Since I got back from South America the weather has been arctic and I’m not going to lie, it’s been a pretty unpleasant transition. So how, as a personal trainer who works outside and sometimes works out before the sun rises, do I keep warm?
This is my ultimate list of winter fitness kit to keep you warm and keep you moving. It’s easy to spend a fortune on fitness kit, especially in the winter with all of the ‘heat tech’ but I don’t have a fortune so everything I buy has to be good value and affordable. Some of these items I own and use on a regular basis, the others I just want in my wardrobe!
1) H&M fleece headband £6.99
I get way too hot if I wear a full-on hat so this headband has been the perfect compromise. It keeps my ears warm but I don’t overheat. It also fits nicely under my bike helmet which is a massive win for me in this weather
2) Reebok base layer £21.95
This thin long-sleeved top is the best I’ve found to use as a base layer because it’s super soft and comfy and keeps me warm without the sweat-fest that I often find comes with wearing an insulating base layer. It layers well underneath most other tops and the thumb-holes are great to keep my hands warm but my thumbs available to use my phone
3) H&M sweatshirt £24.99
I’m a sucker for a grey sweatshirt and this is a good one. I don’t have this but I love the high neck as it looks a bit like the Nike tech fleece but for a fraction of the price.
4) Gap PrimaLoft puffa jacket £48.99 (in sale)
When I’m teaching outside I don’t like to be too bulked up with a big jacket so this light puffa jacket is the perfect layer. It still allows me to demonstrate exercises to my clients so they can see what my body is doing while keeping me warm. It’s currently on sale, get it before it goes!
5) Gymshark Flex leggings £32
If I’m outside early in the morning I like to layer my leggings because my legs and bum get so unbelievably cold. These new Gymshark leggings have been a lifesaver this week because they’re thin, stretchy and warm underneath my trackies. They’re also super flattering for indoors workouts and comfy enough to lounge around in all day. They’ve just been restocked so watch out for them
6) New Look tracksuit bottoms £9.99
A basic pair of trackies worn over a pair of workout leggings seem to do the trick at keeping out the worst of the cold so while I don’t actually own these I do have a similar pair. My trousers tend to get filthy when I’m working outside so something cheap and dark is best.
7) Sealskinz all weather cycling gloves £20 (in sale)
The worst bit about cycling or exercising outside is your hands getting so cold that you can’t actually grip anything. These gloves, although expensive out of the sale, are the best gloves I’ve ever had. I got them as a present (thanks Mum!) and they keep my hands warm even when I’m cycling into icy rain.
8) Saucony Omni 15 £115
The one bit of kit that I think it’s a good idea to spend money on is trainers. So many issues can be caused by ill-fitting or unsuitable trainers so if you’re an over-pronator like me then I would highly recommend the Saucony Omnis. I’ve worn them for the last 4 years and nothing else supports my ankles as well as these. I don’t have this updated model, I’m still using the Omni 14s but once these go into the sale I might be tempted by the colours
This isn’t a sponsored post by any of these brands, these are all products that I either bought myself and love or would like to have in my fit kit wardrobe.