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Let me back up. After the WOD at Crossfit One, the FitFluential crew said goodbye to our phenomenal athletes and headed back over to Reebok HQ. Throughout the day, we enjoyed various presentations and focus groups that zeroed in on the future of Reebok and it’s goals. We had a group presentation in the morning where Johnice explained how important fitness is to Reebok’s employees. In fact, 700 of their 1000 employees regularly engage in physical activity. How’s that for walking the walk? Reebok honestly wants its employees to live the lifestyle of fitness.
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| Photo courtesy of Courtney |
After a paleo lunch (a la Crossfit!), we split into focus groups based on gender. The gals spent some time with Reebok merchandising manager Meaghan Kennedy, discussing the highs and lows of various products that y’all will be seeing on the shelves over the next few years. We did get a sneak peek at many of these items, but pictures were off limits. After all, you wouldn’t want me to ruin any surprises, right?! I will say that Reebok’s stuff is definitely improving over time and I am psyched to see what else they have coming our way. I was definitely loving some gear from their Crossfit line!
We also spent some time talking running, which may seem bizarre since Reebok is not in the top five of running shoes companies. I was definitely intrigued by the ideas they presented in this category, and I’m curious to see where Reebok takes their running future. Naturally, we couldn’t finish up a chat about running shoes without actually stretching our legs!
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| Bonnie and me. Apparently I’m suffering in silence while Bonnie laughs it up. |
A group of us headed outside for a brief run with Patrick Joyce, a senior manager of running sports marketing and former sponsored runner. We started out with an easy mile warm-up and then followed that up with a mile of Indian sprints. Y’all, it has been YEARS since I’ve done those! In fact, I think the last time was in high school when my dance team got in trouble 🙂 Needless to say, some of the guys in our group (Jeremy Scott, Patrick, AHEM!) were pretty darn speedy and I was definitely huffing and puffing!
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| Total Chaos. Poor Patrick is on the right like, “Guys, please just run this way!” |
We wrapped up the day by doing a little shopping at the employee store within Reebok HQ. Reebok was kind enough to supply us each with a gift card in addition to the apparel they had generously given us in the morning. I’m sure you’re dying to see what I got, right?!
The details:
- Crossfit Warm-Up Half Zip
- Crossfit Cold Tights (Sample product, not for sale. For a similar tight, check out their Compression Tights)
- Crossfit Racer Long Bra Top
- Crossfit Performance Tank
- Bahlam Printed Long Bra Top
- Crossfit Chase Capri (Not pictured; I was wearing them!)
As I’m sure you could have guessed, I had to get the neon pink Nano 2.0 Crossfit shoes! They are Reebok’s best-selling shoe and over 90% of the athletes at the Crossfit Games wore them. So…. I’m thinking maybe they’ll make me as cool as Julie Foucher?
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At the end of the day, I think I was most impressed with Reebok’s genuine interest in our opinions regarding their future merchandise. Johnice mentioned that Reebok was the THE company for fitness apparel in the 80s; so much so that they used to own aerobics instructors! However, their public image definitely dropped off in the 90s and they are just now springing back. I love that they acknowledge and realize that it is consumers like you and me who will be shaping the future designs of Reebok gear.
19 Comments
WOW! What an awesome experience! Reebok did a FANTASTIC job. So impressed!
i agree. reebok is so the comeback kid! I used to hate Reebok always thought they were like the ugliest shoes ever nowwwww I love them! (:
a: I have an issue with stretchy fitting shirts with the sports bras built in riding off my hips and resting at above my belly button…..it gets old pulling the hem back down every 5 seconds.
b: I have a problem with several brands of workout pants not being made for girls with round assets. It’s a struggle to keep my crack covered!!!
c: Leg length. It’s hard to find decently priced yoga pants that aren’t a little too short.
Love the color of your new shoes!
Check out the Chase Capri– it’s high backed for Crossfitters so that their booty doesn’t fall out when they’re doing squats, etc. I have a pair and I really like them– and I have a butt, too!
You’re dead on about the comeback kid comment! I’m really loving how Reebok is mixing it up, especially with all those bright colors. It looks like you all had such a wonderful experience.
I’m with you on the extra long arms and the thumb holes! Some fitness clothing makers don’t account for the length actually needed to make that thumb hole comfortable to use.
Yes! I literally have one shirt where I can actually use the thumb holes (Columbia Solar Polar Half Zip.) The rest are all just accessories 🙂
Love all the gear. Gotta admit I tend to lean toward tried and true but am always willing to try something new. Of course I’n a fan of comebacks though and love seeing companies revive. I remember being a huge Reebok wearer back in the day. Loved them.
I like to pick out the smaller less known companies and give them a try. Ironically, I’ve been wearing Reebok running shorts and shirts for years. The outlet by my Mom has been my inspiration. But, they always seem to fit my pear shaped larger bottom.
I’ve noticed the same– I’m larger on my bottom half when compared to the top, and their capris/tights seem to allow for my hips.
Reebok reinventing itself is very cool, shows a real commitment to its stakeholders!
I love Reebok, I remember my first pair of high-tops were purple Reeboks…glad they have made a comeback!
One design flaw would be too tight necklines on tech t’s. It messes up my hair when I pull it over my head, and I feel like I’m being strangled!
So jealous of your visit, sportswear design is the area I would like to work in, in a few years!
That’s such an amazing experience you got to have and THOSE SHOES!! Love them.
Super jealous (in a good way) of all of this… nicely done.
You guys got some great stuff! I like when companies reinvent themselves. I like smaller companies and come from behind kind of stories. I also like things that are comfy, affordable, cute, and functional. Glad you had a great time and got some great perks!
Yes, I have a special place in my heart from Reebok as well, they are totally making a comeback!
Sounds like so much fun! I don’t have many proper fitness clothes but the ones I do have seem to ride up. I’m constantly tugging down my one and only running shirt which is why I tend to wear cotton Ts even though I’m told that’s a no-no. My pants are really made for yoga so perhaps that’s the problem there.
Neon kicks……nice!!!!!
First, love the neon pink kicks. Second, I’ve been totally impressed reading the posts about Reebok and how the company is approaching fitness and it’s product development. Comeback Kid is a great way to describe it and I’m really excited to see what else is in store. AND love all the new stuff you got!