Alright. We’re a couple of weeks in now. The holiday season is well and truly over, and now it’s time to get serious about your new year’s resolutions. If any of yours are fitness related, buying some new gear is always a great way to spark motivation. Stay away from the fluoro and check out our round-up of some of the best understated and minimalist workout gear for men…
Nike – Free RN iD
The Nike Free RN is one of the brand’s most popular athletic shoes and for good reason. Their lightweight construction makes you feel like you’re wearing barely anything on your feet, allowing for easy and natural movement. The shoe’s design is already pretty simple but with Nike iD, you can make them look even more refined.
Buy: Nike
Morihata – Lana Compact Bath Towel
Morihata’s Lana Compact Bath Towel is the ideal gym companion. It’s lightweight, very absorbent, and folds down enough that it won’t take up a heap of space in your bag. The towel’s minimalist look makes it a stand-out from the usual style of gym towels you’ll find at your local sportswear store. It’s perfect for those who value style as well as functionality.
Buy: Need Supply
Falke – RU5 Invisible Sock
You can’t just use any old pair of socks when you’re working out. Bad socks can turn into bad blisters, so avoid the pain and pick up a high-quality pair. The Falke RU5 Invisible Sock is a good choice. The three-layered fabric structure helps wick away sweat swiftly to keep you comfortable. Plus the socks feature special toe boxes to help avoid those dreaded blisters.
Buy: The Practical Man
Outdoor Voices – New Weekender Sweats
When it’s too cold to work out in shorts or you simply just need something casual and comfortable to lounge in, the Outdoor Voices New Weekender Sweats are ideal. Their soft, lightweight jersey construction means you’ll remain comfortable all day while the tapered leg keeps them stylish enough to wear out of the house and still look put together.
Buy: Huckberry
Kor – Nava Sport Water Bottle
We don’t need to tell you how important it is to stay hydrated when you’re working out. It’s a lot easier to do when your water bottle is sleek and functional too. Kor‘s Nava Sport Water Bottle was made with athletes in mind, so it’s super easy to use when you need a quick dose of water between sets. A push-button cover makes it quick to open, plus the bottle makes for easier drinking thanks to its Easy-Flow spout and straw.
Buy: Rushfaster
SQD Athletica – Chapter Tee
Much like your socks, having dedicated workout t-shirts is a way better idea than using ratty, old cotton tees. The SQD Athletica Chapter Tee is designed to help you get the most out of your exercise routine. Its moisture wicking fabric construction means you won’t feel weighed down by uncomfortable sweat after a while, leaving you feeling fresh after a hard gym session. The tailored cut also ensures you still look good during your workout.
Buy: SQD Athletica
Apple – Apple Watch Series 2 
The Apple Watch Series 2 is great for tracking multiple types of exercise and since it’s water resistant up to 50 metres, you can even wear it to track your laps in the pool. In addition to using it for fitness, it’s great for day-to-day smartwatch functions like calendar reminders, e-mails, phone calls, and more.
Buy: Apple
Outdoor Voices – Runner’s High Shorts 
A very practical pair of shorts, the Outdoor Voices Runner’s High Shorts will help you perform so well you’ll be experiencing that much sought after runner’s high in no time. They feature a built-in compression liner to deliver maximum comfort. Plus, they have two side pockets and a rear pouch to keep your keys, phone, or cards in when you need to take them with you.
Buy: The Practical Man
Zanerobe – Rec Tech Spray Jacket
Zanerobe recently expanded their extensive collection to include an athletics range too. Called the Rec Collection, it features the Tech Spray Jacket, which is a great all-rounder for workouts in cooler weather. It also makes for a great piece of travel gear too. The jacket is water-resistant and features toggles to keep the wind out, all while looking very minimal and understated.
Buy: General Pants Co.
AS Colour – Duffel Bag
Having something as simple as a dedicated gym bag can make it that much easier to get you out the door and working out. Knowing the bag is there ready and filled with all your gear means you really don’t have any excuses not to go. The AS Colour Duffel Bag is a good choice for this. It features a large main compartment that will comfortably hold all your stuff, plus its mid-weight polyester construction means it’ll hold up through years of use.
Buy: Rushfaster