Some of my Fitness ‘Must-Haves’
The start of your workout begins with you. Over the years I’ve learned that working out is a lot more than just physically going to the gym (and I’m not talking about the mental pep talk you might have to give yourself before you walk in). I’m talking about all the little things that can make your workout ten times better just because you feel good. Despite all the references that might say otherwise, I feel like it is a scientific fact that when you look/feel good going into the gym with your gallon jug and matching set, then you are about to have one of the best workouts ever! (Disclaimer: that was just a joke about it being scientifically proven.)
The first thing you should do is create a workout routine. This might also be the hardest step because with routines comes consistency. You can start off by adding it in your phone calendar, or even writing down in your planner on Sunday night the days you plan on going to the gym or working out from home during the upcoming week. This will keep you on track to obtain your goals and will help remind you to stay consistent. Having a workout routine will also keep you motivated as you continue to challenge yourself and your body. Everyone will have a different routine that is unique to them, their needs, and their overall goals.
Next, let’s get into some of the “fitness inspo” products you can purchase or add to your wish list that can take your workout to the next level”
Sweet Sweat waist trimming belt: this helps raise your core body temperature which results in producing more sweat around your core and helps lose additional water weight. I always wear my belt, especially when I plan on doing a cardio-heavy workout or even just sitting in the sauna. It also helps to maintain good posture and adds more protection when doing back excercises.
A Daily Gallon Water Bottle: It can be hard to keep track of how much water we’re intaking everyday, especially when schedules get busy. This water bottle helps keep you on track throughout the day so you know exactly how much water you’ve had and how much more you should have before the day ends. I know the con of this product is it isn’t the easiest item to bring along everywhere, but it does come with a wrist strap to hold onto or it can be connected to a bag. Drinking our bodies needed water intake on a daily basis will have a positive change on our moods, the way we function, and our performance in the gym.
Training Gloves: I don’t know about you, but hard, callus hands are not cute and getting blisters that rip the skin are not fun. Training gloves are a crucial part of my workout fit and are the key to maintaining soft hands. Quality training gloves are built with padding in those pressure areas used when working out and are breathable, meaning if you get sweaty hands, the gloves won’t slip off or slip out of place. Some gyms also used older equipment that can be harsh or jagged and can be felt when lifting heavy. Using training gloves can help you hit your PR’s.
A Workout Playlist: studies show that listening to music while you workout can increase your stamina and improve the overall quality of your workout. According to a recent study presented in the American College of Cardiology’s 67th Annual Scientific Session, runners who listened to music during a cardiac stress test could run on average 50.6 seconds longer than people who didn’t listen to music. The runners listening to music also had a longer metabolic equivalent (MET), which is how activity levels are measured. This means that they were burning more calories and increasing their energy levels more than the runners without music. So it may be time to update that workout playlist!
A Pilates Ring: the pilates ring is such an underrated item and should be used everyday! Even if you aren’t a gym guru. This product can help improve your posture, which is extremely important when it comes to weight training. Having the wrong posture can lead to serious injuries. It can also help you obtain a deep stretch right in the comfort of your home. I love using this in the morning and at night to stretch my leg muscles. It can even be used to build strength by doing core, glute, leg, or arm exercises.
These are just a few of the fitness products I use that help me feel great before, during, and after my workouts! I think the greatest thing about fitness is it can be done anywhere with almost anything! At the gym, in your home, or outside, with weights, with water bottles, with a mat. Like I mentioned in the beginning, working out is a lot more than just going physically to the gym. Use these products to help you feel and look your best anywhere you workout!