Reader’s Request: Workout Wonders
Hey guys! How are you? TGIAF (Thank Goodness It’s Almost Friday!) 😀 Side note: I just wrote “almond” instead of “almost”- guess we all know where my mind is 😉
It’s time for a Reader’s Request post!
Hey Gina,
Would you mind sharing your favorite workout clothes and gadgets? I’m a newbie and am still trying to figure out what I need and what the fun new stuff is 🙂
Thanks!
Anna
Ok, so there are four things I think that are pretty dang importante when beginning a fitness program:
1. Good shoes! (Stability and cushioning for aerobics and crosstraining) and actual running shoes for runners… sounds logical but when I first started to get into running, I was wearing kid’s Nikes and couldn’t figure out why my feet hurt so badly. Getting fit for actual running shoes –and finding out I overpronate- made all the difference in the world.
2.Comfy clothes. When I train clients I try to look presentable and wear the matchy-matchy workout clothes; however, when I’m going to get my sweat on, I rock homeless person attire. It’s a good day if I match 😉 Just make sure to wear clothes that you feel comfortable in (no supertight tops, shorty shorts), so that you won’t be worrying about your clothes and can focus on your workout.
3. A watch. Nothing crazy, just something with the time (for running) and a stopwatch (for intervals or holding poses, like planks).
4. A plan. Know what you want to accomplish when you walk through those gym doors and how you want to feel when you walk out. Then get crackalackin’ 😀
Those are the basic, bare bones necessities 😀
Now, here are the things I lurve.
The Garmin
I don’t know why I took forever to order this thing- I LOVE it. Since the Garmin shows your pace, distance, total time, calories burned, everything but the kitchen sink, and is an amazing asset for any runner to have. I actually feel like the Garmin makes me a better runner and gives me confidence to know what I’m capable of with my pace. It’s pretty amazin’
Polar F6
I haven’t used this very much since the strap died, but when I was first getting into teaching aerobics –I was teaching 7 classes a week, weight training and yoga-ing on top of that- the Polar helped me to make sure I was eating enough. Since it uses your heart rate to determine your calories burned, it’s very accurate, comfy and a great training buddy.. oh, and it’s pink 😉
Asics
Those are the Asics GT 2140s, and they’re my favorite style of running shoe. Definitely get your feet measured at a running store if you’re in the market for new sneaks, though 🙂
Nikes
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Those are the ones I crosstrain and Zumba in 🙂 Honestly, I just grab whatever shoe I find at Nike outlet that fits and has pink on it 😉
Nike Tempo shorts
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Tempo shorts are my obsession. I have at least 10 pairs and will probably buy at least 10 more within the next year. SO comfy, great for running or weight training and they fit really well.
Weight gloves
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On upper body days, I usually grab my weight gloves to keep my hands looking girly and callous-free 🙂 I’ve been slacking lately and my palms are covered in lovely blisters, so it’s time to break them out again.
Fun Zumba and Yoga tanks
Bathroom pic = Klassy
Usually I’ll find cute stuff at the Nike Outlet or TJ Maxx, where the above Zumba shirt is from.
Energy boosters
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Honey Stingers!! These are my absolute favorite- organic and so delicious. Usually I’ll have some gummies for a carb replenishment after an hour of solid exercise. If I’m only going to be working out an additional 15 minutes or so, I don’t need them, but for double aerobics classes or long runs, these babies are golden. I’m also a fan of Clif Shot Bloks and Luna Moons.
Heed
(Source)
This stuff is MAGICAL. My friend Kelly introduced me to Heed last year, while she was helping me train for my first half. It’s an electrolyte replacer –I’ll put 1/2 scoop in my Camelbak with water for long runs- and it tastes like foodgasms. Seriously, the orange flavor rocks my face off. While I don’t think I *need* the Heed powder, I think that it definitely helps me push through longer runs and gives me a nice little energy boost.
Sweet jams
For a serious, heart-thumping workout, I need music. Usually the night before a long solo run or cardio sesh, I make sure to load up the iPizzle with some amazing music and once it starts playing, that’s all the motivation I need. I prefer angry music for weightlifting (like Muse) and more pop-y stuff for cardio (like GLEE!). 😀
![021[3]](https://fitnessista.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/0213.jpg "021[3]")
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Am I missing anything?? Let me know what your favorite workout stuff is 😀
Have a great day and I’ll see ya this afternoon with a GIVEAWAY and another hint about what’s going on.
xoxo,
Gina
70 Comments
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To make my cardio sessions (mostly HIIT) tolerable: Good shoes and good music are musts.
I absolutely H-A-T-E running, so anything that reduces the time spent and increases the effectiveness is a plus!! 🙂 (i.e. HIIT)
As far as shorts or pants-whichever ones don’t ride up, fall down, or twist.
As far as shirts-whichever don’t rub my underarms raw.
Otherwise I could care less how cute I look.
I like to get my workout shirts (and most clothes) secondhand anyway.
Too bad we don’t live near each other-I could go scoop up all your clothes you donate! ha! 😉
Has anyone tried the body bugg or the gowear fit? I am trying to determine if I should just stick with the polar F6 or just go for it and purchase one of the more expensive options. i would love any feedback.
What a great site this is.
Thanks for the great resources.
I LOVE the Nike tempo shorts, I have about 5 pairs and am always looking for more in new colors! They are so comfy, and fit so well!! A question about the Garmin and Polar calorie counting/mileage devices: I received a Polar watch as a gift to count calories but didn’t like it because it had the restricting, uncomfortable strap…do all of these devices need a strap? If so, where and how do you wear it while working out? Does it get in the way?
I wouldn’t be able to live without my ‘tunes! I also LOVE Asics, my fave are the Gel Kayano’s, and my fave workout gear is lululemon (pricey) or old navy (cheap!) pants, men’s tanks and of course the amazing Nike tempo shorts!
xo
K
nike tempo shorts are my fav! whenever i see a pair on sale i buy them!
hi KATIE G. i am responding to your question about the HRM straps. i have a polar F4, light blue. most HRM have a chest strap (a.k.a. the transmitter) which is worn right under your bra line. all of the chest straps are made of a rubbery flexible material that are rounded on the sides to comfortably fit around your torso. they should all hook in the back. mine has an elastic strap that hooks into the rubber part on each side and can be adjusted for a snug fit. the polar models have 2 electrodes (each one is located underneath your b–bs) which need to be wet down prior to exercise for the most accurate counts(the wristwatch is called the receiver). what i do is dispense some H2O into my hand and wet the part that lays against my skin right before exercising and turn the watch on. mine shows a heart flashing and then it displays my current heart rate and shows the caloric output above that. the strap doesn’t really bother me. i am so used to it now. the only time when it needs readjusted is when i have too many “bras” on. for instance, when i wear a sports bra, then a top with a built in shelf bra, sometimes i have trouble with the strap sliding around a little. i just readjust and keep going. it’s really not that much of a nuisance. you can also get a smaller elastic strap and a replacement elastic strap (when it’s stretched out) for $5 or $6 from polar. when i wear a regular t-shirt or tank, i don’t have too many problems with it sliding. occassionally if i am doing plyo exercises or a lot of jumping in zumba it will slide down (but i also sweat a lot, especially near my obliques). if you are looking for a HRM without a chest strap, i believe nike has a model with electrodes on the wrist. i don’t know the reliability of that though. i’ve been using polar since jan. of 06 and i think they are the best next to the body bugg. i would L-O-V-E to get a body bugg. it is my most coveted fitness tool :), but the price is a lot higher than what i paid for my polar. the body bugg has 2 components which are both priced separately. the arm band and the wrist display. you can just use the arm band but i’m so used to the wrist receiver i would want that. i think this answered all your questions. good luck and happy exercising!!!
thanks SO much!! very helpful information!!!! 🙂
I need to invest in a garmin for sure….thats what I’m trying to save up for right now!
“When I’m going to get my sweat on, I rock homeless person attire.”
Hahaha. I love it! My workout gear is really on it’s last legs (note to self – white is not a good colour!) but it’s sooo comfy I can’t bring myself to replace it. I go to the gym to get my sweat on. I’m not there to impress anyone. Plus, if I work out looking like a hobo, when I actually get dressed and make an effort I look and feel twice as good 🙂
Great post!! Cute work out clothes, good music and a water bottle are my essentials.
I have those same Asics. They are my second pair and I love them! Those Nike running shorts are great too, no chaffing!
*drools* Garmin….. oh how I want thee. 😉 One day, my Garmin shall come. tehe.
Oooo, thanks for posting this! I didn’t even know such things as the Garmin existed! And aren’t asics AMAZING? I swear, I hated running before I got my asics. =]