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Best Men's Fitness Gear

By Paige Waehner, About.com

Updated June 11, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Men need quality gear for great workouts, both indoors and outdoors. Check out these shorts, shirts, footwear and gadgets for the best in fitness and exercise. This gear is great for any sport or activity.

1. Asics Gel Intensity Cross-Trainer

For an all-around quality workout shoe, you can't go wrong with the Asics Gel Intensity. These shoes offer lateral support, which is great for they guy who enjoys a variety of activities. This is a lightweight shoe and even includes a sockliner for moisture management. If he's a runner, I would stick with dedicated running shoes but for gym workouts and other activities, the Gel Intensity is a great choice.
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2. TheraCane

I admit, the TheraCane is a little odd, but my husband has gotten quite a bit of use out of it. It's shaped like a cane (thus, the name) with little knobs sticking out in various places that allow you to massage tight, knotty places in the back, neck and shoulders. This is a great gift for the stressed out guy who needs to release a little tension.
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3. Patagonia Men's R1 Flash Pullover

My husband has one of these, not that he ever gets to use it because I've stolen it (I hid it near the mop and I know he doesn't know where that is). Seriously, this all-purpose pullover is perfect for a variety of workouts and activities. He can wear it alone when it's chilly out or over a thin baselayer when it's colder. It's thin, breathable, comfortable and it looks great.
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4. Body Glide Anti-Friction

While it can be an embarrassing thing, chafing is a common problem for active men. Body Glide is great for those hotspots on your ankles or feet or if you have a pair of shorts that tends to chafe your legs. This can be a problem in long-distance running, so keep a stick handy to avoid nasty blisters or chafing.

5. New Balance NBx Cocona Sports Top

One of the biggest problems with exercise is the sweat factor and, what usually follows, the stink factor. Luckily, clothing manufacturers appreciate our concerns and have come up with new technology reduce odor. The New Balance NBx uses a technology of combining charcoal to polyester which helps wick sweat away as well as control odor. It also offers UV protection and includes an inner pocket to store your phone or MP3 player.
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6. Men's Nike Fundamental Running Shorts

My husband will wear a pair of shorts until they're a ratty, tatty mess. Because I'm constantly having to buy him new shorts, I've spent time trying to figure out what he likes and what he doesn't. These Nike running shorts are a favorite of his - they're light, comfortable and breathable and they include an inner lining and a key pocket. They're just the right length - not too short and not so long that they interfere with his workouts. These are a good choice for a variety of activities.
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7. Merrell Primo Breeze Slides

Isn't the best part of exercise when you're finished? What better reward than to slip on these comfortable shoes after a hard workout? These comfortable slides are perfect after a workout and stylish enough to wear to dinner. Merrell is known for high quality shoes, so these will last you a long time.
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8. Asics Performance Running Hydrology Socks

If you're a runner, you're probably particular about your socks. If you're ready for a switch, these Asics performance socks will become your new favorites. They're thin, lightweight and low cut and they're made with technology that allows for the quick distribution of moisture away from the skin. These are perfect socks for warmer weather workouts.
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9. Golf GPS Unit

If you are a little golf-obsessed, as my husband is, the latest GPS gadget will be your new best friend. The golf GPS unit, made by a variety of companies and with a variety of different features, may actually improve your golf game. Many of the units offer course distances for every green along with the bunkers and other annoying golf hazards. Most range from $299 to $499 but, if you're a regular golfer, it may be one way to lessen golf frustration - a common problem with anyone trying to hit a tiny ball to a hole far, far away.
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10. Poker Table Top Game

I realize this has nothing to do with fitness, but my husband has gotten crazy over poker lately and I was thinking of getting him this so he can practice his poker skills. It has a casino-quality playing surface and trays for drinks and poker chips. No chips included.
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