You need new workout clothes. But not just any clothes. You want stylish fits that, uh, yeah, fit you well—pieces that boast high-quality fabrics, functional details, and maybe even a tech innovation or two. Bottom line: You want stuff that looks good, supports optimal performance, and lasts for the long haul. Whether you’re a cardio fanatic, deal exclusively with lifting, or like to dabble with HIIT, we’ve got the workout clothes to answer your sweaty prayers.
The Best New Workout Clothes and Accessories for Men
The warp-knit fabric and graduated compression paneling on these shorts deliver, whether you’re wearing them for a lifting session or hitting the track. Compression is alleged to boost performance by applying the proper amount of pressure in targeted areas to aid circulation and deliver oxygen to muscles in need. Regardless if you get a fitness boost, these shorts will keep you dryer and cooler than your average pair of trunks. Reflective logos and a side mesh pocket to stash small items round out these first-rate half tights.
Want to take your training to the next level? These resistance pants (yes, you read that right) are available in +20 and +40 resistance levels. There are eight resistance bands embedded into the fabric to add extra tension as you go about your daily movements. The +20s are ideal for walking, running, yoga, or housework, whereas the +40s are best suited to HIIT routines, speed training, and strength-building routines. The bands help build secondary support muscles, while activating your core, low back, and hip flexors—boosting power and speed over time, while torching fat.
Temperature-regulating? Yup. Sustainably sourced TENCEL fibers? You betcha. Odor-resistant? Of course. This natural-yet-technical fabric blend is enough to make the shirt-averse take cover. Don it to play tennis, go for a hike, or do your usual pursuits: jogging, lifting, and running errands.
Ministry of Supply isn’t kidding when they say they use science to solve everyday wardrobe problems. They found a way to make suits more breathable and machine washable, and invented dress socks with recycled coffee grounds to keep stink at bay. Here, they’ve crafted some of the best gym shorts around. They didn’t reinvent the wheel, but they did use an incredibly light, moisture-wicking fabric and S.Café Silver threading to naturally resist odor no matter how hard you go in that kickboxing session.
5. 90 Degree By Reflex Men’s Super Soft V-Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt
You’ll love the use of modal in this comfy tee (the blend also includes cotton and spandex), which allows for breathability and sweat- and moisture-wicking. Bonus: This shirt is 50 percent more resistant to shrinkage than shirts made entirely of cotton.
This limited-edition collection—co-designed by the brand’s customers—comprises the ”nearly bomb-proof” Durable Shirt ($34) and Interval Short ($68), with the word “GRIT” emblazoned on both. In addition to each being supremely comfortable, the shirt has an anti-odor fabric treatment and underarm laser-cut ventilation; the shorts are sweat-wicking and quick-drying with four-way stretch to help you bring your A game to whatever training is on tap.
For a hoodie that doesn’t break the bank, nab this in blue, grey, or black. It has three pockets for plenty of storage and is made with a blend of lightweight, moisture-wicking materials to keep you comfortable during your next warmup. You’ll appreciate the lack of tags and plastic packaging. To further boost its eco-friendly quotient, the brand plants a tree for every purchase made.
It’s estimated that nearly eight out of 10 Americans will have foot problems at some time in their life. If you’re in that bucket and have wider feet, or conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, a hammer toe, and/or bunions, these sneakers are for you. (To diagnose various foot conditions, always consult a podiatrist; you may require orthotics too.) Designed with a wide toe box, higher instep, shock absorption pad, anti-pronation heel ring, ergonomic insoles, and a dual-density sole, these are the cushioned, stability-supporting sneaks you’ve been patiently waiting for.
Throw these shorts on—available in black, grey, khaki, and dark grey—for your next 5K or Peloton class (you can even wear padded liners beneath ‘em). They’re made with quick-dry fabric that has plenty of stretch and boast UPF 50 protection. The seven-inch inseam allows for greater range of motion, and they’re stylish enough to wear from CrossFit box to brewery. At last, workout clothes that can go anywhere.
10. Hanes Comfort Flex Fit Total Support Pouch Boxer Briefs
A proprietary, patent-pending pouch keeps your cajones supported and comfortable, thanks to breathable mesh inserts (which also prevent chafing). With sophisticated odor protection and moisture-wicking properties, we’re also pleased to share the product uses recycled polyester to reduce landfill waste.
This fabric has a lot going for it: It’s sustainably sourced, lightweight, offers four-way stretch, and has efficient sweat-wicking properties. They work just as well for your next CrossFit session as they perform on the yoga mat—all while being a crusader for so-called no-VPL technology (visible penis line, folks). With solid support for the family jewels and a design that helps you avoid chafing, these shorts also include an open and zippered pocket and a T-shirt/towel loop.
This wristband with built-in hand sanitizer is geared for pandemic-era gym sessions (let’s hope we’re nearing the end of that), but it’s also nice to have for general cleanliness since the gym can be, you know, really freaking gross. You can dispense hand sanitizer by pressing down on the pump, and its mere presence on your wrist is a good reminder to keep those hands clean. Even if your gym has hand sanitizer available, this is ideal for all those times the auto dispenser is empty or there’s a line to use the always-touched bottle at the front desk. We’ve taken to wearing it grocery shopping and running errands too.
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
Courtesy image
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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