My Must Have Items for an Active Lifestyle
Good Morning, friends,
We’re getting deeper into January - midway actually. Have you started working on your resolutions? I know it’s common to set fitness goals at the beginning of the year and to tackle them it truly requires creating a habit that turns into a lifestyle.
Personally, it took me many years and an ex-husband’s fitness passion to spark the desire to work out. Was it easy? Absolutely not. It took a while and many different attempts at different styles of work outs to find ones that I could actually do and that would NOT deter me from returning to the gym or class. Thinking back makes me feel sorry for myself actually because it was truly a struggle between exercise induced asthma (back then), weakness, and embarrassment. But, we all start somewhere! That’s the biggest thing to remember - every single person in the gym or in a fitness class was once a novice beginner and they too were embarrassed when getting started.
Just get started!
I tried Zumba, Kickboxing classes (where I’d have to step to the back of the room because I couldn’t breathe), the elliptical, Turbo Fire kickboxing DVD’s at home, light jogging with asthma issues, sprinting…then in 2011 my mindset shifted and everything began to click. Since then I’ve utilized the gym & treadmill, classes of all sorts (live at the gym and also Class Pass), and now the Lululemon (Peloton) Mirror. You can read about it all here if it interests you. =) I say all of this so that you know to try different things until you find what works best for you.
Now, onwards we go. I wanted to share my current “gym” essentials that help me exercise and/or be active.
Here is an easy LTK shopping link or you can click the links below throughout the post.
Essential #1
My Apple Watch. I like this for fitness tracking. I used to have a Garmin Forerunner watch with the heart rate strap but this is much more convenient and when tracking heart rate they both tracked the same. That being said, the apps that sync with these types of watches DO NOT track calories burned correctly. They also WAY overestimate the total calories burned even though the heart rate tracks the same. (Yes, I wore both the Garmin watch and the Apple watch at the same time to compare this fact. And it’s important because it makes you think* you’ve burned more calories during a work out than you actually did. The Garmin output was correct.)
There are plenty of other fitness tracking watches with various features that may suit your lifestyle/needs more.
Apple Watch // Fitbit Versa 4 Watch // Garmin Venu 3 Watch
Essential #2
My iPad. I use this every time I step foot on the treadmill and have used it in the past on the (dreaded) elliptical and bike. I know not everyone can read and do cardio BUT you won’t know if you can until you try it and I encourage you to try it. You can adjust the font size to what suits you.
I use the Libby (library) app and the Kindle app to read books. I also have used Pinterest to keep my interest while walking an incline.
iPad // Amazon Fire // Kindle Paperwhite
Essential #3
My Jabra Elite earbuds. These stay in place and provide great quality of sound. There’s a “hear through” option which is good for when using them outside and you want to listen for cars, but the default really blocks out background noise. There’s a lot of options out there and some very affordable off-brand options, but overall I do suggest going with the wireless options so you’re not dealing with a pesky cord.
Jabra Elite 10 // Beats Fit Pro // Sony LinkBuds
Essential #4
My Asics Gel Nimbus running shoes. These work for me and my knees as they're very cushioned. I tried the Brooks Glycerin for a few years while not running as much, but sure enough when I got back outside and running longer distances I started having IT band issues again. I purchased these new Gel Nimbus 25 (platinum) running shoes in White/Rose Dust. And my IT band didn’t flare up for an additional 4 miles later in the 9th mile. I think these are just more cushioned than the Brooks Glycerin.
BUT EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT and your stride and needs are different. It is best to go to a running focused store like Fleet Feet and let them evaluate your stride. It’s also important to note that not all running shoes are created equal AND that not all athletic shoes are meant for running so do not wear cross training or hiking shoes for running.
Gel-Nimbus 25 Platinum // Gel-Nimbus 25 // Brooks Glycerin StealthFit GTS 20
Essential #5
I recently purchased this Amphipod Hydraform Ergo-Lite Water Bottle for longer runs outside. I like how it fits in my hand for comfort and there’s a zipper pouch on the handle you can put something small in like a key or the earbud case.
Essential #6
Belt bags are all the rage for a variety of reasons and it took me going on a trip with a lot of outdoor walking for me to buy one. It’s very convenient to be handsfree but have the items you need. For example, I was walking 6 miles on a trail and could slip my phone into it and take out sunscreen to keep reapplying it. I did not have success with an actual running belt many moons ago, but I see people using them and may give it a try again.
Basic Belt Bag // FlipBelt Running Belt // Guzack Running Belt
Essential #7
Old Navy PowerSoft leggings. I’ve mentioned these a hundred times on my blog site through the years, I’m sure of it. These are smooth and moisture wicking. They dry quickly and come in different rises and lengths. They have coordinated colors for cute work out outfits. They are good at repelling dog hair and any dog hair can be easily brushed off with your hands. They wash and dry well - but I typically do not put my clothes in the dryer as a rule. When I have dried them if in a rush they did not shrink.
My only complaint is that the extra high waisted leggings do not come with side pockets. 😒 The regular high rise DOES come with side pockets so when I run outside I use those: high waist in 7/8 length. But on the daily I prefer the extra high rise. The leggings also come in mid rise, joggers, shorts, skirts, tops, jackets, and sports bras. I love it all.
In fact, as I’m writing this I am literally wearing the high waisted PowerSoft joggers. 😏
What are your must have items for the gym and exercising? Do you have any suggestions? Comment below!
XOXO
