What is the Flex 50?
The Flex 50 is not just the fittest men of 2016. The Flex 50 is that - but it's also much more.
The Flex 50 is a collection of the most influential and dynamic experts and leaders in the worlds of fitness, sport and general badassery, selected by the fitness-focused AskMen editors.
The Flex 50 is a celebration of men who redefine what fitness means. These men inspire us to seek out our limits - then throw them out the window. They train not just for championships, gold medals or the thrill of winning. These men train for life.
Committing to that healthy lifestyle is the hardest part -- but it's a whole lot easier with the right gear. We asked the Flex 50 what their fitness secret weapon is -- from Nike flyknits to wireless headphones, their answers may surprise you.
Photo: Ido Portal
Ido Portal
Feiyue Shoes
Doubling as a on-trend kick and a training weapon, these Chinese shoes are equal parts functional and stylish -- feel free to wear them to the gym or to brunch.
Photo: Ricky Warren
Ricky Warren
CFF Wall/Ceiling-Mounted Pull-Up Bar
"A pull-up bar. It's the only requirement to working the back properly."
Photo: Mike Aidala
Mike Aidala
Gym Chalk Ball
"It helps on sunny days when you're lifting people over your head!"
Photo: willsworkout/Instagram
Will Arrufat
Nike Metcon 2
"I'm a Nike trainer and ambassador so all you will find in my gym bag is Nike apparel. Favorite Nike shoe to train in? Nike Metcons."
Photo: scottjurek/Instagram
Scott Jurek
Cascadia 11
To commemorate Scott's record-breaking Appalachian Trail run, Brooks Running created the limited edition Cascadia 11 trail running-specific shoes.
Photo: Jesse Thomas
Jesse Thomas
Jaybird X2 Wireless Headphones
"Jaybird X2 wireless headphones - with that much exercise, I have those things on 4-6 hours a day!"
Photo: Rich Roll
Rich Roll
The Plantpower Way by Rich Roll
"My secret weapon is my running shoes because no matter where you are, you can always run."
Photo: Colin O'Brady
Colin O'Brady
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket
My Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer jacket. It's the most versatile piece of apparel I own.I've used it on the summit of Antarctica's Mount Vinson in - 70-degreewindchill, but I also wear it on pleasant days while training in the Cascade mountains in my backyard in Oregon.
Photo: Obi Obadike
Obi Obadike
Beats Studio Wireless Over-The-Ear Headphones
I can't live without my music and beats headphones. Music is what keeps my mind off of the actual workout. I can't imagine working out without my music.
Photo: mathewfras/Instagram
Mat Fraser
Nike Metcon 2
This cross-training sneaker was designed for intense workouts -- but look just as good when paired with jeans and a hoodie.
Photo: Ross Edgley
Ross Edgley
Raze Pre-Workout
Raze Pre-workout from THE PROTEIN WORKS. It's a pretty potent, stimulant-based pre-workout and although I'm never reliant on it, it's for those workouts when I need a massive kick up the proverbial bum.
Photo: mrcalliet/Instagram
Corey Calliet
Beats Studio Wireless Over-the-Ear Headphones
A workout can go from good to great with the right playlist. Beats Over-The-Ear headphones make sure your playlist will be the only thing you hear.
Photo: Mark Langowski
Mark Langowski
Powerbeats 2 Wireless In-Ear Headphones
If Over-the-Ear doesn't jive with your workout, Mark Langowski recommends the smaller, in-ear variety for the same sound quality.
Photo: aldridgelogan/Instagram
Logan Aldridge
Reebok Nano 6.0
"When I reach into my Reebok backpack and pull out my Reebok Nano 6.0's I know things are about to get fun and I'm ready to take on any workout!"
Photo: Kenny Santucci
Kenny Santucci
Reebok Nano, RX Jump Rope, Powermonkey TheraBand
"Give me a pair of Reebok Nano's, an Rx jump rope, a Powermonkey thera band, a Slingshot hip circle and a cup of coffee and I'm solid."
Rx Jump Rope - Black Ops Handles
Power Monkey TheraBand (Set of Three)
Slingshot Hip Circle
Photo: Steve Weatherford
Steve Weatherford
Skins Dnamic Compression Half Tights
I will NOT walk into a gym without wearing Skins compression. There's a reason I played 10 years at the highest level in the NFL without ever sustaining a muscle pull, strain, or tear. Skins compression is a game-changer for me, from decreasing muscular vibration, to adding an addition layer of muscle fascia to maintain protection and heat to the muscle belly. It's imperative for me. I don't leave the house without it.
Photo: justtrain1/Instagram
Ron "Boss" Everline
Nike Free Instinct
As Kevin Hart's trainer, it's only right that Boss's secret weapon be a training shoe designed for Kevin Hart.
Photo: Michael Morelli
Michael Morelli
Morellifit T-Shirt
Crafted from a super soft tri-blend, this light and soft tee was made to take you from the street into the gym.
Photo: Dan Wells
Dan Wells
Body Solid 7-Foot Olympic Barbell
"Second to a barbell (obviously), the Assault Bike is my favorite piece of gym equipment. The friggin' thing kicks my ass but makes me better at everything else."
Photo: Tony Horton
Tony Horton
On Cloudster Shoes
"My secret weapon? All of my "On Cloud" training/running shoes."
Photo: Noah Neiman
Noah Neiman
Nike Air Presto Flyknit
"No matter how tough sh*t gets, if you have some lit kicks on your feet, life ain't that bad. I love the new Nike Flyknit prestos."
Photo: Allison Tyler Jones
Chris Powell
Metabolic Nutrition Tri-Pep Grape
"My pre-workout. Like a lot of people, I often have a tough time getting started when I'm tired and sore. A little pre-workout kick is sometimes all I need to turn an 'okay' workout into an epic workout."
Photo: Patrick Beach
Patrick Beach
BLNCX Prime Pants
"I created my own clothing line called BLNCX and I rock those pieces all the time."
Photo: Cory Richards
Adrian Ballinger
Eddie Bauer Ignitelite Flux 60
"Eddie Bauer Ignitelite Flux 60 - a light puffy hooded jacket that goes everywhere with me. It's my outer jacket on cool nights rock climbing, an inner insulating layer when riding lifts skiing at Squaw and my pillow when I'm traveling on overnight buses and long flights."
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