If you are going to move your body outdoors this season, you will want to have the right “stuff”.
What are your gloves made from?
Who made your socks?
Are your shoes practical and functional?
We are not trying to sell you anything that you do not need … instead, we use Empathy Economics and Wellness Intelligence combined with our own experience to suggest items that will enhance your activity and support your workouts.
In addition to working through the list we have compiled, we also encourage you to share anything that works for you with us … we are open-minded and the more you share, the more things we try, and then can share back with you again … plus everyone else benefits!
It’s amazing to experience the great outdoors, but it’s essential that you are properly dressed and comfortable. We love the following items and use them ourselves (and except for the foot massage ball and tea, which are our own products, we are not paid to promote any of them … just sharing what can serve us all well).
Footwear
The majority of modern shoes are full of petrochemical materials that outlast their use by thousands of years (even “better” ones!). The truth is that your footwear is not only having a long term negative impact on your health (by altering your natural movement), but it’s having a long term effect on the planet too. The human foot is a biomechanical masterpiece; when left to its own devices it can thrive doing everything from walking and running to jumping and dancing, but cramming into overly cushioned and supportive shoes (most sold on the market today) robs it of its natural strength and function.
Let your feet do their natural thing! Revivo, Lems, and Xero Shoes are some of our favourites that let our feet move the way they are supposed to move. They are all designed to be Wide, Thin and Flexible. Just by wearing them, you will strengthen the muscles in your feet, realign your posture, stimulate sensory perception (and get compliments). Put on your favourite pair of minimalist shoes, made from better materials, by a kind company, and get connected to the world around you .. closer to nature with every step.
Outerwear
Fashion can be practical and also a force for good. We appreciate Patagonia’s leadership, innovation and commitment to doing better for us and for our shared planet. Their outerwear and activewear is sustainable, functional, and built to last … they actively invest in making our planet a better place. Ten Tree is a favourite as well and you will also like United by Blue’s ethical clothing … for every product purchased, they remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways.
Shop directly from these brands, or visit MEC and REI as these retailers carry a wide selection of outerwear, accessories and equipment from brands that create products that rest on function, repairability, and, durability.
Seek not only to do less harm with your purchases, but more good … Empathy Economics.
Shopping tip: United By Blue makes some of our favourite socks with hemp, click here … they are as comfortable as they are conscious.
Post-Workout Relief
Once indoors post-workout, treat yourself well … the following are all items that we appreciate when it comes to Intelligent Self-Care.
Foot Massage Ball
A great way to give yourself a foot massage – no appointment required! Click here
Saunaray Infrared Sauna
Not all saunas are created equal! We endorse this brand because we use it ourselves (and have for years) … every unit is hand crafted in a toxin-free factory in Collingwood, Canada. SaunaRay saunas are free from formaldehyde, toxic glues, chemical fire retardants, plastic and fibre glass heaters. Warm yourself up, detox, improve your circulation and feel great. Click here
Spoonk Organic Hemp Mat
This works on the simple principles of acupressure and the healing art known as the Shiatsu massage. By stimulating increased circulation with the mats’ 6,210 acupressure points on problematic areas, you can relieve muscle tension and pain, while rejuvenating and rebalancing your whole body. Click here
UnMeditation Library
UnMeditation, our variation of traditional meditation, un-complicates pre-conceived notions about breath and stillness. When you arrive back indoors after working out/moving outdoors and believe you don’t have the time for this or can’t still your mind, UnMeditation is designed to support you. Balance your movement out with a little stillness and integrate! Try any (or all) of our own guided UnMeditations. Click here
Thermaphore Heating Pad
Produces intense moist heat without adding water … it can feel great to heat up any sore, aching muscles and joints … super comforting! Amazing over castor oil packs too. Click here
Hot Recovery Hydration
Hydration is critical for life … and when working out, it’s essential for quick recovery … when outdoors in the colder weather, count on the following to warm you back up.
Chocosol’s Drinking Chocolate (Toronto)
From TWIC member, Michael Sacco. This is no ordinary hot chocolate … think rich, melted chocolate bar in your mug. Click here
Root Rescue Wellness Shots (Toronto)
From TWIC member, Ravi Mohan. This “beyond organic” brand claims their shots give delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) the boot, decrease recovery time, improve performance, and pumps up your immunity. We love the taste of the “Elite Beet” in a cup of hot water. Click here
Tru North Chaga
From TWIC member, Cody McElrea. A Canadian grown adaptogen! Chaga mushroom tea (made from their powder or chunks) will warm you up, boost your immune system and help you to relax and recover … it’s that versatile. Click here
Live Mineral Broth (Toronto)
From TWIC member, Jennifer Italiano. Made with over 20 certified organic, plant-powered ingredients, this nutrient-dense savoury hot broth will warm you up and is good for your gut. Click here
Addictive Wellness Elixir Blends
From TWIC member, Sage Dammers. Multiple flavours of sugar-free, vegan, keto superherb elixirs that come in individual packets containing 3250+mg of pure and potent adaptogenic herbs for beauty, brains, and energy. A decadent and nourishing beverage when mixed with hot water or your favourite milk. Click here
Clover Teas
From TWIC member Paul Higgins. Organic tea blends crafted with adaptogens, antioxidants and superfoods, designed for performance with targeted health benefits. Click here
Stonehouse Holistics Shakti tea
A Herbalist formulated blend withlocally wildcrafted nettle, juniper berry, lemon balm, apothecary roses + hips from their farm forests and fields. Plus cardamom, jasmine and more botanicals that impact positive change to mind & body. Click here
Not Coffee
From TWIC member Jeremy Hoffmann. An all-natural coffee substitute that doesn’t contain any coffee bean. But really, they call it a coffee substitute, we call it deeply nourishing and delicious! It’s a dietary supplement … not simply a functional drink! Click here
Alchemy Fire Tonic
Warm from the inside out with this traditional remedy has been used to fortify the immune system against colds & flu … this one is made with the best ingredients and a whole lot of heart by TWIC member, Rebekka Hutton‘s Alchemy Pickle Company. Click here
Reminder: If it’s dark when you exercise outside, wear reflective clothing, and if the sun is out make sure you screen yourself (not necessarily sunscreen!). To stay steady on your feet, choose footwear with enough traction to prevent falls, especially if it’s icy or snowy.
For all the challenges we face, nature has a solution … get outside and move!
