T2G TRAIN TO GAIN GEAR
In The Bag
By Amanda Burrill , MS
The latest and greatest in must-have gym technology .
We ’ ve all arrived at the weight room only to discover that a major essential is MIA from our gym bag . A lot of gyms can help you out — for a price . I recently spent $ 12 on a pair of socks because I ’ d forgotten to bring one of my 700 pairs . So here ’ s a little cheat sheet of essentials that will make sure your bases are covered , not to mention my new favorite smell-proof gym bag to carry the whole shebang .
APERA LOCKER PACK Cost : $ 129 Where to get : AperaBags . com I ’ ve long been a fan of Apera bags based solely on the sanitized-infused antimicrobial product protection . It resists the formation of bacteria , fungal mildew , and noxious odors , inside and out . This Locker Pack , named because it has been strategically sized to fit in most gym lockers , carries everything you need with intelligent organization . I like the large capacity — 33 liters of storage volume to be exact — and that the main compartment is accessed by a zipper , allowing full opening to the contents . No more fishing around for what ’ s on the bottom . With room for a tablet and 15-inch laptop , this makes for the perfect gym-to-work bag .
MONSTER ISPORT V2 Cost : $ 200 Where to get : MonsterProducts . com One of the qualities that sets these apart from the competition is that they stay put even during the most rigorous workouts . You can pair these to two different phones or Bluetooth sources . Switch from iPhone to iPod with ease ! The V2s can also be used with some of the new speakers and devices that act as “ Bluetooth repeaters .” One connects to the music source and “ repeats ” the signal to the second speaker or headset . That means you can lift to the same soundtrack as your buddy . They are durable , sweat-proof , and washable , so don ’ t worry about a short circuit .
ADIDAS ADIPOWERS Cost : $ 179 Where to get : Adidas . com As someone who is constantly testing different kinds of gear , I always have my eyes peeled for something I ’ ve never tried . For a while now , I ’ ve seen the Adipowers on the feet of folks who look like they know what they ’ re doing , so I thought it was the perfect time to finally take the hardcore plunge and see what all the serious powerlifter and Olympic weightlifting fuss was about . Oh , I get it ! This shoe has a three-quarter-inch heel-drop allowing you to get into a nice deep position with weight back in the heel . The outer sole of the shoe is completely flat , keeping you stable . For such a solid sole , the upper meshes are flexible and breathable . Unlike some ( virtually all ) weightlifting shoes , these are aesthetically pleasing . What can I say ? I like to look good while I ’ m working on my fitness .
BLENDER BOTTLE Pro32 Cost : $ 15 Where to get : GNC . com or BlenderBottle . com Finally , the feature I begged for : a rounded base allowing me to whisk up and ingest every last bit of protein powder . There is nothing worse than half of your protein powder stuck to the bottom of the bottle forming a little protein slug that won ’ t budge . That is straight up stealing from your muscles . The Pro32 , not so shockingly named for its 32-ounce capacity , also has an adjustable carry loop and a new SpoutGuard . Even the nicest gyms are a breeding ground of grossness , and this innovation allows you to easily open the flip top without getting your fingers on the spout . Immune system says , “ Thanks !” BPA- and phthalate-free and dishwasher safe .
12 JUNE 2017 | ironmanmagazine . com