The basics have all been looked after; now it’s time to take it up a notch.
We Irish are a suspicious bunch and the sight of a man covered from head to toe in seemingly superfluous additional items while out for a run is bound to raise an eyebrow or two.
Sure, he looks the part, but is it all for show? And besides, will he even be able to put one foot in front of another under all that extra weight?
You can, of course, improve your work out experience by adding a few accessories without being THAT guy.
Here’s a few items that we recommend that won’t break the bank either.
Nike Dri-Fit wristbands and headbands (€9-11)
We’d be lying if we said that vanity isn’t one of the prime reasons for wearing sweat bands, either on your head or your wrist. Let’s be honest, they look really cool.
Still, there are few things as satisfying as mopping up multiple beads of sweat from your forehead with one swift wipe. Alternatively, wearing a headband to stop all that sweat from getting into your eyes will come in handy when the temperatures start to rise later in the year.
Both the wristbands and the headbands are available in a variety of different colours and both look the part. Check them out here and here.
The North Face Etip Touchscreen gloves (€28)
The weather isn’t getting warm quite yet, however and probably won’t be for a while yet, so here’s a handy accessory for the here and now when temperatures are still in single figures.
Having to take your glove off to use your phone might be the most first world problem there is, but if there’s a way of avoiding it, all the better.
Ideally, you won’t need to reach for your phone or MP3 player during a workout in cold weather, but if you’re taking a break or suddenly realise you need to make an important call, these babies will come in dead handy.
Under Armour Men’s CTR Trainer HF Gloves (€26.10)
There was a time when wearing gym gloves was the equivalent of wearing white boots on a GAA pitch, but both practises have long since become acceptable.
These gloves are light with silicone palm prints to provide added grip and there’s even a sweat wipe built into the thumb for when things get very intense.
Runtastic sports armband (€19.99)
As far as product names go, this one wins hands down; it really is Runtastic.
It’s not just about frills though, it’s all business when it needs to be and will keep all standard smartphones in place while you’re working out.
It also comes with a transparent display screen, a small pocket for personal items, reflectors for safety, a cover for the audio receiver, and an adjustable hook-and-loop fastener to customise how it fits onto your arm.
adidas run media belt (€18)
If armbands aren’t your thing, then the media belt is a decent alternative.
And, before we go on, we can promise you that you won’t look like your Dad when he used to keep all of his money and valuables in an incredibly bulky bumbag when on holidays.
This one keeps your phone or MP3 player in a zip pocket, it has a comfortable mesh back panel and it’s miCoach compatible, which means you can track your performance data while working out.
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