aybe it’s the shorter days or maybe it’s the increased availability of buttery sweet alternatives, but there’s something about the winter months that makes training feel like a bit of a chore. To be sure, some athletes are happy to brave the cold for a brisk run in the snow, and there are some crazy souls who don’t seem to mind going out for a hand-numbing bike ride every now and then. But for many of us, the winter months are a time to reactivate the dreaded gym membership, grind away on the treadmill or trainer and think hopefully of the season to come.
Whether your winter plans call for pounding the snow-covered trails or pounding a protein drink in a muscle shirt, we’ve put together a few products that will help you make the most of the colder months and be ready to hit the ground running when the ground thaws out.
JAYBIRD BLUEBUDS X ($169; jaybirdgear.com) Jaybird says: Much smaller than Jaybird’s Freedom line, the Bluebuds X boast an 8-hour battery life, meaning that your iPod is likely to run out of power before your headset does. Jaybird’s wireless Bluetooth signal has a range of over
CRAFT ACTIVE EXTREME CONCEPT ($79; craftsports.us) Craft says: Thinner and more flexible than other models, CRAFT’s base layer merges Mesh Superlight and Zero Extreme panels for maximum ventilation and comfort. Sport- specific body mapping and seamless design keeps the Active Extreme Concept piece comfortably in place during workouts, while moving wings optimize fit and provide improved freedom of movement. Reviewers say: Testers were impressed with the ventilation, and Zach reported that the lightweight, airy fabric “breathes so well that
I almost felt a chill at the beginning of the workout.” Both men’s and women’s versions of the Active Extreme Concept were reportedly well-fitted to avoid bunching around the shoulders and underarms, and the longer cut meant full protection from the elements. The snug-but-not-too-tight fit won praise from reviewers, and Nichole raved that CRAFT’s cold weather piece is “now the most comfortable shirt I own!” As a nice bonus, the quick-drying cuffs were described as “exceptionally comfortable with just the right amount of stretch,” for those unappetizing yet all but inevitable runny noses that come with winter runs and cold weather bike rides. The gist: A great base layer geared toward high-intensity workouts in chilly conditions.
100 feet, and a headset-
mounted system enables you to adjust volume, change songs, or even answer phone calls without returning to the home device. The flexible X-Fit system provides both over- and under-ear fit options, while three sizes of ear cushions maximize comfort and ensure a stable fit even during the most jarring workouts.
Reviewers say: While the initial set- up and ear cushion selection can take some getting used to, the Bluebuds X exceeded tester expectations. Shane wore them for a long run in the cold, a sprint workout, and a few sessions in the gym, almost daring the earbuds to fall out along the way. Not only did they stay put, but also the impressive range meant that he could leave his phone in his gym bag and move around the gym without worrying about where he’d left his belongings. Testers also remarked at how well the Bluebuds X canceled out background noise — in some cases a bit too well. While she was impressed with the sound quality, for example, Stephanie cautioned about wearing them during group training or in high-traffic areas. “They were almost isolating,” she said, “like it was just me and Britney Spears out for a run.” The gist: Comfortable and lightweight with a seemingly endless battery life. Good for long trail runs or intense gym workouts.