

You can stop searching for the perfect running sock—we found it. The cut hits at the right spot on the ankle to protect against rubbing and to avoid slippage. Plus the pair features cushioning on the balls of the feet and heels for added comfort. 

Here’s the solution to the bulky helmet problem. The innovative design allows this protector to reduce to half its size for no-hassle cycling and commuting. Oh, and it looks modern and cool, too. 

This shoe from Allyson Felix (the most decorated U.S. track-and-field athlete in Olympic history) wins for low-impact cardio, like those daily walks so many of us have gotten used to. 

No connected bike? No prob. Finally, an app that lets you bring the community vibes to any stationary one.

These sneakers are cushion-y and lightweight, with a non-slip sole to keep you grounded whether you’re on gravel, wet grass, and more.

These cooling arm sleeves provide sun protection while keeping you cool, says Khatib. “They’re light, and you hardly feel them while training.”

Log miles and miles and miles strolling the neighborhood in this adorable retro style sans blisters or discomfort.

You might only think “cardio” with a climber (and you’ll get a serious heart rate-revving sweat, no doubt!). But this upgraded apparatus with classes lets you push, pull, and hang on it in creative ways to sneak in a resistance banger.

We can describe these trail shoes in three words: light, stabilizing, breathable. The BOA dial lace-up system also ensures a truly perfect fit. What more could you want while off-roading?

This take-anywhere cardio tool is adjustable so you can hop, skip, and jump with a rope that’s right for your height.

Fans of these goggles consistently rave about the visibility and leakproof design. As one reviewer said, “Get these now, take care of them, and you will save tons of money for years to come.”

For anyone who struggles to bend over to put their shoes on (such as those with arthritis and older adults), the Kizik brand’s main selling point is that you can easily wiggle your foot into the shoe without struggle. “I’ve got a very long spinal fusion that previously made it impossible to bend enough to put shoes on without a shoe horn,” one Amazon reviewer shared. “I also had almost completely inability to tie shoes. These shoes solve both problems.”

These soft weights have hand straps and are sand-filled, a perfect way to add a little oomph to indoor or outdoor strolls or barre and Pilates workouts.

This female-founded app has a variety of workouts for less than $8/month. In addition to on-demand classes, they offer meal plans, healthy recipes, and a forum where members share transformations. “I particularly love trainer Danyele Wilson‘s energy and motivating attitude,” says WH health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos.

The material is thin and lightweight, making it convenient to trek with you to and from the studio—and you won’t slip during hot classes. 

Type of sports bra that scores you compliments at your local studio. Made of silky smooth material, this less-than-$40 steal will become your go-to for yoga, Pilates, barre, or even just lounging around the house or during travel. 

The latest from cult-fave brand Bala, these rings feel high-quality and add resistance to any movements that involve pressing, lifting, or swinging. Pick up a set of three with 10-, 8-, and 5-pound rings.

“This sports bra is my absolute favorite, especially for my Brooklyn Barre,” says Julie Granger, personal trainer and the founder of The Studio Paris. “It offers great support while being very elegant, which is exactly what you are looking for when doing barre.”

Made from a thick, luxe fabric, these recently launched bottoms are truly high-waisted yet not constricting. While they’re designed to be a yoga pant, you can also do higher-impact activity without fuss, like running or HIIT.

“Finally, the connected machine Pilates fanatics have been waiting for!” says Andriakos, who considers Frame the Peloton for the slowww burn. The reformer—which has on-demand classes and folds up to slide under the bed when you’re not using it—ships January 2022.

Here’s a high-fashion alternative to the basic black legging. “I love this model because of the glossy look, which brings a bit of rock and roll to my outfit,” says Granger. “Add a pair of white sneakers and wrap a hoodie around your waist, and you can go straight from yoga to brunch with your friends.” 

“While I don’t run in it, I love this sports hijab for my low-impact workouts, such as walking, yoga, or light lifting and stretching. I also use it to go grocery shopping in or run errands after a gym session. It’s light and easy to pull on and off.” —Rahaf Khatib, @runlikeahijabi

“I live in this sports bra,” says Andriakos. “It feels buttery soft and has a sweet message about its sustainable design on the front—one of those bras I will do laundry to wear again ASAP.”

This strap boasts over 700 perfect 5-star ratings on Amazon thanks to its sturdy, wide design that helps it stay put in your hands and on your feet during yoga or everyday stretching.

Beyond Yoga is beloved for its commitment to sustainability and size inclusivity—and their apparel lives up to the hype. These shorts stay put and feel like a second skin. Did we mention the deep smartphone-sized pockets?

A weighted bar (this one is 15 pounds) is clutch for everything from curls to rows to back squats. This aesthetically pleasing buy is also a great tool to perfect your form with before progressing to barbell training.

This sneaker is the best for low-impact bodyweight training, according to Granger, who is particularly a fan of the White/Green Glow model. “It provides great support and is very light and extremely comfortable. It adds style to functionality.” 

Granger calls this “an absolute must-have.” With this band, you can work your arms, glutes, outer and inner thighs, abs…you name it. “Commonly used by physical therapists around the world, TheraBands allow you to make any low-impact exercise more challenging, without risking injury,” she says. 

We stan a crop top that easily pulls over the head and features no frustrating fastening. The color-block panels make this style really pop. 

The bell-bottom stretch pant is b.a.c.k.—and more stylish than ever. Strut your stuff in these in Pilates and yoga, on a walk and/or errands, or rock ’em during a strength training session.

There is simply no better sandal to toss in your pack while hiking in the event of running into a creek, waterfall, lake, etc. Or, wear them to the beach for outdoor water activities. Tevas have stood the test of time (and are trendy again!) and only cost $50. They can be thrown in the wash, too. 

This exercise dress is a cult-favorite item—and it’s been redesigned to factor in consumer feedback. They made the straps adjustable, equipped the built-in shorts liner with pockets, added leg grips so the shorts don’t ride up, and removed the center seam from the bodysuit liner.

L.A.-based trainer Simone Tchouke hiked the U.S. peak Mount Whitney last year, and calls out how these kicks protected her ankles on tricky terrain.

With its endless compartments, plastic cover to keep your stuff dry during rain, and hydration pouch, you won’t find a more practical and comfortable sack.

Make this your top layer for fall hikes. It repels moisture and stops the wind without overheating you.

Cool shades? For running? Groundbreaking. They won’t slip, they’re polarized, and they look fab.

In addition to holding what you need for a hike or long walk, this bag (wear fanny pack–style or cross-body) is the best for dashing through the airport hands-free or booking it to make your workout class on time.

You’ll find us spritzing on this water-resistant sunscreen that gives a glow before any outdoor go.

Warm. Soft. Touchscreen compatible. These check all the boxes for solid winter running gloves.

“I love that its portability lets me get out on the water more often,” says WH features director Kristin Canning. This SUP is only 17 pounds when inflated and packs up smoothly.

Despite having “run” in the name, this crop is ideal for a slew of sweaty activities; it’s WH health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos’ go-to for hiking. The material is soft and breathable and quick-drying.

Protect the ’do in wet or humid conditions. The lining of the hair wrap is hypoallergenic and made of silicone for H2O protection.

Keep your feet dry and blister-free with these cushioned socks.

What’s not to love about a stylish vest that will also keep your core toasty? 

These jars help your food stay hot or cold, and they’re leak proof. 

Don’t forget to pack a layer for unexpected showers—like this hooded pick that makes staying dry a little more vibrant. It also features hidden pit zips for ventilation.

Hello, hands-free ice packs! The adhesive sticks the little healers (that come in a variety of sizes) directly on your sore spot.

The lesser-known cannabinoid CBN may relieve aches and promote sleep. It’s one of the plant-based ingredients in this cream.

Compression therapy is an awesome way to recovery passively, and now you can do it in the comfort of your own home. Watch TV or work on your laptop, all while you recover.

This contrast therapy device lets you alternate between hot and cold, but it holds a charge and doesn’t need to be plugged in. Not for nothing, it looks super cool too. 

Red-light therapy is all the rage, but no product is easier to use than this flexible pad. It attaches anywhere to target tension.

Multiple WH eds think the hollowed-out roller gives as solid a sports massage as you can get alone on your bedroom floor.

Compatible with the new Whoop 4.0, this racerback features built-in sensors to detect info from multiple places on the bod.

In the watchOS 8 update, the Breathe app is renamed as the Mindfulness app. You’ll still get the Breathe reminders in addition to “Reflect” opportunities to focus on a “mindful intention” for just one minute. Try it post-workout as part of your recovery routine. 

These are “the easiest, lowest maintenance form of recovery,” according to NYC-based trainer Kristina Centenari. She add that weakness and lack of mobility in your toes will impact your feet, ankles, and work its way up your joints. “You’ll be surprised how training your feet and helping your toes spread out will lead to better recovery and less overall pain.”

“These slides are amazing after a long run, ride, or tough workout,” Centenari says. “The shoe has the same meta rocker that Hoka uses in their running shoes that allow you to easily glide through your stride. But its open-toed structure lets your toes spread out and breathe. It also has a higher bed of soft cushion so there’s very little impact with every step.”

“I love my Hypervolt Go because it’s small and accessible enough to take with me— it’s also silent so I can use it almost anywhere,” Centenari says. “Vibration tools do a good job of calming your nervous system down in the immediate moment. When you feel like there’s a build up of physiological stress in your body from training and/or just life, getting your nervous system to calm down is hugely beneficial.”

“I love Four Sigmatic’s superfood protein because it differentiates itself from most other brands by using functional mushrooms as its base ingredient,” Centenari says. “Plant-based protein helps with muscle repair after strenuous exercise.” The mushroom ingredients purportedly help with focus, endurance, and could reduce stress and fatigue.

Perfect for travel or your WFH chair, this mat uses PEMF and infrared to help you feel grounded and relaxed. 

There are dozens of protein bar options but this brand is a stand-out. The macros are on-point with 21 grams of muscle-repairing protein, 26 carbs, and 4 grams of fat. 

“This bottle has gotten me through multiple marathons,” says contributing fitness editor Caitlin Carlson. “It’s really nothing fancy or new but after testing several options over the years, this is the one that’s stood the test of time.”

“Every time I use this crossover shoulder bag-backpack I am guaranteed at least one compliment or ‘where did you get that?’ ” says Carlson. “It’s super functional and has that sporty-chic vibe!”

These bottles look so sleek and have a built-in water purifier.

For those of us still jumping around in our living rooms, consider this dense mat the new must-have to make your space really feel like a home gym. 

Quit irritating your skin with ratty rags and invest in this fast-drying microfiber option. Note the adorable print that looks lovely atop a yoga mat.

Trainer Simone Tchouke picked up hiking during quarantines, and she never leaves these wipes at home. They’re great for quick sweat removal or cleaning your hands before a mid-hike snack.  

They’re stretchy, they’re soft, and they leave no trace (that is, panty lines). It’s a buy-them-in-every-color type of love.

The electrolyte packets from Cure, in flavors like berry pomegranate, are free of unrecognizable ingredients (hallelujah!), taste delish, and come in cute portable packaging.

Clear eyes, can’t lose…on your run, that is! Stick this disposable liner in your running or workout hat to absorb sweat and keep your face dry.

This pack is so sleek and sophisticated, yet sporty. You can use it on run-commutes, hiking trails, the works.

“This blender works amazingly and is aesthetically pleasing on my countertop,” says New York City–based personal trainer Kehinde Anjorin, who uses it to make post-workout shakes and green smoothies at night. “Obsessed.”

Ever have your phone die or drop to 50 percent battery in seconds due to extra cold (or hot) weather? This (cute) sleeve will keep it protected, whether you’re on the slopes or the trails.

Stow your headphones in this bag for to and from the gym, then take it out at night with your wallet and lip balm. 

This female-founded company makes “sweatproof” jewelry that will style up any workout ‘fit. 

This clean beauty brand made a gym bag-size set of their shower essentials. Stock up with you can: This is a limited release. 

For a pre-workout energy boost, this plant-based, no-sugar-added drink packs 10 grams of protein, 200 milligrams of caffeine—and it tastes delicious. 

Play the soundtrack to any run or workout through these crisp Pods that feature “transparency mode” so you can still hear the world around you.  

This super-soft topper is the ultimate piece to toss on after a yoga or gym session.