Sports Gear

While many of us think of the gym as a modern invention, it was, of course, born in Ancient Greece. But more than just a place devoted to physical training, their gymnasium included many disciplines, such as philosophy, literature and music. To the early Greeks, “exercise” meant holistic self-improvement, and they believed that the mind could not thrive if the body was neglected. While modern civilisation may not have completely given up on this idea, it is certainly under threat. With fewer sports, PE and activities in schools, longer working hours and sedentary lifestyles, the link between “mens sana in corpore sano” (to jump civilisations for a moment), is at an all-time low.

Today, it’s more important than ever to revisit the Greek and Latin schools of thought, which valued the conditioning of both body and mind as one. For modern man (that’s you) that means sucking it up, going to the gym, and training smart. So whether you’re into lifting weights, or prefer a few rounds of high-intensity racquetball, here’s the best gear for a workout to get back in shape and enjoy your time doing it. And you might as well make use of some great sports gear along the way. Here are some of our favourites.

Skins Men's Bio A400 Long Tights

A combination of innovative compression tech and streamlined design make SKINS long tights your perfect training partner for endurance-based exercise. Skins long tights have strategically placed memory panels that support the glutes, quads, hamstrings and calf muscles so you can run harder and faster for longer, without the risk of injury holding you back. In 1996, an Aussie skier had a bold ambition to feel ten years younger so he could ski all day, party all night and be ready the next morning to do it all again. Today, Skins comprise 160 products and are sold in 31 countries across the world. Could they improve your performance?

Available on Skins.net at £100.

Fitbit Charge HR Wireless Heart Rate + Activity Wristband

Monitor your heart rate automatically and continuously right on your wrist to accurately track calorie burn, maintain workout intensity, maximise training and optimise health. Take control of your goals by using Charge HR to record your workouts and track all-day activity like heart rate, steps, distance, calories burned, stairs climbed and active minutes. Charge HR automatically and wirelessly syncs your stats to your computer and 150+ leading smartphones, and tracks your progress in detailed charts and graphs that keep you encouraged to reach your fitness goals.

Available on Lazada from RM584.

Asics Men's Gel Kayano Series Running Shoes

If you’re planning on running your way to fitness, don’t be tempted to use your old trainers. More injuries have arisen from unsuitable footwear than any other reason. One of our favourites, that will stand you in good stead no matter how many miles you are planning to run, is the Asics Kayano. The upper part can be stretched in four directions and thus has a high flexibility, while the exoskeletal heel provides good support and locks firmly on the heel. The fitted gel pads provide excellent cushioning for your feet, and the grooves in the sole provide sufficient grip for most running surfaces.

Available on Lazada for RM649.

JetBlack M5 Pro Magnetic Trainer Fit System & App

Cycling has long been known to be a great way to get fit, but if you don’t live in an area that lends itself to scenic rides, consider one of these systems that can be installed at home or in your workplace. The JetBlack M5 Pro is a high quality, magnetic resistance bicycle trainer. Magnetic resistance allows fine tuning of your training schedule through the combination of five levels of resistance adjustment and correct gear selection. Enjoy specifically tailored workouts, and even experience climbing. When used with the full range of JetBlack sensors, you could enjoy training sessions identical to those used by professional cycling teams.

Available on 99Bikes.com.au for AU$250.

Hydration and Energy – The Adidas 3 Bottle Belt

Whatever method you employ to get into shape, you need to make sure your body gets enough fluids and energy. Don't rely on thirst alone to tell you how much you need to drink. To keep your muscles working and avoid fatigue it's extremely important to drink plenty of liquids before, during, and after the activity. One of the most simple but clever gadgets we’ve seen is this great belt, that holds three 170 ml bottles in the belt and a front zip pocket that's roomy enough for a mobile phone and an energy bar. Fill it with water and your preferred energy drinks, and you’ll be able to have a drink or some energy on hand whenever it is needed.

Available on adidas online for SG$45.

Find all these essentials and many more collections of sportswear, shoes, equipment, gadgets and more at Anaconda Stores, your one-stop shop for all things sport, outdoor and fitness. Shop the range on https://www.anacondastores.com/ and find everything you need to get fit.