Working out shouldn’t be effortless, but the right equipment or accessory can make it less of a hassle. TIP SHEET found that these products gave our fitness routine a boost.
Walkvest: As you progress in your exercise and weightloss program, it’s harder to improve as quickly. The Walkvest, made famous recently by actress Valerie Bertinelli, who used it to shed pounds, allows you to add half-pound weights, up to eight pounds, to make your walking or running regimen more challenging ($59.90; walkvest.com).
Goody: If you often have to stop mid-workout to adjust your hair band or clip, what good is it? Goody’s StayPut collection really does just that. Its hair bands ($3.99) have 52 percent more holding power than a regular band, and the quarter-inch and half-inch claws ($3.99 to $4.99) grip probably longer than you can on those barbells (goody.com).
AquaJogger: Exercising in water is fun, puts less strain on joints and, the best part, you can’t feel yourself sweat. The most effective water-weights system we found comes from AquaJogger. A package that includes a buoyancy belt, which suspends you at shoulder height in deep water, two hand and two ankle weights and a get-started DVD is $89.95 (aquajogger.com).
Murad Vitamins: Some experts say that no fitness program is complete without supplements. Murad’s daily packets make it easy while you’re on the run with preselected vitamins that purport to maximize cellular hydration and strengthen connective tissue ($135 for a four-week supply; murad.com).
iTrain.com: Cheaper than a gym membership but just as effective. Download up to 200 workout programs that combine music with professional fitness instruction so you won’t have to go it alone. From 99 cents per workout.
Sennheiser Headphones: Anyone who jogs or runs knows how tough it is to keep ear buds in place, but Sennheiser, the German maker of great noise-canceling headsets, has a pair that do a swell job. The OMX70 Sport stereo clip-on headphones are adjustable for a better fit and moisture-resistant, so you can sweat and not short-circuit ($49.95; sennheiserusa.com).
