Buckle up, fellow fitness enthusiasts – because 2025 wasn't just about flashy gadgets or high-end gear for me. Instead, it was a year of rediscovering humble treasures and unconventional hacks that boosted my rides, runs, and overall well-being without emptying my wallet. And trust me, some of these surprises might just challenge what you thought you knew about training essentials. But here's where it gets controversial: Are we overcomplicating our fitness lives with pricey tech, or is there real magic in the basics? Stick around, and you might find yourself rethinking your own routine.
To be upfront, I skipped the shiny new training toys like the latest Garmin Edge models (https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-gear/brightest-yet-garmin-edge-850-and-550-launch-alongside-updated-rally-power-meter-pedals/) or trendy bike apparel (https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-gear/maap-bmc-met-hammerhead-kona-this-week-in-bike-tech/) this year. My focus shifted to reliable staples like creatine, my obsession with Krispies treats, and revisiting forgotten favorites that proved their worth time and again.
Honestly, I cherished way more than 10 discoveries during my adventures cycling, jogging, and exploring London's streets. But I've handpicked these 10 to share, hoping they'll spark some inspiration or practical benefits for you too. Let's dive into the things that made my 2025 shine (https://velo.outsideonline.com/tag/things-I-loved).
First up, creatine – that powerhouse supplement I finally embraced fully. For years, I was intrigued by it but held back, dismissing it as just another 'gym bro' staple (https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-training/pro-cyclists-creatine/). Boy, was I wrong! Diving headfirst into creatine revolutionized my workouts in the gym, on my bike, and even on trail runs, potentially ushering in a fresh mental shift for the long haul.
To give you some context, as I detailed in my piece about REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) (https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-training/reds-cyclists/), I hit a turning point this year after battling anorexia for a decade. I realized I had to prioritize gaining weight quickly for my health and future performance. Yet, I aimed to 'bulk up' intelligently, aligning with my athletic goals rather than just piling on pounds aimlessly.
Starting in spring, I paired a healthier relationship with food with a daily 5-gram dose of creatine, ramping up my gym efforts to build serious strength. (If 'swollen' means hitting around 130 pounds, then sure, that's me!) I'm convinced creatine's explosive energy surge has reshaped me physically and mentally. It's exhilarating to watch those extra pounds translate into heavier lifts and improved watts per kilogram without sacrificing my stamina. More importantly, it has quieted those nagging doubts when I check the scale.
Of course, creatine isn't a miracle worker on its own – my results come from overall lifestyle changes. But this affordable, evidence-backed supplement, supported by solid science, has been key in converting calorie surpluses into real power. If you're not already taking it, give it a shot today. Your future self in 2027 will likely thank you. And this is the part most people miss: In a world of debates over supplements, does creatine deserve its 'bro' stigma, or is it an underrated ally for all athletes, regardless of gender?
Next, let's talk about my throwback tech choice: the classic Garmin Edge 1000. I traveled back in time technologically this year, dusting off my old Felt FR1 bike for serious outdoor rides after using it mostly for casual town jaunts and indoor sessions. With running miles reduced, cycling filled the gap, and out popped my reliable Garmin Edge 1000 from the cobwebs.
A full decade after buying it, this device is still a trooper. Battery life meets my needs, it's snappy in operation, and the maps remain spot-on. Sure, it lacks the bells and whistles of today's advanced units – no massive screens, advanced climbing tools, or elaborate fitness tracking, and the rubber on the power button has worn off from endless use. It's been upgraded multiple times since, after all.
Yet, for my purposes, it's perfectly sufficient. It's user-friendly, crams countless data points onto a single display, and syncs seamlessly with all my gear. I'd wager that for many casual cyclists, these simpler options are more than adequate. But here's where it gets controversial: In an era of feature-packed gadgets, is 'less' really 'more,' or are we sacrificing potential insights by sticking to outdated tech?
Then there's my absolute favorite: Krispies treats! These affordable delights are packed with carbohydrates and taste absolutely fantastic. I'm utterly smitten with Rice Krispies Squares – or Krispies Treats for our American friends – those chewy, sticky marshmallow squares I devoured as a child. Over two decades later, they've evolved into my preferred fuel for workouts.
They've grown so indispensable that I panic if they're not stocked in my pantry, especially after learning about their popularity among professional cyclists (https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-training/3-things-tour-de-france-cyclists-do/). The chocolate and caramel varieties? Pure perfection.
Admittedly, they're not ideal for every scenario. They're tricky to unwrap during intense rides and could pose a choking risk on rugged trails. Plus, their carb-to-calorie balance doesn't match specialized sports nutrition. But for pre-workout energy boosts or relaxed mid-session snacks, they're unbeatable – and at just a few cents each, they're a bargain.
For 2026, I'm resolving to whip up homemade Krispies Bars using a straightforward pro-approved recipe (https://www.instagram.com/p/C5oDSjJKoAD/?utmsource=igembed). It's a fun way to customize and perhaps even experiment with healthier twists, like adding nuts for extra protein. This is the part most people miss: In a market flooded with energy gels and bars, could simple childhood treats like these be the secret weapon for sustainable fueling?
Moving on to cooling solutions: the Vacmaster Cardio 54 'Air Mover' Fan. I've previously raved about budget-friendly indoor training coolers, like damp cloths and spray bottles (https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-training/3-cheap-ways-keep-cool-indoor-cycling/), but I always stressed they're just icing on the cake. A proper 'pain cave' needs a fan powerful enough to keep you from overheating mid-session.
Enter the Vacmaster Cardio 54 (https://www.cleva-uk.com/pages/product-support/vacmaster-cardio-54-fitness-fan?gadsource=1&gadcampaignid=21518025246&gbraid=0AAAAADQNfpAZtd7yh7M5-yYal3s7KOzi1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAr5nKBhCpARIsACaNiNp0kTp2ENBzXNZyylUhBocWDnfpBcJiIAcd5CzyWgRCfTYrfVELiIaAtYYEALwwcB), which I grabbed early in the year. Cranking it to max power for the first time was a shock – the wind felt strong enough to knock me off my bike! This compact, lightweight fan is all about raw power and simplicity.
It skips the fancy features like Bluetooth connectivity or precise airflow of pricier options such as the Wahoo Headwind (https://uk.wahoofitness.com/devices/indoor-cycling/accessories/kickr-headwind-buy-uk), and its design screams industrial utility. But it excels at the fundamentals: adjustable angles, a remote for three intensity levels, and a top speed claiming 54 kph that's downright insane. Weighing just 3.6 kg (about 8 lbs) and costing less than half the price of competitors, it's a steal.
A quick note for my U.S. readers: This gem is crafted by UK-based Cleva, and I couldn't track down a North American seller. Still, hunting for one could pay off big time. But here's where it gets controversial: With all the smart, connected fans out there, is raw power and affordability enough, or do we need tech integrations to truly optimize our sweat sessions?
Now, onto the Aeropress coffee maker – a gadget I feel I owe a major upgrade in appreciation. Last year, it only got an honorable mention in my '10 things' list (https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-gear/10-things-i-loved-in-2024-jim-cotton/), but in 2025, it earned its spot in the spotlight (https://www.aeropress.co.uk/collections/aeropress-coffee-makers/products/aeropress-coffee-maker). I tote it everywhere, relying on it so much that I can't function without at least two strong brews to kickstart my day.
For me, its crisp, fruity flavor outshines espresso or drip coffee, delivering a potent mental boost like no other. It's the simplest path to clarity in a hectic world. Plus, it's a breeze to operate, easy to wash, and compact enough to fit in a pocket – no larger than a standard water bottle.
Life is already complex, so why complicate coffee? This is the part most people miss: In our quest for gourmet experiences, could mastering a straightforward tool like this be the key to consistent, enjoyable rituals?
Shifting gears to audio: Powerbeats Fit wireless earbuds. After stubbornly clinging to wired options (as noted in my 2024 post), I made the switch in 2025, and I'm thrilled. These Powerbeats Fit buds (https://www.beatsbydre.com/uk/earbuds/powerbeats-fit) became my daily companions.
They deliver solid sound quality, are feather-light and comfy, and last impressively on a single charge. The tactile buttons on the buds make volume tweaks and track skips effortless during workouts. Noise cancellation isn't flawless, but it's solid for the price. I'm not an audiophile who tested countless models, but I know great audio when I hear it.
They won't transform your ears into a concert hall, but they offer ample depth and sharpness for indoor rides, commutes, and everyday listening. Crucially, they've stayed put through 10 months of constant wear. That said, I'd advise caution with fully wireless buds on trails or roads – that's when trusty wired ones like the Bose Soundsports I praised last year (https://www.bose.co.uk/engb/support/products/boseheadphonessupport/boseinearheadphones_support/soundsport-wireless.html) shine. But here's where it gets controversial: In a wired-vs-wireless debate, is convenience trumping safety, or have wireless tech advanced enough to handle all terrains?
For music inspiration: Mid-2000s hardcore tunes. My 2025 soundscape echoed 2005, because old-school hardcore beats everything else. Tracks like 'Wake the Dead' by Comeback Kid, 'Witness' by Modern Life is War, and 'Perseverance' by Hatebreed powered me through grueling sessions and reignited my inner teenager's fury.
I even caught live shows from these bands, proving that fitness doesn't prepare you for mosh pits – slamming skills fade faster than VO2 max or running efficiency. I know my tastes are niche, but revisiting these classics reminds us that youthful anthems never lose their punch. This is the part most people miss: Amid streaming algorithms pushing new hits, does returning to nostalgic music enhance motivation more than trendy playlists?
Lastly, Manilife deep roast crunchy peanut butter. True peanut butter aficionados get it: there's the ordinary stuff, and then there's the extraordinary. Trust me, this Manilife deep roast crunchy PB (https://mani-life.com/products/deep-roast-crunchy-peanut-butter-tub?srsltid=AfmBOorzhol-uF3zHBBQ2ezkLOM4JnlcGrl7qqrKMZxkbECCpMfiqq_-) is top-tier.
It's robust, crunchy, and full of character – deep, dark, and flavorful (much like yours truly?). A hint of salt cuts through any sweetness, avoiding the nausea of milder varieties. Its thick, tacky texture sticks perfectly to your PB&J bread, unlike watery imposters. Plus, Manilife avoids palm oil, is a certified B-Corp for sustainability, and uses healthier high-oleic peanuts.
And yes, always go crunchy – what do you take me for, some sort of lunatic? But here's where it gets controversial: In a sea of nut butters, does prioritizing bold, sustainable options justify the extra cost, or is basic, budget-friendly PB just as effective?
Finally, rebuilding my reading routine. As someone who writes for a living, I've felt embarrassed by my erratic reading habits lately. I'd devour online articles daily, but physical books? Barely one a month. Exhaustion from work, Netflix binges, or struggling to find engaging stories kept me sidelined.
This year, I turned it around, hitting 10 books. No lofty claims here – my choices aren't literary masterpieces worthy of my English Literature degree (I've endured 'Wuthering Heights' and 'Pilgrim's Progress' already). Still, dedicating 30-40 minutes daily boosted my mood, concentration, and even sleep. Next year, maybe 11 books? This is the part most people miss: In our digital age, could unplugging with a physical book be the underrated hack for mental recharge?
And for a quick cool-down tip: Plant misting spray bottle. If you know, you know (https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-training/3-cheap-ways-keep-cool-indoor-cycling/).
So, there you have it – my top loves from 2025 that proved simplicity can pack a punch. What do you think? Do any of these resonate with you, or do you have a controversial take on creatine's role in fitness? Is wired tech dead, or do old-school fans still rule? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or even your own unconventional discoveries!
