CrossFit or cycling? Muscle gains or marathon training? Here is the gear the MR PORTER team are into this new year.

It’s the time of year for stepping things up. Stepping up your ambitions, stepping up your abstemious side, stepping up your fitness routine. So why not your sports kit at the same time? The MR PORTER team are a mixed (gym) bag when it comes to sport. Some of us swear by Barry’s Bootcamp, some of us are (occasionally) sweary cyclists, but most of us swear that this is the year we will finally incorporate gym visits, yoga and runs along the river into our routines for the whole 12 months. Here’s the kit that’s going to help us on our way.

Gym bag? No thanks. I go to the gym after work, before play, so I need a bag that’s good enough to take to the office as well as a dinner in town. The last thing I want anyone to know is that I’m lugging around pongy trainers and a damp vest. So, I’m concealing them in a backpack and this one from Bottega Veneta is smart, not just for its signature intrecciato woven-leather flap. It has a pocket on the reverse to keep your laptop away from your sweaty kit and any leaky toiletries. Speaking of sweating, I do, a lot (TMI?), but this Under Armour training top with sections of mesh somehow manages to cool and absorb and prevent chafing all at the same time. And I like compression shorts like these – also from Under Armour – because, for some reason, they make me work harder on the leg press.

It’s a tough time of year for the cyclists among us who are still braving the real world rather than sitting on a turbo trainer watching box sets or pretending they’re head to head with Mr Alberto Contador on Zwift. With some strategic kit choices, you’d be surprised how long you can keep going into winter – these Defend bib shorts from Pas Normal Studios have an amazing tech fabric that is both wind- and rain-resistant while adding minimal bulk. This gilet from Café du Cycliste is fantastic over the colder months, with a mixture of padded insulated front and breathable fleece back it also adds a pop of colour to my usually militantly noir kit. Alternatively, just do as I do and head to Spain for some out-of-season UV. Fingers crossed for sun, but the SPF moisturiser will be in my kit bag just in case.

I go running out of mental as well as physical necessity. It clears my pinballing head and ensures I don’t bust out of my expensively assembled wardrobe. The main struggle at this inclement time of year is summoning the willpower to exercise in order to undo the damage wrought by festive overindulgence. (At the time of writing, I am approximately 23 per cent mince pie.) For anyone braving the elements while training for the London Marathon, for example, I recommend wearing these Nike running tights underneath your shorts. They are made with AeroLoft technology, which is insulating yet breathable. These reflective wind- and water-repellent Patagonia gloves are touchscreen compatible, so you don’t need to take them off when toggling between your running app and your playlist/podcast. And the matcha green tea in this Lean Boost supplement helps to kick-start your metabolism to expedite the new year transformation from panettoned to toned. Now I just need to leave the house. Maybe tomorrow.

The joke goes: How do you know if someone does CrossFit? Because they’ll tell you. But the truth is I have loads of friends that are curious and ask me what this exercise regime is about. CrossFit was created by Mr Greg Glassman in 2000; it is a high-intensity fitness program which incorporates elements from several sports, such as weightlifting, running, rowing and more. If you decide to give it a go in the new year, I suggest investing in the best kit. The most important is a pair of shoes that will allow you to sprint or run during the aerobic workouts, but that will also support you and give you stability when you lift weights. I suggest a pair of Nike Metcon DSX sneakers. This model in particular have Flyknit uppers, making them breathable and flexible, and the midsoles offer firm support during squatting exercise. Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated – this stainless steel water bottle will do the trick. And of course you’ll need a stylish backpack to carry it all around in.

As an avid runner and someone with flat feet, I’ve injured myself too many times by wearing sneakers that don’t provide enough support for my sunken arches. These Under Aromour sneakers have balanced my stride and the cushioning helps to reduce the impact from running on concrete. I prefer to run at night because the streets are free from aggressive commuters. In the winter months, I like an extra layer and this Nike shell quilted down gilet is ideal. It’s lightweight and conveniently packs down into its own pocket – perfect when you’re halfway through a 10K. Using a foam roller is the next best thing to having a massage after a decent run. This handheld one from Triggerpoint melts away tension and eases any lingering aches.

It’s no surprise that the bike racks at the MR PORTER office start to thin out when the clocks go back. Winter is not always kind to the cyclist. Rain, wind, ice and darkness can make life difficult, but getting somewhere under your own steam is always better than standing 10-deep on a freezing station platform waiting for a delayed train (thanks, Southern Rail). So, let’s go with Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ famous trope: “There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”. Your hands are where you feel the cold first, and Castelli’s Estremo cycling gloves deserve a round of applause for saving my digits on numerous rides, and it’s finally time to replace mine. Elsewhere, the key phrase is temperature regulation. You need to be warm when you start off, but not hot and flustered by the time you get to where you’re going. This bright base layer from Chpt./// (sunglasses are advisable – and not just for the low-lying sun) and Pas Normal Studios lightweight jacket should make getting from A to B survivable at least.

My flatmate and I have solemnly sworn to join a gym and chisel ourselves into perfection together throughout 2018 (so original, I know). My main inspiration in this regard seems to come from Hollywood movies. The physique (and hair) I’m aiming for next year is Patrick Bateman. However, in my current state, I am predicting a Twins-like scenario, where my flatmate takes the extremely fit muscle machine role of Mr Arnold Schwarzenegger and I take on the less obviously healthy role of Mr Danny DeVito. To avoid this scenario, I’ll be updating my training gear with a few key pieces. These Nike Training Zoom sneakers will keep my feet looking on point and well-supported during all the grueling workouts. And since I can’t really see myself in any sort of Lycra get-up, I’ll channel my inner Rocky Balboa with this APL cotton jersey hoodie and this Cafe du Cycliste water bottle. Wish me luck.

In 2017, I was far too slack. I tried to motivate myself at lunchtimes to take that short walk from the office to the gym (it’s literally next door), but instead, I allowed day-to-day responsibilities to distract me. Well, in 2018, I’m getting things back on track, and starting with some new kit. I’m applying the same style rules I use every morning when I get dressed: it all has to match, and yes, the majority has to be black (my #trademark). I’m a big believer in brand loyalty, and I put my trust in the full Nike Training range. Starting from the feet up, whether running, lifting weights or climbing ropes, I’ll be wearing these Metcon 3 sneakers. But I’m also going to be trying something new – colour. With this bright Nike Training Dri-Fit T-shirt and matching shorts, there’s no better way to let everyone know it’s a new year and a new me.

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