Upgrade Your Spring Fitness Workouts With These Tester-Approved Essentials

A running hat is a must-have in the spring: It adds a bit of warmth when it’s chilly, protects your scalp from sunburn, and keeps the sun (or rain!) out of your eyes. This staple from Lululemon made our list of the best warm-weather running gear thanks to the airy fabric and moisture-wicking mesh sweatband that help you stay cool and dry as temps heat up.

“The stretchy fabric basically molds to my head, keeping it put during rigorous activity,” says tester Brittany Vargas. “It’s also super cute, which is definitely a motivator for getting me outside.”

Want to take your workout off the beaten path? This zero-drop shoe has responsive cushioning and grippy outsoles to help you keep your footing on rugged terrain. When we tested a previous model for our roundup of the best podiatrist-recommended running shoes, these trail runners stood out for their “outstanding grip and traction,” Vargas says. “They’re also cushioned and comfy, without sacrificing ground feel, so I could still feel and navigate the earth beneath me.”

The newer Lone Peak 9 has been reengineered with lighter-weight foam, a roomier toe box, and even more grip.

The no-show version made our list of the best running gear for hot days, thanks to light cushioning and arch support that help lessen fatigue on a long walk, run, or hike. “The knitted mesh design made them highly breathable and moisture-wicking, perfect for sweaty workout sessions,” Vargas says.

For spring sports, we like the ankle length, which offers a little extra warmth and comes in a multipack of bright colors.

This breathable tank is lightweight and formfitting, so it won’t feel bulky when you’re layering up. When testing the best women’s workout apparel for 2026, this ranked as our favorite tank top.

“Mesh vents on the back and armpit areas kept me cool during my sweatiest sessions, the racerback design allowed for unrestricted movement, and the high neck and hip length were very flattering,” says Vargas.

If it’s chilly at the start of your workout, this long-sleeve layer can take the edge off. It made our list of the best winter running gear as a long-sleeve base layer, but it also transitions easily into the spring as a breathable outer layer. The nylon-elastane fabric is “thick enough to keep me warm but breathable enough to be worn as my body temperature starts to heat up,” Vargas says.

When we tested the best electrolyte powders of 2026, this clean and balanced mix was our overall favorite. It replenishes 500 mg of sodium per serving and comes in citrusy flavors like Raspberry Lemonade and Tropical Punch.

If you dread the thought of lugging a water bottle through an outdoor cardio session, invest in a hydration pack that leaves your hands free.

This waist pack has an angled pocket so you can grab a sip without breaking your stride, and there’s a separate zippered pocket to stash your phone, keys, or energy gels. The insulated pocket also kept water cold during a long bike ride, according to Alexandra Klausner, who tested this BPA-free bottle for our roundup of the best water bottles.

Experts suggest women aim for around 2.7 liters of water per day and men aim for 3.7 liters per day from all sources, including other beverages and water derived from foods you eat. (Note: Your individual needs may vary depending on how much activity you're engaging in and your environment.) A water bottle can help you track your hydration throughout the day and serve as a visual reminder to keep sipping.

When we tested the best reusable water bottles, the CamelBak Chute Mag stood out as our top pick for sports because of its insulated design, convenient carry handle, and a high-flow spout that makes it easy to chug. Plus, the warm and vibrant color options give off spring vibes.

These bite-sized chews are easy to stow in a pocket or running belt. Each packet delivers 22 g of carbohydrates for a quick pick-me-up, along with 420 mg of amino acids for muscle repair. (If your energy is seriously lagging, the strawberry flavor also provides 20 mg of caffeine.)

We’ve found them to be a popular pick among runners who don’t like the texture of gels but still need a portable, fast-acting fuel option. And they’re available in refreshing flavors, like Blueberry Pomegranate and Salted Lime, so you’ll actually look forward to refueling.

In testing the best protein powders of 2026, this vegan option was our favorite for adding to smoothies. “It was soft and not overly sweet at all, and best of all, not chalky,” Vargas says. While some protein powders have lengthy ingredient lists, this one contains just four ingredients.

It provides 20 g of pea protein isolate per serving, and the creamy vanilla flavor pairs perfectly with fresh fruits for a sweet spring smoothie.

As the UV index starts to climb, it’s more important than ever to protect your skin from sun damage. But even if the forecast is calling for spring showers, you should still slather on SPF.

“People can get sunburns during overcast days, so it’s recommended to wear sunscreen regardless of weather,” says Stephanie Saxton-Daniels, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology in Dallas. Look for a water-resistant formula if you’ll be sweating, she adds, and reapply every two hours — no matter how high the SPF rating is.

After months of dreary, dark winter weather, the sun will be making a comeback, so make sure you’re shielding your eyes from UV rays. When our team tested the best running sunglasses on the market, these comfy, classic shades were ranked as the best value. The polarized glasses reduce glare, and the grippy coating keeps them from slipping, even when you’re sweaty. Plus, they’re available in a variety of bright colorways for spring.

If sniffling, sneezing, and itching are putting a damper on your outdoor workouts, look for an allergy med that won’t zap your energy. “Nonsedating antihistamines are usually better for exercise because they are less likely to make you drowsy or impair your coordination,” Dasgupta says.

When we polled experts about the best over-the-counter allergy meds, this nondrowsy antihistamine topped their lists because the easy-to-swallow tablets kicked in within an hour and provided all-day relief.

Music can help you power through a tough workout, but it can also keep you from hearing potential hazards around you. These bone-conduction headphones are a cult favorite among runners because the open-ear design lets you listen to your playlist without tuning out your surroundings.

While there’s also a Pro model with upgraded audio and longer battery life, I’ve found this standard set is a bit lighter and offers better waterproofing for rainy days and sweaty workouts.

For a unique spin on resistance bands, the P.band from Pvolve has glove-like handles at each end so you can keep a firm grip on the band as you build upper-body strength. “I really like that these connect to your hands so you can focus on your workout without having to worry about the band accidentally slipping through your hands if you stretch it too much (if you’ve ever snapped a resistance band, you’ll understand!),” says editor Ashley Ziegler. 

“The glove design allows you to focus on your movements instead of hanging on to the band,” she adds. It’s worth noting there’s only one resistance option. Ziegler says it was plenty for her, but it may not be enough for everyone.

Kettlebells make it easy to bring functional strength training into the great outdoors, since you can build a full-body workout around one piece of equipment. But it isn’t really practical to toss a standard cast-iron kettlebell into your gym bag. That’s why we love this soft kettlebell. It’s comfortable to carry, and the cushioned base is less likely to wreck your wrists, clatter against the ground, or crack if it hits the pavement.

“I love the idea of soft kettlebells, and these fit the bill — they have a coated nonslip grip and soft shell base filled with steel sand,” says editor Lili Ladaga. “I’ve avoided using kettlebells at home because I have wood floors.”

For outdoor yoga, we love this Solana mat. The durable foam is thick enough to protect your hands and feet from any rocks or roots underneath but grippy enough to keep you feeling stable. Plus, it comes in a variety of spring-ready jewel tones and pastels.

If you want the trifecta of portability, affordability, and versatility, resistance bands and loops are hard to beat. This set of loops is a staple in home gyms because of their budget-friendly price point and five levels of resistance so you can ramp up the tension as you build strength.

Each set includes an instruction book with suggested exercises to target every major muscle group, along with a convenient drawstring pouch that can easily be tossed in your beach bag, backpack, or duffel.

We like this weighted vest from Goruck that comes in three colors (Black, Storm, and Desert Rock) and three weights (8, 12, and 16 pounds). “This was my first experience with a weighted vest, and I don’t have many complaints about this one,” says tester Nicole Bonaccorso. “I liked that this is low profile. This is the perfect vest to wear on a walk, a hike, or even while doing housework.”

This vest is great for beginners thanks to padded shoulder straps, an ergonomic shape, and low profile. It also features reflective stripes if you’re working out at night.