Finding the perfect gear is a big part of working out, but with so many products out there, how do you choose the best ones? For example,  there are great headphones, but Beats by Dre probably aren’t the most workout-friendly headphones that you can find. Here are my top five workout essentials:

• JVC Gumy Headphones are classified as “earbuds,” but not the annoying kind that insert that little rubber piece far into your ear. These little guys come in every color of the rainbow, and will last you years. They’re coated in a “gumy” soft body which helps them stay in your ears for the duration of your workout.
• Camelbak Better Insulated Water Bottles have a built-in straw (which you have to basically bite to be able to drink your water), so you don’t have to worry about spilling your basic plastic water bottle during your treadmill run. They come in fun colors and are environmentally friendly in the sense that you won’t waste dozens of plastic bottles – just refill and go!
• Nike Dri-Fit cushion ankle socks are basically a runner’s savior. They’re super absorbent and wick away sweat from your feat. They have extra padding around important areas such as the ball of your foot, and hug the silhouette of your foot for a perfect fit. One added perk: they are marked with either an “R” or an “L,” so that you’re sure to have your socks on the right foot each time.
• Nike running shorts aren’t just to wear with sorority v-necks, they also are a perfect short for working out (which was what they were actually made for). They have a loose fit with an inner underwear lining, so you’re sure to be covered when doing your most daring workout moves. *Tip – if you can wear a small or medium in women’s running shorts, you can also wear a large or extra large in kids – which will save you about $10.
• Griffin arm bands will give you hands-free music and comfort. Griffin makes arm bands for nearly every iPod model, which allows you to find the perfect fit and you won’t have to worry about dropping your iPod while you get your workout on.