Use Your Phone to Stay Fit? Check Out These Cool Phone Cases

Whether it’s for motivational music, workout videos, encouragement from social media or simply for safety’s sake, lots of us bring our phones along when we exercise. And in the past, we’ve shown you some sweet accessories that make that a little easier.

But with so many of the newest phones coming in XL phablet size (iPhone 6, anybody?), some of those awesome accessories are just too small to hold our handheld devices. Of course, with the new phone sizes have come plenty of new products, and we got our hands on a few we couldn’t help but share!

When you want to keep your phone on you … and a few other things, too: SPIbelt Large Pocket ($22.99). SPIbelt was one of the first brands I learned about when I started running, and it’s easy to see why. These Small Personal Item belts are super lightweight, hold a variety of items (phone, keys, and in this size, even a passport), and, unless you really jam it full of stuff, it remains fairly sleek against your profile (so, no, you don’t really look like you’re wearing a big ol’ fanny pack). My SPIbelt has been really handy when I travel, too — it can tuck easily under my top so I can keep credit cards and ID handy but out of sight.

When you’ve got a long day and plenty of sweat ahead of you, but there’s no outlet in sight: Mojo Refuel Invictus Battery Case for iPhone 6 ($99.95). This product (currently on pre-order status) pulls double serious duty. First and foremost, it provides you with additional battery for your phone, so if you’re say, running an ultra marathon, hiking all day or attending a full day event of any kind, you don’t have to worry about charging your phone. Second, it’ provides protection from knocks, drops and vibrations. All of which are totally likely to happen during a workout, amirite?

One con I do want to note, though, is that with the case and the protective screen and everything on, I find it a little tougher than normal to type, so for that reason I’m more likely to use this on an as-needed basis than all the time, but, then again, I work from home and have about eight outlets available to me at any given time. Also worthy of note — there are more options available for earlier models, many of which are likely to become available for the newer releases in the near future.

When you just need your phone and a couple small things and don’t want to bring a bag: EYN Case for iPhone 6 or 6 Plus ($29.99). If you don’t need a big key fob or lip balm — you just need your phone, your ID, maybe a little cash and a credit card — this is probably the coolest thing around. The EYN (Everything You Need) case, which comes in a variety of colors (and can even be somewhat customized!), opens up to hold small, fairly flat items right there in your phone case. Plus, it has a wristlet, a small mirror on the inside and even a kickstand so you can easily watch videos.

When you’re hitting the streets early in the morning or at night: Armpocket Flash ($49.95). Safety first — half the time, that’s why we have our phones with us, right? The Flash takes the safety up a big, flashy notch with multi-mode LED lights that can flash quickly, slowly or just stay on to make you extra visible to drivers and other runners, even in low light and nighttime conditions.

When you need directions or tunes on your bike: Biologic Bike Mount WeatherCase ($34.95). While I have to say that having a phone mounted on your road bike can be a problem — texting and riding is dangerous! — it can also be super beneficial if you’re using it for directions or in place of a bike computer to track your route or speed. And, my favorite part is that it’s weather-proof — I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wrapped my phone in a Ziploc baggy before trying to shove it in my bike pouch, so for that alone, this is a great option!

Do any of these products solve your big giant phone problems? If not, what issues are you facing? You know I love to help out where I can! —Kristen