What was the best fitness-related item you purchased in 2020 and what made it so significant?
LITTLE THINGS/BIG DIFFERENCE
Beanie and ear warmer to play golf in. Game changer when it’s cold out and you are trying to play a round of golf! Thick and insulated keeping your ears and head warm!
Male 29
My plug-in headlamp that I can charge from my iPhone chord. I run so early in the AM, so always having a charged headlamp has been key this past year! Female 36
I recently purchased the best fitting sports bra I’ve ever owned Female 35
Jump rope - portable can use it anywhere. Male 39
Wireless earbuds. Life-changing. Female 51
EXERCISE AND SOCIAL DISTANCING
My treadmill. I was able to use it through the pandemic and do not have to worry about social distancing or a mask.
Female 36
Stand up paddle board. I used it 5x a week, and it naturally allowed for social distancing. Female 28
Insect-shield tech tee for repelling insects while in the kayak. Male 48
A golf push cart. It gave me a much better workout than riding in a golf cart. Male 40
NEW SPORT AND/OR ACTIVITY
A pickleball racket because it’s my new fun sport. Female 56
Running shoes - to have the right shoe for the right activity can
make or break an activity - especially if you are trying it for the first time. Male 59
Sport related apparel. It is important because it will mark the beginning of meeting my fitness goals and weight loss journey. Female 47
My purchase of well-fit new running shoes with custom insoles from a “runner specialty store” was my most significant purchase because it jump-started my willingness to take up running, and I didn’t have to worry about pain from an ill-fitting shoe. Female 33
HEALTHY AND PAIN FREE
Knee braces for support. Male 52
Recovery supplements — it allowed me to feel less sore after a workout giving me more days to workout. Male 25
Foam roller— made me loosen my back and knots from stress. Female 39
Insoles for my shoes — helped me deal with pain I was having. Female 43
New backpack—better fit and usage. I am able to backpack longer without pain Male 33
Running/walking shoes—once we increased our walking due to Covid shutting things down, my feet were becoming more painful and tired. I realized I had been wearing one pair of shoes for both activities and it was ruining my feet. Female 28
HOMEBOUND
Dumbbells— since I don’t have access to weights/a gym at the moment. Female 26
Tennis shoes and yoga mats—significant because they each enabled me to continue to work out in my home. Female 31
Bike trainer—to use with existing road bike that allowed me to do cardio workouts at home. Male 39
Yoga pants— since I have to exercise in my house. Female 44
True fitness treadmill— allowed indoor running. Male 40
The best fitness-related item I purchased in 2020 was to have bought a treadmill, that helped me to continue doing my exercise indoors without having to go out or risk having contact with people. Female 36
FOOTWEAR SPECIFIC
New running sneakers—to continue running through the pandemic. Female 52
Trail shoes—I can use them for trail running, for hiking and for winter icy runs. Female 44
Hiking boots—most significant because the time I spent outdoors on long duration events increased as I worked from home more allowing flexibility in work hours.
Male 51
BIKE SPECIFIC
Bikes for my kids—so we can ride as a family. Male 37
My bike—because it helped break up the monotony of run/walking. Male 48
Exercise bike—I can use it at anytime. Male 41
New mountain bike—there’s nothing better than new bike day. Male 45
Peloton bike—it allowed me to have access to cardio workouts that I did not have before. Also allows me to ride in any weather since I am Indoors. Female 21
APPAREL SPECIFIC
Waterproof jacket—it’s a great windbreaker and actually keeps me dry when I’m hiking or running in the rain. Female 25
Hydration vest—it can either use water bottles or has a bladder pouch. Also has room for jell packs and additional clothing. Male 57
Yoga pants—because they fit perfectly. Female 38
Leggings that I actually wear, vs a drawer full of ones I don’t! Great fit, long lasting fabric. Female 27
Leggings that I actually wear, vs a drawer full of ones I don’t! Great fit, long lasting fabric. Female 27
OTHER COMMENTS
My yoga mat! I didn’t realize how much I needed it until the pandemic hit. Female 26
Head lamp and lighted vest since we are lacking daylight. I live to be outside but want to see and be seen. Female 50
Face mask with room to breathe. Male 29
A Fitbit tracker. Really gives me insight on staying active and sleep patterns. I love it. Female 51
A step counter. It really helped me see exactly how much movement I get in a day even when I am not working out. Female 48
Kayak. I couldn’t kayak without one. Male 43
I purchased a new mountain bike and a few kettle bells. The kettle bells and local park replaced my need to go to the gym and the mountain bike I have only had a few weeks but my goal is to really “up my game” and skills with this new mountain bike as it is more forgiving on technical terrain and for downhill riding. Female 35
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