The Best Physical Wellness Products for Stronger Workouts and Better Recoveries

Best Lifestyle Leggings: Quince Ultra-Soft Cropped Bootcut Pants

We love a Quince moment — particularly when it’s time to check out, because it always feels like a deal. These cropped pants (with a tiny flare at the bottom) are no exception. They’re moisture-wicking and have four-way stretch, and they’ll fit right into your weekly rotation, whether you wear them to run errands or practice yoga.

Best Low-Impact Leggings: OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Legging

For yoga, stretching, and other low-impact workouts (not to mention day-to-day life), these are a dream. They have a cute crossover waistband and 7/8 length, and with 19 different colorways — everything from hot pink and lilac to black camo — they’ll go with anything else in your closet. “They’re not my go-to for super sweaty sessions or heavy leg days because they’re a bit delicate,” Samborski says, “but for hot girl walks, yoga, or casual wear — they’re a yes.”

Best All-Purpose Leggings: FP Movement Never Better 7/8 Length Leggings

These FP Movement leggings come at a higher price point, but can also handle slightly more intense workouts. With a sweat-wicking, medium-compression material, they won’t let you down whether you’re spinning, lifting weights, or doing squats.

Best Bike Shorts: Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Short 6"

You may already have as many pairs of Align leggings as your budget allows — but don’t sleep on the bike short version, either for workouts or as a summerwear staple (they’re so thin that you can wear them under dresses like a Thigh Society short). You have four length options, but for us the 6-inch pair hits the sweet spot.

Best Running Shorts: FP Movement Carpe Diem Shorts

These cute shorts have the perfect mix of ventilation and coverage — they’re loose, but there’s a built-in brief so you never have to worry about accidentally flashing everyone on your running route. They’re also water-resistant, and Samborski praises them for their fit, particularly for taller runners: “Running shorts sometimes make my legs look stocky, but these are so flattering.”

Best Pilates Socks: Souls. Grip Socks

These aren’t just a pretty face (er…foot?) — they’re also super grippy, i.e. exactly what you need for a demanding Pilates workout. The fun designs are really just there to make you smile as you get changed for class.

Best Everyday Socks: Aritzia Best-Ever Ankle Socks

No, your socks probably aren’t the most exciting thing about your outfit, but if they’re uncomfortable, you’re going to be thinking about it all day. These 80% cotton Aritzia socks are our favorite for day-to-day wear, whether we’re commuting, running errands, hitting the gym after work, or all three.

Best Hiking & Trail Running Shoes: Merrell Antora 4

These hiking shoes have the profile of a more traditional sneaker, but everything you need to tackle light to moderate hiking and trail running. With a super-comfy footbed and an outsole that has serious traction, they’re reliable while also looking cute.

Best Everyday Sneakers: Asics GT-2160

Caring about your physical wellness means finally buying yourself a pair of everyday shoes that won’t make your feet hurt at the end of the day. And that’s exactly what these are. “I wouldn’t pick these for intense training, but for walking, errands, or lighter workouts — they’re super versatile and comfortable,” Samborski says.

Best Running Shoes: Brooks Glycerin Max 2

These running sneakers look absolutely stacked, and they are — they have a huge amount of cushioning, which makes for ultra-comfortable runs (or jogs, or walks). If you’re an avid runner or in training for a big race, your feet will appreciate the extra comfort.

Best Running Socks: Balega

Stop throwing on any old socks when you head out for a run, because these Balega socks are about to change your life. Sure, good shoes are important, but a sock alone can provide cushioning, compression, moisture wicking, and breathability that make a huge difference in how your foot feels both during and after a workout.

Best Low-Impact Sports Bra: Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Unlined Wireless Bralette

When you want to refresh your bra drawer with a touch of ‘90s chic, it doesn’t get easier (or much cheaper) than this low-impact cotton bralette. It’s perfect for light workouts or everyday outings when you’re not looking for a ton of support, and it’s incredibly easy to care for — wash, dry, and repeat. One of our editors has worn hers on a weekly basis for the past five years, and it’s still good as new.

Best Thong: Quince Organic Cotton Thong

Quince’s low-rise thong is made of 95% organic cotton with just a little bit of stretch, so it’s soft and breathable. Aka, just about as comfy as a thong can ever be.

Best Bra Top: Embrace Ribbed Bra Top

Here it is — the effortless tank you’ll be wearing multiple times a week from now on. We particularly like it for light workouts when we want more coverage than just a sports bra. The tank itself is made from Supima cotton, and the built-in bra is designed for cup sizes A-DD. For a less pricey option, we also love this Abercrombie cami with removable pads.

Best Running Bra: Thirdlove Kinetic Adjustable Sports Bra

A wireless, tagless, adjustable bra that you can wear two ways (with straight or crossed straps)? Ideal. Made in cup sizes A-H, this bra provides just-right compression to keep you comfortable and contained while working out.

Best Bikini Underwear: Nude Barre Seamless Bikini Panty

These bikini underwear are designed to work under any outfit (even leggings) without lines or irritation, and their stretchiness ensures you won’t be uncomfortably readjusting under your clothes all day. They come in 12 different nude shades (plus pure black), and while they’re made mostly from polyamide and elastane, they have a 100% cotton crotch.

Best Over-Ear Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Headphones

One of our all-time favorite products, these over-ear headphones can help get you in the zone for a workout, but we’d go so far as to say they boost your mental and emotional wellbeing, too. Whether you need to make it through a tough gym session, buckle down on a work project, or just deeply appreciate your favorite playlist or podcast, we give these a 10 out of 10.

Best Earbuds: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

For that same sound quality on the go, these earbuds are our top pick. Unlike other earbuds, they’re designed to fit like cuffs, which means that you’ll still get great-quality sound without putting yourself in a noise-canceling bubble.

Best Massage Gun: Hyperice Hypervolt 2

Samborski calls this massage gun a great starting point for those who’ve never bought recovery products before. With three speeds and five head attachments, it gives you plenty of options, and it’s both lightweight and very quiet. Plus, the battery’s designed to last up to three hours at a time.

Best On-the-Go Tool for Muscle Relief: Chirp Halo™ Wireless Muscle Stim

For chronic multitaskers, this gadget’s a hero. Choose from pads designed for use on various parts of the body (like the feet, the upper and lower back, or one specifically designed for menstrual cramps), use the free app for help in positioning them, attach one of two Chirp pucks, then use the remote to put them to work. Once they’re all set up, you can finish those last emails of the day, do the dishes, or just sit in silent, unencumbered bliss while your muscles get the relief they need.

Best Wearable Weights: Bala Bangles

“These are such a fun way to add a little extra resistance without overcomplicating things,” Samborski says. Choose from 1-, 2-, and 3-pound options, as well as multiple colorways — from neutral white to glittery gold or a vivid yellow and pink combo that’s basically statement jewelry. They’re made of silicone-wrapped steel, and each set comes with a matching carrying case.

Best S-Hook: LiBa Back and Neck Massager

It’s nothing fancy, but Samborski says, “This is one of those super simple tools that ends up being way more useful than you expect.” It works by hitting trigger points all over the body, and includes a user guide with neck, shoulder, back, and arm exercises. Keep it around for help with “opening up tight areas after lifting or long days on your feet.”

Best Yoga/Stretching Accessories: Gaiam Yoga Block & Strap Set

You don’t need to make a huge investment in yoga gear to see results. In fact, for under $20, this set of two blocks and a strap can get you pretty far when it comes to stretching and modifying poses. “I use these a lot for recovery days or with clients who need more support getting into positions,” Samborski says. The blocks come in handy for other kinds of exercise, too, like strength training or deep core workouts.

Best Protein Powder: Bloom Nutrition Whey Isolate Protein

Getting enough protein feels much less like a chore when Bloom’s protein powder is involved. Available in four flavors (iced coffee, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry milkshake), it has 22 grams of protein per scoop, and whether you blend it into a smoothie or just mix it with water, it’ll give you the boost you’re looking for.

Best Targeted Muscle Relief: Fitzelar Massage Lacrosse Balls

What’s not to love about an affordable, easy-to-carry tool for muscle discomfort? “This is one of my favorite tools for really targeted release,” Samborski tells us. “It gets into spots a foam roller can’t — like deep glutes, hips, and upper back — and helps break up deeper tension. It’s intense, but in a good way.”

Best Muscle Recovery Cream: Penetrex Daily Joint & Muscle Care Lotion

“This is great for localized relief when something is feeling irritated or inflamed,” Samborski says, so consider using it after training if joints or other areas are bothering you. “It’s not going to fix the root issue, but it can definitely help manage discomfort while you’re working on recovery.”