SparkPeople Editors Share 11 of Their Favorite Items That Help Them Live Well
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Melissa Rudy
Position: Staff Writer
Favorite Exercise: Running
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Yeti Rambler
My new Yeti Rambler is helping me drink more water and stay better hydrated. I can only drink water if it's ice-cold, and the Yeti keeps it cold for an entire day. Water just tastes so much better in it. I take it to workout classes, riding in the car--everywhere I go, it goes. Plus, I love how it's easy to hold and fits in any car cup holder.
Available at Amazon ($22.99)
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Under Armour Fly-By Shorts
After years of trying countless styles, I have finally found the perfect running shorts: the Under Armour Fly-By Shorts. Not too short, not too long, no thigh chafing, the lining stays put during long runs and they're flattering. I am obsessed.
Available at Amazon (starting at $18.47)
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Seamless Striped Racerback by C9 Champion
The most comfortable sports bra I've ever owned is the Seamless Striped Racerback by C9 Champion. It goes on easily, is nice and stretchy and super comfy with no itchy tags or seams. Now, I neglect all the other sports bras in my drawer.
Available at Target (starting at $13.98)
Photo courtesy of Target.
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Alicia Capetillo
Position: Editor
Favorite Exercise: Orangetheory Fitness
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Misto Brushed Aluminum Olive Oil Sprayer
If making avocado toast is wrong and keeps me from ever owning a home, then I don't want to be right. My favorite recipe is simple: toast bread, mash avocado on top of aforementioned bread, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with sea salt and many red pepper flakes. When I first started making this recipe, my shaky hands would spill approximately a gallon of olive oil, turning my beautiful avocado toast into a sopping wet disaster. With the olive oil mister, I just need one or two sprays to coat my toast, saving both precious oil and calories in the process.
Available at Amazon ($9.99)
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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The North Face Light Long-Sleeve Crew Neck Top
I happened upon The North Face Light Long-Sleeve Crew Neck layering top by happy accident during a trip to the outlet on a mission to outfit myself head-to-toe for an upcoming family ski trip. It served me well on that trip and has since become my number one, sitting at the top of my workout clothes drawer, probably bullying all my other, less functional tops. The light fabric moves with you, fits perfectly under thicker jackets and keeps you cozy during cold morning workouts or a yoga cool down. Plus, the fitted cut is flattering enough for the ski lodge or the grocery store.
Available at The North Face ($45.00)
Photo courtesy of The North Face.
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Ben's Insect Repellent Wipes
A friend once joked that she always sat next to me when we would camp in Louisiana because it was unlikely that she'd get mosquito bites, as the little buggers seemed to be so attracted to me. The bug struggle for me is so real. I bought Ben's Insect Repellent Wipes last year for a music festival and they worked literal wonders. I love hiking and boating during the warm summer months, but the constant threat of a bug attack often puts a damper on the day. I threw a few of these wipes in my purse, CamelBak, gym bag and car and now I say "Not today, little skeeters. Not today."
Available at Amazon ($6.53)
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Elizabeth Lowry
Position: Editorial Project Manager
Favorite Exercise: Spinning
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Asics GEL-Kayano 22 Running Shoes
The Asics GEL-Kayano 22 running shoes are so good, I've bought them twice. Last year, I bit the bullet and went to a running store to be outfitted for the correct shoe when I was training for the Flying Pig Half Marathon. When those shoes reached their miles limit, I tried another style of shoe, then another, only to return both and purchase these again. Since I joke that I run as though I'm made of boulders, I enjoy the thicker, shock-absorbing, gel-cushioned sole of the Kayanos. Plus, they offer ample wiggle room for my toes, are breathable and oh-so comfortable from the first run to the last. Why mess with a good thing?
Available at Amazon (starting at $47.99)
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Ninja Mega Kitchen System
My mother-in-law gave me the Ninja Mega Kitchen System blender as a gift. I use it for everything—from whipping up smoothies to making salad dressings and blending up a batch of hummus. With a powerful blade that blends up frozen fruit in mere seconds, I have yet to find a big chunk of unblended berry at the bottom of my drink. Plus, the attachments clean up in a snap in the dishwasher and the base takes up very little room in my kitchen cabinet.
Available at Amazon ($148.31)
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Harbinger Women's Pro Weightlifting Gloves
For a long time, I didn't think I needed to wear gloves when I lifted weights, assuming they were only for serious bodybuilders. Then, one of my coworkers convinced me that getting gloves was the way to go if I was going to be lifting with any regularity. Not only do the Harbinger weight lifting gloves save my hands from being pinched by weights or developing callouses, but they also help me keep a firm grip on the weights or kettlebells, so nothing leaves my hands and lands on someone else's toes.
Available at Amazon ($16.99)
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Jen Mueller
Position: SparkPeople Community Director and Fitness Coach
Favorite Exercise: Running
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Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill
My Bowflex treadmill has been a lifesaver for me since I had my first child. Always dependable for an early morning run before the kids get up or on a rainy or snowy day when I'm not motivated to go outside, it helps me stay consistent with my exercise routine. Although it was an expensive investment, I have used it multiple times a week for the past 10 years.
Available at Amazon ($1,799.99)
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Amazon Prime Music Unlimited
We recently signed up for Amazon Prime Music Unlimited, and with it came a large music library. I've enjoyed exploring their playlists to mix things up and add something different to my walks and runs. I'm no longer stuck with the same boring playlist that I'm too lazy to change myself. This gives lots of variety and I've tried different kinds of music I wouldn't have listened to otherwise.
Available at Amazon ($7.99 a month for Prime members and $9.99 a month for non-Prime members)
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
See more wellness slideshows
From Bug Wipes to Blenders, SparkPeople Editors Reveal Their 11 Favorite Healthy Living Items
By: Elizabeth Lowry
Here at SparkPeople, we test a lot of products in the name of running farther, lifting heavier, cooking healthier and making all of our smoothies, well, smoothier. In our efforts to help with these various endeavors, we have tried lots of hair ties and headbands, products that eliminate fitness frustrations, all sorts of non-toxic cookware, leggings, hiking essentials and more.
When we do find something that we absolutely cannot live without, we want to shout it from the rooftops so that others can reap the same benefits. Click through to discover the products that SparkPeople Coach Jen Mueller, editor Alicia Capetillo, editorial project manager Elizabeth Lowry, and health and fitness reporter Melissa Rudy say makes living the healthy life easier.
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Melissa Rudy
Position: Staff Writer
Favorite Exercise: Running
