Fit for All

Health experts expect people to gravitate toward workouts they can do anywhere and look for ways to judge their performance this year – good news for a growing segment of the promotional products industry, where healthy lifestyle and gym/exercise related products and accessories continue to flourish. From performance wearables like T-shirts and tank tops, to accessories like ear buds, headphones, shoe lights, and gym bags, to hydration products, these products have the ability to reach a multitude of audiences, from corporate wellness programs, non-profits, education, trainers, gyms, physical therapists and sports doctors and more.

The increased popularity of wellness tourism, an increase in wearable technology and a growing preference for on-demand workouts are key trends propelling this market, according to Cheryl Gallagher of Starline. “People are looking for products that complement these activities,” she explains. “They want water bottles that are rugged and can survive the wear and tear. They are looking for durable headphones or ear buds and lightweight runner pouches.”

In agreement is BIC Graphic’s Fawbush. “Fitness accessories are in huge demand, particularly those that allow you to carry your smartphone during a workout,” she observes. Items such as the company’s Tech Fitness Belt and the Running Phone Arm Band are both popular and are inspired by similar products at retail, she notes. “Safety is also a concern and lights are gaining in popularity for runners and walkers.” To that end, the company offers a safety shoe light. 

Grethe Adams of Southern Plus maintains that fitness and fashion have collided. “The newly coined term Athleisure captures this trend,” she elaborates. “Athletic wear that is also (or only for some) used as casual attire. So this means you have to follow suit with the accessories as well. The gym bag needs to pass fashion muster, so bye-bye to the traditional roll bag and hello to the much more stylish gym tote.” Southern Plus has added a Cross-over duffel that joins the hot seller Oslo Tote, which Adams says is a great work/gym combo bag.

Performance apparel with a natural feel that is fashionable yet functional is bigger than ever, reports Sion Shaman of Expert Brand. Hot sellers right now, Shaman reports, are one-quarter and half-zip tops that are either worn as a base layer or a pull over, and heather performance T’s/

Triblends have also been a key aspect of gym and crossfit apparel over at Bella+Canvas, Summer Barry maintains, with form-fitted racerbacks for women and fitted Ts for men. “Triblends are in high demand due to their lightweight, soft and breathable quality,” she comments.

Tanks are also a trends driver at HanesBrands, according to Rachel Newman. “They are seen more and more as a core style that can be easily layered,” she comments. “This definitely applies in the gym.”

Sharon Griffith of Pro Towels explains that the company’s hottest products are those that serve a dual purpose, like its CleenFreek® towels. “They not only provide the obvious benefits of a sports towel, but they are treated with CleenFreek®, which fights odor, MRSA, staph infections, and a wide variety of other ‘things’ that lurk around gyms and locker rooms. The number one driver of this product is the nationwide trend in ‘wellness’ programs. These towels provide a perfect product at a great value point!” Griffith adds that this towel is the company’s single most consistent towel – year in and year out.

At Makana Line, the company has seen a huge demand for water bottles in the gym and fitness market. “It's the perfect product consumers need during their workouts,” Erika Greaney reports. “Reusable water bottles are also great for the environment! Over the last 18 months we have added 40 new drinkware items.” Included in the new offerings is an option to add a fruit infuser basket or purifying filter to their bottles.

Gallagher at Starline notes that the company has had continued success with its water bottles, fitness pouches and audio accessories. “This year, we have expanded our line of vacuum water bottles, fitness pouches and Bluetooth earbuds that have high IP ratings, making them dustproof and water/sweat resistant – perfect for any workout regime,” she states. Makana Line’s Greaney adds the company’s newest addition to its drinkware line is its 21-oz., Fruit Infuser Mason Jar. “Our clients are loving them!” she enthuses.

BIC Graphic has added colors to its Shoe Wallet, which Fawbush points out are popular for awareness walks. Additionally, she says that BIC Graphic’s headbands are a “stylish way of adding a little personality to your workout wear.” The company’s Sweaty Bands® Headband features an inner velvet lining that does not slip. The company’s Safety Light Armbands and Bracelets are also doing well.

Ten Triblend colors have been added to Bella+Canvas’s collection. Barry says its solid Triblends have been particularly popular because they have the soft light quality but still look like a solid black, white, navy, or dark grey T. Shaman at Expert Brand adds the company’s new Tritec™ is a performance Triblend fabric that offers moisture wicking attributes with fashionable features.

HanesBrand has unveiled X-Temp® tank styles for men and women. “The Hanes® X-Temp® collection features the patented X-Temp™ technology, which wicks moisture to keep you cool by adapting to temperature, environment and activity for maximum comfort,” Newman details. “The fabric is lightweight, has an incredibly soft hand and comes in a great selection of colors, including fun heathered neons.” The Women’s Hanes® X-Temp® Performance Tank has full-coverage and feminine styling. The tanks is also available in a men’s style.

Murray Siegel points to a number of offerings from Towel Specialties that are strong seller in the fitness market. “The Cold Front Cooling Towel is simple to use and reusable,” he explains. “Just dampen the towel with cool water and wring it out. Seconds later, the water begins an evaporative process that absorbs heat from your skin and provides instant relief.” ColorFusion™ provides an edge-to-edge imprint in unlimited colors, he continues. “Our ColorFusion Workout Towel has been very popular since we introduced it last year. Here’s a great alternative to a T-shirt that prominently puts your logo on display at your next 10K, walkathon, or fitness promotion. Each towel is domestically printed with an edge-to- edge design on highly absorbent blended Turkish terrycloth.”

Brian Porter of Pro Towels adds that towels provide a consistent value each year. “Each season, we’re thankfully not in a position where we have to ‘reinvent’ ourselves each year,” he asserts. “That being said, we do have a new cooling towel, the Frigitowel Xtra Cool that has been the hottest new product we’ve had in years and also fits perfectly for all fitness- and sports-driven events. Simply wet it, and it cools for hours. We’ve been very pleased with its launch!”

Griffith of Towel Specialties agrees with Murray and Fawbush. “Remind the buyer about the long term ROI,” she adds. “When people receive towels, they tend to hold on to them for years. In the big picture, we sell advertising vehicles, and you’re going to want one that stays on the road the longest, and travels the most miles; fitness towels!"

Having a personal experience with the product can help, Starline’s Gallagher maintains. “Do an ice challenge to demonstrate how long a water bottle will keep ice,” she suggests. “This proves that they will keep any beverage cold for the duration of a workout in any environment. Find your favorite pair of earbuds that fit your workout style and put them to the test.”

As the trend toward healthy living continues, clients will look to these products to leave a lasting, healthy impression with their customers!

Stay organized and get ready to listen to your favorites with the Listen Up round plastic ear buds from Bay State. The ear buds come with a silicone and plastic case and are compatible with multiple devices.

This lightweight adjustable waist band with zippered closure from Bullet has two separate compartments to store your keys and electronics as well as earbud port for easy access.

The DriRelease performance short sleeve T-shirt from Dickies withstands your toughest workout, keeping you fresh with a natural odor neutralizer and fabric that dries faster than cotton. It resists wrinkles and is great for layering (no static cling). The shirt is available in black, dark navy, English red, neon yellow, medium heather gray, neon orange, vintage rose and white.

Outperform the competition with the Endurance Poly Hoodie from GAME Sportswear. Featuring 100% polyester performance fleece with a quarter zip pullover for easy on and off, details include a rib knit hem and cuffs; a draw string in hood; color contrast hood, sleeves, stitching, and pocket lining; mesh lined hood and slash front pockets.

Pack up all your workout gear and go with this 22" Puma duffle from Kati Sportcap & Bag. Is has a large main zippered compartment with a zippered shoe pocket (and another pocket just in case.) Made of 100% polyester, it has a reinforced top carry handle that’s hidden until you’re ready to extend it and pull the duffle on its trolley wheels to your destination.

New from Prime Line, this PVC and silicone clip lights up for visibility after dark. Two CR2016 batteries included. One size fits most, fitting securely on the back of shoes. The button on/off offers flashing or steady mode to ensure maximum visibility. Black clip has white power button, the white clip has a blue power button.

This gym sack from Sportsman Cap & Bag is the perfect size for workout gear – or any sport outing. It’s 100% polyester, featuring webbed shoulder straps with drawstring closure. It has color block side panels and a side zippered front pocket.