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Our 2022 Fitness Awards Winners Will Give Your Workout Routine the Boost It Needs

Shop expert-recommended apparel, sneakers, tech, and more.

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prevention fitness awards 2022

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The time has come. You've taken the holidays to rest and recharge (and perhaps take a break from the gym), and the new year inspiration is setting in. Even if you're not a resolution person, there has to be at least a few fitness goals you'd like to tackle. Whether it's starting a new workout routine or simply revamping your current one, there's no better time to refresh your workout gear, and our fitness awards will help you get the best of the best 2022 has to offer.

To find the items that'll work hard along with you—ranging from moisture-wicking apparel to supportive shoes to innovative tech and more—we tapped a panel of personal trainers and experts: They've tried everything, and they've seen what truly helps themselves and others. We’re sharing 2022’s top apparel, equipment, sneakers, recovery items, and more to help you crush your goals. Without further ado, these pro recommendations are bound to give your workouts the oomph you're looking for.

Meet Prevention's Expert Panel:

apparel prevention fitness awards 2022
Best Workout Leggings

YEAR OF OURS Ribbed Veronica Legging

Ribbed Veronica Legging
$135 at Revolve

“These leggings are one of my favorites because they are so flattering for every body type and the material is so comfortable,” says Butler. “I can take HIIT classes, teach classes, train clients, or run errands in them.” Their V-shaped high waist is super stylish, and the nylon-spandex rib material wicks away sweat.

Best High-Rise Leggings

Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tight

Wunder Under High-Rise Tight
Now 50% Off

Dragone says these are the most comfortable and supportive leggings she owns. "I love them for running, cycling, and strength training," she says. They're made of the brand's slick and low-friction Luxtreme fabric and have a small inner waistband pocket to hold your keys or ID.

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Best Leggings with Pockets

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Out Of Pocket High Waisted Midi Legging

Spacedye Out Of Pocket High Waisted Midi Legging

Patten is a devotee of Beyond Yoga's leggings because "they're not only flattering on everyone, but are so soft and comfortable," she explains. This pair in particular gets bonus points for their roomy pockets and high waistband.

Best Workout Tank

Beyond Yoga Balanced Muscle Tank

Balanced Muscle Tank

Patten loves this tank because it’s supportive, but not overly restrictive, which makes it perfect for working out: “You can wear it all day without feeling suffocated,” she says. Most importantly, it’s not cropped and is made of four-way stretch polyester-spandex blend for ultimate comfort and coverage.

Best Cropped Tank

Lululemon Align Tank

Align Tank

If you saw someone on the street wearing this tank, you may not even guess that it's a workout top. That's the whole point—and why Dragone calls it a closet staple. "I spend most of my time in fitness gear, so it is important to me to feel put together even when I'm sweating," she explains. "This does just that—I have even worn it with jeans!"

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Best Running Socks

Darn Tough Stride Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight Running Sock

Stride Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight Running Sock

“Whether I’m out on a run or scrambling up our local peak, my feet are comfortable (no hot spots or seams), safe, and stylish in Darn Tough socks,” says Valerio. This pair features anti-chafe Merino wool with cooling mesh and a durable, secure fit. The brand is so confident in its craftsmanship that it promises an unconditional lifetime guarantee with every sock.

Best Ankle Running Sock

Bombas Merino Wool Running Ankle Socks

Merino Wool Running Ankle Socks

“I'm a huge fan of the Bomba Merino Running Socks," says Rosen. "I don't get blisters on my heels, which is rare for an ankle sock, and they provide enough cushion to be comfortable without crowding my shoes." Merino wool is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking—ideal for working out—and for every pair of socks purchased, Bombas donates a pair to to homeless shelters in need.

Best Sports Bra

Vuori Mindset Bra

Mindset Bra
Now 50% Off

Accomplish comfort and style in this relaxed, soft sports bra with removable padding and a racerback silhouette. It comes in four warm colors, and Koegel loves that it’s as beautiful as it is functional. “I certainly don’t feel the need to completely change to run a few errands before or after my workout,” she says.

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Best High-Impact Sports Bra

Victoria's Secret Incredible Max Sport Bra

Incredible Max Sport Bra

This bra's hook back closure and adjustable straps make it highly adaptable, ideal for finding the perfect fit. And unlike other sports bras that come in basic small through extra-large sizes, this one is sized by cup and band width. "My favorite feature is the built-in molded cups for shape, support, and coverage, so no silly removable pads to mess with!" says Keepman. "I feel confident and comfortable whenever I work out, even when it's high intensity."

prevention fitness awards 2022
Best Walking Shoes

Hoka One One Clifton 8

Clifton 8
Now 20% Off
Credit: Zappos

Out for a stroll or going for a jog, no matter your activity level, these shoes will support your every move. “I have tried a lot of running shoes and these, hands down, are my favorite,” says Butler. Hoka Cliftons in general are award-winning sneakers, but this pair’s maximum foam cushion and feather-light construction give them a superior rank.

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Best Everyday Shoes

ASICS GEL-Cumulus 23

GEL-Cumulus 23

"Named after the cumulus clouds, the ASICS Cumulus has a soft responsive feel," says Dr. Mendeszoon. "The added gel in the heel makes for great shock absorption and a very comfortable walking shoe." They're also super lightweight and breathable.

Best Running Shoes

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21

Adrenaline GTS 21

Dr. Mendeszoon calls this sneaker a crowd favorite, and for good reason. It has a sleek design, breathable upper mesh, a supportive midsole, and a durable rubber outsole—perfect for taking you toward your running goals.

Most Supportive Shoes

Hoka One One Arahi 5

Arahi 5

"This shoe uses J-frame technology for a supportive, cushioned ride," says Dr. Mendeszoon. In other words, the special build encourages a smoother transition from heel-strike through toe-off. "It's perfect for someone with a low arch who's looking for more cushion and response from a shoe," Mendeszoon adds.

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equipment prevention fitness awards 2022
Best At-Home Weights

TRU GRIT Adjustable Kettlebell Weight Set

Adjustable Kettlebell Weight Set

Save space and money with this recommendation from Emerson—an adjustable kettlebell that offers the experience of multiple weights in one, maxing out at either 20 or 40 (you can do it!) pounds.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

Unlike other stack weights, these dumbbells aren't bulky, and won't take up a lot of space. That's why Dragone loves them. Plus, they range from five to 25 pounds to keep your workouts challenging. "The investment is so worth it for your home gym!" she says.

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Best Exercise Mat

Square36 S36 Large Exercise Mat

S36 Large Exercise Mat

Gone are the days of a workout being interrupted by the curved-up corners of your mat. This one is thick, dense, it stays put, and it comes in five sizes ranging from 6’ x 4’ to 12’ x 6’. “I have the 6’x 6’ mat in my home and do all my workouts on it,” says Emerson.“The quality is unmatched!”

Best Grounding Mat

Earthing Grounding Mat

Grounding Mat
Now 22% Off

Williams recommends a grounding mat to help you connect with the Earth's vibrations without having to go outside. "They are great for meditating, decreasing stress, and improving sleep," he says.

Headshot of Kayla Blanton
Kayla Blanton

Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer-editor who covers health, nutrition, and lifestyle topics for various publications including Prevention, Everyday Health, SELF, People, and more. She’s always open to conversations about fueling up with flavorful dishes, busting beauty standards, and finding new, gentle ways to care for our bodies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University with specializations in women, gender, and sexuality studies and public health, and is a born-and-raised midwesterner living in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and two spoiled kitties.

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