LEVEL-UP YOUR GEAR.
You deserve a summer upgrade. Here, three picks at The Shop, courtesy of Annie Walters, Equinox’s VP of retail.
TYR AQUATIC FITNESS KIT
Are you training in the pool yet? This set includes a trio of tools including aquatic resistance dumbbells, an aquatic flotation belt, and neoprene aquatic resistance gloves.
TIMBUK2 RASCAL BELT BAG
“It’s a fun little runaround bag for summer,” says Walters. You can wear it crossbody or as a fanny pack—ideal for holding essentials during beach workouts and summer hikes.
LARQ SINGLE WALLED WATER BOTTLE
It’s time to (really) hydrate. This bottle purifies water and self-cleans, using UV-C LED technology.
LIVE IN THE MOMENT.
Leaning into a summer full of travel, restaurants, bars, and concerts isn't a bad strategy, Markman says. Making sure that you have some good social experiences is going to be important both because the future is still uncertain and because it's healthy to go out and socialize, which we were all sadly lacking over the past year. "You tend to mirror the actions of people you are with, which makes you like them better,” Markman explains. "That kind of mirroring is hard to do on Zoom, because you don't see their full body and the time delays make that mirroring awkward. All of this gives you a greater sense of community."
Just remember that moderation in the midst of an indulgent summer doesn't have to be an oxymoron: The goal should be maintaining your regular exercise and nutrition routine, with room for treating yourself.
EAT THE ICE CREAM.
If you’re grabbing a pint in the freezer aisle, go for the OG. The sweeteners in low-cal ice cream can lead to bloating and other GI issues, explains Claire Shorenstein, R.D.N., a nutritionist at Nutrition Energy in New York City. Moreover, research in the Canadian Medical Association Journal shows that sugar substitutes may cause healthy people to crave sweets more regularly.
Instead, indulge mindfully, says Shorenstein. “We need to upend the mentality that there should be guilt around eating certain foods. If you’re truly craving ice cream, have a scoop and take your time to savor it.”