Leggings that make you jog FASTER
... and other brilliantly clever new fitness gear
WHILE signing up for a triathlon may not be top of everyone’ s New Year to- do list, many of us will have resolved to run, walk and generally exercise more this month.
And the good news is, there’s lots of innovative clothing to help us get moving. From a bra that can hold your iPod to jeans you can jog in, 2016’s sports kit is more high-tech than ever. ALICE ROBINSON tries out the smartest fitness wear . . . HIGH-TECH TIGHTS FOR SPEEDIER RUNS Techfit Triax-Print Long Tights, €43, adidas.ie WHAT ARE THEY? Brand new from Adidas, these are a stunning pair of running tights in navy blue, with a brightly coloured diamond pattern. Made from recycled fabric, it is claimed they focus muscle energy with what Adidas calls tech fit compression, helping you work out better. HOW DO THEY WORK? Compression is used in many medical applications to help pump blood efficiently round the body.
It makes sense that compressing leg muscles in tight material boosts or maintains circulation. The snug cut also gives postural support, making you stand up straighter, and they are so comfortable and flattering you look as if you’ve had liposuction.
STAY SAFE IN GLOWING GLOVES
Novaglow gloves, €10.99, glow.co.uk WHAT ARE THEY? These gloves are white by day and glow green at night — clearly useful for safety on dark January afternoons. HOW DO THEY WORK? Like all glow-in-the-dark products, these contain phosphors — substances that radiate visible light after being energised.
Glow Gloves gather UV light from lightbulbs or the sun and react by giving off a gentle green glow for up to two hours.
You can recharge them time and again, and they’re machine-washable.
WORK OUT IN SKINNY JEANS
Replay Hyperskin jeans, €156€185, replayjeans.com WHAT ARE THEY? The idea of working out in jeans and then carrying on with your day has been unfeasible until now — but Replay’s Hyperskin jeans are made of ultra-flexible material. HOW DO THEY WORK? They look like any other pair of skinny jeans (if a little shinier): smart and appropriate for the school run or, with a rollneck sweater, a relaxed office.
But these are made f rom incredibly flexible material and f eel l i ke ultra- comfortable tracksuit bottoms, with amazing give — more like Lycra than denim. The breathable fabric has wicking qualities too, so you don’t get too sweaty.
A SECRET POCKET FOR YOUR KEYS
TriMax Compression Seamless Sports Bra, €22, was €44, bellumactive.co.uk WHAT IS IT? A bra in which to store your valuables. It’s a high-quality, noseam compression sports bra with a racer back. The f a br i c is designed to wick or absorb sweat away f rom your skin, and gives good support without underwiring by means of a wide base band. There i s also a l oop through which to thread your iPod headphones. HOW DOES IT WORK? A small inner pocket has space for a key, spare change and an iPod.
SAY GOODBYE TO SMELLY SOCKS
Bridgedale WoolFusion Trekker CuPED socks, €21, cotswoldoutdoor.com
WHAT ARE THEY? These WoolFusion socks have copper ions embedded in the fibres to ensure feet stay fresh, as well as keeping toes warm and dry. There is extra cushioning around the Achilles to stop chafing on the heel and added Lycra in the arch and ankle for further support and extra stability. HOW DO THEY WORK? Copper is known for its antiinflammatory effects, as well as reducing fungi, bacteria and odours.
BEAT THE BURN IN A UV SHIRT
UV shirt in blue ice by Coolibar, €82, uv-fashions.co.uk
WHAT IS IT? An i ngenious Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) top to protect you from the sun.
As well as being a sexy midthigh length light blue shirt with a hood and handy pockets for suncream and a purse, this is loose, cool and long enough to wear to a cafe for lunch.
HOW DOES IT WORK? It’s made from Coolibar’s Suntect UPF50+ f abric, which is embedded with the sort of protective ingredients found in sun cream itself — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
What’s more, it won’t wash out or f ade, even in salty or chlorinated water.