women's health fitness awards

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At Women’s Health, we see hundreds of sneakers, sports bras, and dumbbells every year.

We visit countless gyms across the country. We road-test new water bottles and earbuds.

AND THESE WINNERS JUST DO EVERYTHING BETTER.

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by Jen Ator photographs by Ture Lillegraven

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AWARDS


FITNESS AWARDS

Body by YouNo costly memberships, no sweaty strangers—it’s no surprise that people with home gyms are 73 percent more likely to get active than those without one. Your turn! We polled 10 top trainers for the key pieces of equipment to welcome home.

NEW YORK CITYPeak Performance You’ll only get one-on-one, customized training here, utilizing unorthodox equipment (like sleds and nonmotorized treadmills) to keep your workouts anything but boring. peakperformancenyc.com

Sports Center at Chelsea Piers A sportsman’s dream: regulation boxing ring, rock

wall, pool, indoor track, sand volleyball court, three basketball courts—plus more than 100 classes a week. chelseapiers.com/sc

Clay Health Club Every detail is accounted for, from the expected (top-notch trainers and classes) to the surprising (disposable flip-flops in the locker room? Yes, please!). insideclay.com

1Dumbbells

Fancy? No. But dumbbells were voted

the single most essential tool for

working out at home. The hex-shaped

Perform Better RubberEncased Dumbbells

won’t roll away, get slippery when you

sweat, or destroy your floor. Get at least two pairs (one light,

one heavy) to cover your exercise

bases. $30 (10-pound pair), performbetter.com

2Suspension

SystemGyms love the

TRX, which uses your body weight to

change the resistance of any move. Now, the portable TRX HomeSuspension Training

Kit has been perfectly tailored to flip over a

door or around a (sturdy) stair banister. $200, trxtraining.com

4Chinup Bar Body-weight

exercises cover every basic movement—

except pulling. Gold’s Gym Multi-Training

Door Gym easily attaches to a doorway

(and comes down scuff-free) so you can do chinups anytime.

$30, sportsauthority.com

Whether you’re hunting for a cycling studio in Chicago or a new personal trainer in Boca, your search stops here. We received more than 700 nominations from the country’s top fitness experts and WH readers, then narrowed the list to these kick-ass workout joints. (Nothing in your zip code? See “National Treasures,” page 136, for the best national chains.)

Hot Spots

PRO TRAINER PANEL: Craig Ballantyne, Toronto, author of Turbulence Training; Ashley Borden, Fitness Factory in Los Angeles; Ramona Braganza, Los Angeles, creator of the 321 Training Method; Hannah Davis, cofounder of Gotham Versatile Training in New York City; Todd Durkin, San Diego, author of The Impact! Body Plan; B.J. Gaddour, Milwaukee, CEO of StreamFit.com; David Jack, founder of Actv8 Phoenix; Harley Pasternak,Los Angeles, author of The Body Reset Diet; Chris Powell,Phoenix, trainer on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition;Kira Stokes, Reebok Sports Club/NY, Equinox in Connecticut and Westchester, New York, and Revolve in New York City

3Resistance Bands

Small ones loop around your lower half to

strengthen and slim your legs, hips,

and butt, while bigger bands can make

body-weight squats extra challenging or help with assisted

chinups.Our favorites:

GoFit Power Loops 3-Pack,

$15, gofit.net;Superbands

(1 1/8 inch), $25, performbetter.com

HONORABLE MENTIONS6. Adjustable bench: Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Series Bench, $160, dickssportinggoods.com7. Foam roller: OPTP Black Axis Roller, $20.40, optp.com 8. Jump rope: SPRI Speed Rope, $6, gnc.com 9. Kettlebell: Power Systems Premium Kettlebell, $29 to $88, powersystems.com10. Sliding disks: Valslide, $30, valslide.com

5Stability Ball

Whether you’re doing mountain

climbers or sitting behind a desk,

a stability ball instantly ups the body-toning

ante. Gymnic Classic Plus Exercise

Ball 55-cmis practically

burst-proof, and it’s free of latex so it

won’t smell or irritate your skin.

$13.15, optp.com

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DON’T MISS A GREAT

Steve Harvey showin February as Steve features our

award winners and one fan gets a chance to take home her very own home

gym! Check WomensHealthMag.com/SteveHarvey for date and time.

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SAN FRANCISCOFitness Court Built by the National Fitness Campaign as “a fresh-air fitness platform for today’s urban America,” this outdoor training site is all about accessibility (it’s free) and functionality (it has seven body-weight stations that can be used by people of all exercise levels). nfchq.com

PORTLAND, ORBarre3 Leaner, longer, stronger—the results from this yoga-Pilates-ballet blend are so coveted you can now find the studio in 19 cities. barre3.com

LOS ANGELES Results Fitness Get scientifically designed programs led by the country’s top husband-and-wife training duo, Alwyn and Rachel Cosgrove (also MH and WH contributors).results-fitness.com

Burn 60 Celebs flock to this studio, which combines treadmill intervals and strength training into an intense 60-minute workout. burn60.com

SoulCycle Indoor riding, revolutionized, thanks to high-energy instructors and a relentless total-body workout (with hand weights). soul-cycle.com

PHOENIXAthletes’ PerformanceIt’s the Canyon Ranch of fitness and athletic training: state-of-the-art facilities, with a premier staff led by internationally known training innovator Mark Verstegen. athletesperformance.com

Off the Grid Fitness The machines at this eco-friendly fitness center are either self-powered to conserve energy or equipped to use your workout effort to produce usable energy for the city. offthegridfitness.net

SAN DIEGOFitness Quest 10 Accomplished strength coach Todd Durkin has an all-in training approach that drives results—from Super Bowl rings to shedding those lingering post-pregnancy pounds.fitnessquest10.com

Barry’s BootcampKind of feels like you’re walking into a night club—only instead of wearing stilettos and sipping cocktails, you’re sweating through your tank and blasting calories with a blend of treadmill intervals and strength training. barrysbootcamp.com

and poor posture. These guys specialize in boosting results by eliminating imbalances before they snowball into a problem.indianapolisfitnessandsportstraining.com

MINNEAPOLISTiger Fit Studio After years of leading fitness programs all over the Twin Cities area, the Tiger Athletic team has opened up shop to bring their dynamic, coach-driven training to one place. tigerathletics.com

DALLASCamp Gladiator These outdoor workouts break the mold on traditional boot camps: Instead of a drill sergeant kicking your butt, you’ll find an infectious motivation to do it yourself. campgladiator dallas.com

Exhale The signature Core Fusion programs at this luxury wellness chain are a high-energy blend of yoga, ballet exercises, and Pilates. exhalespa.com

BOULDER, CORallySport Health and Fitness Club The only thing more impressive than the amenities are the exceptional credentials carried by every trainer. rallysportboulder.com

BOCA RATON, FLInstitute of Human Performance As a beta-testing site for the fitness industry’s leading manufacturers, you’ll use the most innovative training tools. And that’s just considered a perk to the first-rate personal training. ihpfit.com

MIAMIReebok CrossFit Miami Beach In a locale that demands year-round beach-body readiness, the dynamic workouts and coaching staff will keep you on track. reebok crossfitmiamibeach.net

CINCINNATITriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion This resortlike certified medical fitness center has been voted one of the Top 100 Clubs in North America for 12 years straight by Club Industry magazine. trihealthpavilion.com

DETROITResults. Performance. Mind. (RPM) With classes no larger than 10 people (and at least two trainers), this is truly personalized attention. The payoff: constant progress. rpmbirmingham.com

CHICAGOFlywheel Sports Stadium seating ensures you always have a clear view of the instructor and the indoor cycling chain’s real-time leader board. flywheelsports.com

Chicago Athletic Clubs With access to any of seven locations—all stocked with equally phenomenal classes and instructors—you can always squeeze in a sweat session. chicagoathleticclubs.com

INDIANAPOLISIndianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST) Muscular imbalances can lead to pain, injury,

BOSTONMike Boyle Strength and Conditioning He’s one of the leading strength and conditioning specialists in the country, yet there’s nothing elitist about this gym. You’ll find more busy moms and accountants than Olympians and Hall of Famers. bodybyboyle.com

Total Performance SportsYou won’t see members glued to the TV or playing with their phones—people here are serious about scoring results. totalperformancesports.com

PHILADELPHIAACAC Just 30 miles from downtown is a gym…no, wait, a fitness megaplex. With tennis and basketball courts, an indoor track, and even an outdoor water park, every inch is a reminder that fitness can be fun. acac.com

SEAL Team Physical Training Created by a former Navy SEAL, this boot camp gives you the chance to train like the country’s finest, without having to go totally G.I. Jane. sealteampt.com

WASHINGTON, D.C.CrossFit D.C. CrossFit comes down to two things: community and coaching. This box excels at both. Classes are on a donation basis and in the heart of downtown. crossfitdc.blogspot.com

Down Dog Yoga Ninety minutes in a crowded, heated room might sound torturous, but teachers at any of the three studios turn it into a totally awesome power vinyasa flow. downdogyoga.com

FITNESS AWARDS

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ANYTIME FITNESS: A membership gets you into all locations (there are more than 2,000!). And it’s open 24 hours. No more excuses. anytimefitness.com

EQUINOX: It may be a pricier monthly membership (think triple digits), but you get what you pay for: cutting-edge classes, the latest equipment, and spalike locker-room amenities. equinox.com

GOLD’S GYM: “Basic” usually gets a bad rap. Here, it translates into 700 locations with the equipment you need at a cost you can afford. goldsgym.com

LIFE TIME FITNESS: Go beyond typical training—join a running club, prep for a triathlon, or even get a personal assessment of your jump shot. lifetimefitness.com

SPORTS CLUB/LA: Local classes—like Mommy Bootcamp in Boston and Aqua Zumba in D.C.—give these clubs a personalized feel. The common denominator: nutrition counseling and tons of other wellness perks. sportsclubla.com

National TreasuresJ.Crew. Chipotle. Target. Just like these cool chains, the five national health clubs here are awesome for good reason: You can trust the quality and service, they’re always on-trend, and there’s likely one near you.

To find out how you can use Foursquare to score cool freebies (like gym passes!) at a gym near you, go to WomensHealthMag.com/FitnessAwards.Gym-Rat Giveaway >136


Tech Support Fitness apps aren’t magic—they won’t instantly shrink your waist. But they can help streamline the process. (And when they’re free, even better!) Download these three winners now.

LOSE IT!Weight loss sounds simple: Eat fewer calories than you burn. But in real life, it’s easy to lose sight of that balance. Not with this digital gem. Track each bite of food and every minute of exercise, and it continually updates you on your daily calorie “budget.”

ENDOMONDOPart training coach, part fitness social network. Whether you’re running, cycling, or skiing, this app records your stats in real time. Find other fit friends and see their workouts, send them live pep talks…even race against them!

INTERVAL TIMER BYDELTAWORKSFrom running to strength training, doing intervals can fast-track your results. But constantly checking a timer can distract and drop your intensity. This app lets you build custom workouts set to your favorite tunes.

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Water BottleGet the best of both worlds: The BPA-free Specialized

HydroFlo squeezes like plastic, but a silicon coating

protects it from mold, stains, and odor—just like glass.

$15, specialized.com

Training WatchThe Garmin Forerunner 210GPS watch and heart-rate monitor scores high marks with tech geeks but really shines for its ease of use.

$250, garmin.comFitness TrackerTuck the Fitbit Oneinto your pocket or

bra and forget about it. It will track

every step (including stairs

climbed) and wirelessly sync to

your mobile device.$100, fitbit.com

SunglassesWith shades, you

usually have to pick efficacy or style. The

face-flattering OakleyBreakpoint delivers UV protection and

won’t slip or bounce while you work out.

$130, oakley.com

SocksNew Balance Technical

NBx Low-Cut Socks offer extra comfort where you want it (toes and heels) and stitched-in support

where you need it (arches).$12, newbalance.com

Wind Windbreakers tend to be too thin to

shield you or they protect but weigh you down. The Columbia Trail Drier Jacket

blocks the elements and packs into itself when the wind dies down.

$90, columbia.com

RainThe Adidas Outdoor W Terrex GTX Active Shellshould have a Ph.D. in waterproofing: The crazy-

cool Gore-Tex membrane knows which moisture to keep out (rain) and which to set free (sweat).

$425, adidas.com

Jackets

Accessories

High Impact The CW-X VersatX Brareally has that X factor:

Hidden webbing within each cup

reduces bounce—minus any torturous

underwire or strangling

compression. $65, paragonsports.com

Large BustThe days of doubling up are over: With the

Moving ComfortJuno Bra, women up to a size 40DDcan feel secure.

$56, movingcomfort.com

Low ImpactWith the contoured

straps and lift-separate-shape cups

of the Champion Dazzle Bra, low

impact doesn’t mean low support.

$36, championusa.com

Sports Bras

FITNESS AWARDS

Yoga MatSlip-resistant without being

sticky, the Manduka ProLite

Yoga Mat lets you flow—not

stumble—through your

sequence. $72, manduka.com

HeadphonesLater, cords! Stream music and take calls

with JayBird BlueBuds Xwireless earbuds. They

stay put during workouts and come with a lifetime warranty against sweat.

$170, jaybirdsport.com

Performance EnhancersAn artist has her brushes; a carpenter, her tools. For an athlete, the right gear is just as important. Consider these your perfect workout partners.

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Winter Snow? Sleet?

Zero degrees? Get outside! The Helly Hansen H2 FlowJacket lets you control the

airflow so you stay warm—but never too warm.

$180, hellyhansen.com

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Tank The barely-there feel of The North Face Better

Than Naked Singletmeans nothing stands

between you and a great workout.

$45, thenorthface.com

PantsTalk about versatile:

Under ArmourStudioLux

Leggings work for yoga,

cycling, and running

errands—and they magically

look as if they’ve been tailored to every set of

stems that slides into them.

$70, ua.com

Yoga The Lululemon

Cool Racerback’ssignature fabric

offers stretch that moves through

Warrior, but holds its body-skimming fit

in Downward-Facing Dog.

$42, lululemon.com

Compression Pants

Like most of its kind, the 2XU Women’s Elite

Compression Tighthelps boost circulation and speed recovery—but these also have a circular knit structure

for unparalleled stretch and support. $140, 2xu.com

ShortsThe perfect length, airy fabric, a flat waistband (read: no muffin top), and a chic print: Adidas

Powerluxe Houndstooth Shorts hit all the right notes. $50, adidas.com

RunningTake the shock (not the spring) out of every

step with the Asics Gel-Nimbus 14.Warning: May lead to extra mileage.

$140, asicsamerica.com for info

Long-SleeveThe GapFit Motion Long-Sleeve Teehas strategically placed panels that

ventilate sweat-prone areas and create the illusion of a trimmer waistline.

$40, gap.com

SkirtWith its delicate details and slim silhouette, the Colosseum Flutter Breeze Skirt looks

too cute to be technical gear. Key word: looks.The fabric moves with you, flat-seam

construction reduces chafing, and hidden shorts prevent accidental flashing.

$54, amazon.com

Cross TrainerThe Nike Free TR Fit 3 gives ample support

and traction, but the barefoot fit ensures that your feet and legs are always engaged.

$100, nike.com

CaprisThe Reebok PWRFitted Capri feels

light but won’t wear thin or lose its curve-hugging fit, no matter how many squats you

bang out. $50, reebok.com

Tops

BottomsShoes

Travel The Lug Puddle

Jumper is a gym/overnight/carry-on trifecta with a spot

for everything— even dirty shoes.

$82, luglife.com

YogaThe problem with most yoga bags? They hold only

your mat! The roomy Athleta Spring Tote certainly solves that.

$79, athleta.com

Every DayA fancy leather

handbag is no place for sneakers. Head from the gym to

happy hour with the juicy-hued PumaFlashdance Tote.

$50, puma.com

Bags

FITNESS AWARDS

TeeSlimming seams on the

NB ICE Short-Sleeve Tee make you look hot, while quick-

drying fabric keeps you cool.$40, newbalance.com

TrailTake the road less traveled: The Brooks

Cascadia 8 handles tough terrain with so much stability, you’ll love paving your own trail.

$120, brooksrunning.com

During the month of March, show us your go-to workout wardrobe for your body type: The readers with the best photos will win a digital styling session with a WH editor. Head to WomensHealthMag.com/BodyType for more info and the rules. Resident 18+, 49 U.S./D.C. (excl. AZ & PR).

Snap Your Shape >

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