THE JOURNAL

Summer is closing in, so shape up – pronto. Here’s the gear you need to run, bike or hike your way to a better body.
Summer is coming, and with it the terrifying prospect of having to reveal your torso in public. If you’re anything like us, you’ll be wishing that you’d spent a few more of those cold winter evenings at the gym and not quite so many inhaling carbs in front of Netflix.
But this is no reason to wallow in despair. The six weeks remaining between now and peak holiday season might not be quite enough time to turn a beached whale into a bronzed Adonis, but it’s certainly sufficient to make some noticeable improvements to your physique. Whatever your goal – whether you’re aiming to hit single-digit body fat percentage or just looking to lose those love handles in time for summer – now is the time to make it happen.
Seeing as there’s no better way to give your fitness regime a shot in the arm than with some shiny new kit, we’ve selected a few of our favourite pieces from MR PORTER’s sport range. Invest now, and you’re sure to feel even worse about missing that next appointment with your personal trainer.
Pedal Power

The longer days and warmer weather make cycling to work a far more attractive option than sitting in traffic or sweating it out in a packed train carriage, and by working your cardio session into your commute you’re killing two birds with one stone. Gear up with the latest from stylish cycling brands Café du Cycliste, Castelli and Chpt.///.
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Dive In

Swimming is both an impact-free, calorie-burning exercise and a bracing way to start the day. If you live near an outdoor pool or lido, you’re in luck. It’s now just about warm enough that you can jump in without fear of contracting pneumonia. We’ve chosen out a few items from Arena, a leader in the performance-swimwear sector, and a stylish pair of swim shorts from one of our newest arrivals, Onia.
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Jog On

Mr Bruce Springsteen was right: we really were born to run. It’s by far the most accessible form of exercise, asking little more of you than a pair of sneakers, a T-shirt and a pair of shorts. Nike’s “Free” sneakers are designed to mimic the feeling of barefoot running, and for simple, understated athletic gear we’re big fans of Iffley Road – named after the Oxford University running track where Sir Roger Bannister ran the first four-minute mile – and Soar Running, a brand new to MR PORTER.
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Sail Away

Battening down the hatches, hoisting the Jolly Roger, splicing the mainbrace… it’s no wonder those pirates were in such good shape. Before you devise your own high-seas fitness regime, though, make sure you’re appropriately attired. This Musto Sailing jacket is a great all-round option, breathable enough for warmer conditions while still providing ample protection from the wind and rain. Bremont’s AC 1 automatic watch, part of the brand’s America’s Cup Collection, completes the look with a pair of Sperry Top-Sider’s classic boat shoes.
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Swing It

A Sunday morning amble around the back nine might not seem like the most expedient route to a taut and lean summer body, but it’s a far better option than chowing down a bacon sandwich in front of Game Of Thrones. For golfing apparel that delivers on performance, look no further than KJUS, the highly regarded ski-wear and outdoor brand, which expanded its offering to golf in 2012, and RLX, the golfing line of Polo Ralph Lauren.
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Net Results

The tennis brand Boast became something of a cult name back in the 1980s when its suspicious-looking logo (it’s a maple leaf, OK?) was spotted on the chests of tennis personalities such as Messrs Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe. It all but disappeared from the scene in the 1990s, only to rise from the ashes in 2010. Mix it up with more established brands Lacoste and Nike for a stylish point of difference on the court.
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Take A Hike

If you’re the kind of guy who prefers to get his kicks (and cardio) while halfway up a mountain, then you have every reason to favour performance over looks when it comes to getting dressed. Choose right, though, and you don’t have to compromise on either. We’ve selected pieces from Patagonia and Arc’teryx, two outdoor brands whose clothes are as stylish as they are functional.