Having the right kit can make all the difference in your enjoyment of keeping fit and active. That’s why we rounded up a panel of experts to find the best fitness gear. Here are some of the winners of the inaugural Prevention Australia Fitness Awards.
Keep an eye on our website for more about the winners in the coming weeks.
Meet our experts
- Exercise scientist Kathleen Alleaume
- Fernwood Fitness Trainer Heather Jenkinson
- Prevention beauty editor Cecily-Anna Bennett
- Podiatrist Vanessa Hadchiti
- Textile Expert Dr Clara Vuletich
- Dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta
Selected Prevention Fitness Awards Winners 2023
Here are some of the best fitness items for your home gym and active lifestyle, as voted by our experts.
The all weather jacket
Mama Movement Spray Jacket in Wild Flower, $109
Made from recycled plastic bottles, this jacket’s waterproof shell makes it a useful addition to an all-weather routine. Bonus: large zip pockets.
“It’s lightweight with a comfortable fit and perfect for walking,” says Alleaume. “Plus, you’ll stand out in the crowd!”
The beautiful yoga mat
Wild Mingo Yoga Mat in Dot, $119
This pretty, comfy mat is made from recycled rubber and microsuede, and fully machine washable.
“A soft mat with a lovely design that makes you feel calm and grounded,” says Jenkinson. “These ‘suede feel’ mats are well suited for lighter-impact exercise, such as Yin yoga and Pilates.”
The at-home Pilates aid
Bahe Pilates Bar, $69.99
Set Easy to store with medium resistance tubes and foot straps, it’s a firm favourite with Jenkinson: “I absolutely love this bar!” she says. “It’s versatile and lightweight; I use it for both Pilates and other full-body workouts.”
The natural Deodorant
Eco Sonya Lemongrass Natural Deodorant, $19.95
Free from aluminium, bi-carb and synthetic fragrances, “this is a very good natural alternative that smells nice,” Dr Gupta says. “It contains key ingredients, including lemongrass, organic shea butter and native lemon, to keep you feeling fresh.”
The adjustable strength-builder
PTP Aquacore Kettle Bell, $69.99
A unique tool that uses the weight of water to create stability and boost strength training. “This kettle bell is made of tough PVC (with a soft neoprene handle) and can be filled to different weights, making it very versatile,” says Jenkinson. “Ideal for the outdoor fitness enthusiast.”
The body wash
L’Occitane Shower Oil, $39
A silky shower oil that foams like a cleanser and is packed with almond oil and lipids to nourish skin. Good to soothe post-workout skin and easy to store in your gym bag.
The super-supportive walking shoes
Rockport ProWalker Next Premium, $240
The full-leather upper gives durability, flexibility and breathability, says Hadchiti, while “the heel counter is firm and deep for stability, but not too hard.” Spacious enough for any painful lumps and bumps on your toes. “This is an all-round great everyday shoe.”
The resistance trainer
Medifit Active Tube 1 Light, $29.99
This multi-functional resistance band can be used indoors and out, and fits in your backpack. “Good for a whole-body workout to improve strength, flexibility, stability and balance,” says Alleaume.
The weighted gloves
TXO Weighted Gloves, $35
These 500g gloves have the weights on the back of the hands to not compromise floor work (hello, burpees!).
“It ups the intensity of your workout,” says Alleaume. “I wore them while skipping and felt my arms and shoulders burn! It works well to develop speed, strength and tone.”
The soft-cup sports bra
Berlei Post-Surgery Active Bra, $64.95
Ideal to ease back into low-impact exercise after surgery, this soft and durable sports bra was designed with Breast Cancer Network Australia. It features inner pockets and a self-locking zip front.
The comfy undies
Step One Bamboo Bikini Briefs in Bossy Bums, $25
Made from organic, breathable, uber-soft moisture-wicking bamboo with a barely there feel and comfy waistband. “Bamboo has a lower environmental footprint than cotton or polyester,” explains Dr Vuletich.
The yoga block
Wild Mingo Joy Yoga Block, $44
Yes, it’s beautiful and sustainably made, but this yoga block also provides sturdy support. “I love the splash of colour,” says Alleaume. “It’s bright enough to prompt me to do gentle stretches before bedtime.”
Jenkinson agrees: “The perfect gift for a slower- flow or Yin practitioner.”
All prices are correct as of July 2023 and may change.
See the full list of Prevention Fitness 2023 winners. Plus keep an eye out for more articles on our winners in the coming weeks.
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