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
(Source)
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!). 😀
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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
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I have the same pink Polar F6 and I love it! It’s helped me lose 20 pounds so far by allowing me to see how many calories I’m burning 🙂 It’s also very motivating. If I see I’m not burning so many calories, I’ll kick my workout up a notch. It also encourages me to exercise regularly. I just love seeing the total of calories burned at the end of the week 🙂
Great post. I literally just placed an order for the Polar F6 after reading this, because I’ve been thinking about it but just never got around to do it. It’s good to see that you have had such success with it also, Christina!
I’ve been wearing the Asics 2110 line since it launched. Best shoes ever!!
I love this type of post! Such useful info!
I have an ipod shuffle for running too but I noticed it starts to go a little haywire after about a half an hour. It starts to skip around in the middle of songs and the buttons won’t work. Have you noticed this at all?
I love having fun workout clothes for exercising. It always makes me look forward to it more! 🙂
I also think a good pair of shoes is SO important. Thanks for the info on energy/electrolyte replacers! Seriously, this will come in handy when I start getting more intense in marathon training 😀
Great post!! I LURVE my Nike Tempo shorts– I have 6 pairs!! 🙂
I might have to go out and get me the Polar monitor this week. I love how it calculates all your digits!
Music is everything for me…without good jams, I barely last 20 minutes!!
Your the 2nd person this week to recommend the Nike Tempo shorts so I can’t wait to try them on! Here’s what I would add to the list:
– a stainless water bottle for constant refilling
– my Nike plus sportband for tracking my runs
As a little extra motivation for myself, I’ve been taking coconut water to the gym instead of just plain ol’ water. It’s not much, but I’ve found it’s a small treat!
Also, I realize this is weird, but I also LOVE wearing new super-cushy socks to the gym 🙂
Plus some good trashy magazines! They make the elliptical so much more appealing!
haha, so true!!
maybe i should try the tempo shorts………
cute zumba shirt!
have a good day
Can you wear the Polar F6 all day to see how much you burn (or don’t burn in a day) or does it only work if your heart rate is at or above a certain level?
i was wondering that myself.. i’m sure you could, but if you’re looking to use it for that, check out the body bug! you wear it while you’re sleeping and it tells you how many calories your body would burn in a day 🙂
I have the same running shoes as you! Since I run a lot, I need either running shorts (or leggings) with a pocket in the back for my gels and keys. I have a pair of fitted Nike shorts and a pair of Lululemon leggings. Otherwise, I use my spibelt, glorified hot pink fanny pack that it is :). http://www.spibelt.com/
I also get a lot of comfy but cheapo workout clothes at Old Navy. I also get yoga pants when they are on sale at Jcrew.
Oh and good socks! Mine are New Balance and I got them on Amazon for about $13 for 3 pairs. They are *crucial* for not getting blisters on long runs!
I too love Mike tempo shorts!!!! I need to buy some more!
So i know you have a Garmin and all now…but I happen to have a spare chest strap from my Polar F6… When I bought mine, I wasn’t sure it came with one, so I bought two. Would you like it??
LOVE THIS POST! No one should ever underestimate the power of social media – I am now in the market for Asics and Nike Tempo shorts. Haha!
Oh, and I totally rock homeless person attire when I’m working out, too. Aaaaaaaand music makes my life worth living (and my workouts better).
I need to get an ipod soon–my workouts are suffering from lack of tunes.
Thanks for this. I always like to see what other people use to work out. I love tempo running shorts. I could wear them for every exercise.
Great post! I would love to have a Garmin, but they’re a little pricey 😛
you pretty much hit the nail on the head with all of those, except i gave up my love for Nike Tempos and have switched the 2″ Road Race shorts by Nike! loooooooooooove them! I need a new strap for my HR (sigh)…havent used it since before marathon but will certainly need it when the temps get higher!!
the one thing you dont have on there is a Bondi Band!!! loooooooooove them…great in the summer to keep the sweat from your face and in the winter, they are great to keep the hair out of your eyess and will also double as ear bands! lightweight so if its not too cold like down here in SE Texas winters… so cute with the cute sayings on them!!!!
I love when I have cute workout clothes to wear! Wish I could afford more… 😉
I love the nikee tempo shorts! Of course I can’t break them out until the weather is warmer and all this snow melts! Thanks for sharing 🙂
What a cute yoga/zumba tanktop!
That tank is adorable! I also love Asics. I have really flat feet (overpronation) and once I started buying sneakers at specialized running stores I learned that many shoes in the Asics line are built with great arch support. Since then, I’ve never worn another brand.
Great post! I have always had luck with Asics sneakers.I’m going to check out some of the items you suggest! Thanks!
Andrea
Dressing comfortably is so important when working out, I agree. And man, I know all about needing music for those sessions. I can’t live without having my iPod by my side, I think. It’s like an extension of me now. LOL
i keep hearing over and over how great tempo shorts are. i’m going to have to check them out!
Cutest tank EVER. Working out in a shirt like that is motivating enough!
Great list!
I definitely agree on the Tempo shorts (can’t get enough!!) and the Garmin. Don’t know what I’d do without them! Although, since Illinois is snow-covered, I’be actually been going without my Garmin quite frequently. By running on the treadmill–
Great post! I second (and third and so on!) getting a great pair of running shoes. And get running shoes for where you are going to run. If you get trail shoes to run on a treadmill then those will not help you. Regular running shoes for street and treadmills, trail shoes for actual park/hiking trails.
Love the tempo running shorts!
I have a polar and love it! It started acting a little funky on me and a reader suggested changing out the battery. Duh! Didn’t even occur to me that the watch had a battery. Ha!
Old Navy and Target have great workout gear for on the cheap. And Nike website has sales all the time where you can get stuff half off.
I’m definitely going to have to get one of those Polar F6 watches. LOVE that it comes in pink! 🙂
thanks for the great tips! i love my Polar watch/HR monitor…it’s great for those who want to track their progress that way and not by distance 🙂
I got the Garmin for Christmas and I love it! It’s so much more accurate than the Nike+ system I had been using before… it’s making training for my first marathon way easier!
I have multiple pairs of those Nike shorts, too! Love them! 🙂
Garmins are awesome! I miss mine… it died about a year ago and I haven’t replaced it yet.
I love your note about homeless person attire. They do know how to dress comfy! haha
I have a question. What do you use for a long run when you are outside? For a while I was just going with my music and nothing else, but I hear you should bring your ID and a cellphone. Well I’m not about to start running with a “fanny” pack. Do you know of any cute running type bags for this situation?
I love my Polar F6. But mine is boring black. 🙁 I also have the Garmin Forerunner 305 which is awesome too!! Thanks for sharing all your favorite products….that was really interesting and informative.
i am so excited to have found this blog! fitnessista rocks my face off. this is the first time i have EVER blogged. exercise is my passion and my obsession. i have a polar F4. it is light blue. costs less than the F6 but it does everything i need. i have had it since january 2006 and have only had to replace the battery 2 or 3 times. you simply send your polar to a registered service center. you can check the polar website for details. go to google and type in polar HRM. i use my HRM every single workout, sometimes twice a day. user tip: it helps to preserve the battery if you turn the sound options to off. the F4 gives you the following info: total workout time, total time in your zone, your average heart rate during your workout, your highest heart rate during your workout and the total calories you burned. in december i reached my highest caloric output during exercise: 1222. it was AWESOME!-one of my greatest fitness moments. one of the other bloggers had a question about being able to wear the polar during non-exercise activities. you absolutely can! i have done many experiments with mine seeing how many calories i burn cleaning my house, washing/detailing my car, etc. the chest strap might start to bother you after a while though.
i can’t agree about the nike shorts as i don’t like my legs so i prefer to wear capris during every workout, even running. lululemon makes some great sweat wicking capris. i’m going to give you a big AMEN about a.) asics running shoes are da bomb and b.) music single handedly fuels my workouts. when i workout at home (in my homeless person attire…LOL) i like it loud and “dirty.” i too could not weather a workout without my iPOD. it is the only thing that has made running tolerable and fun for me. pre-iPOD i didn’t have any desidre to run since i could not stand listening to the sound of my own haggled breathing.
BTW, i am also a zumba finatic! love it, love it, love it!! the one instructor i take from affectionately calls us her “zumbies.” i am attending zumba instructor training next month. i can’t wait. a whole day of zumba…ahhh…i am going to lose my mind!
Omg Gina are those the tempo shorts with the built in under wear!!?
yes, but i don’t free-ball it in them 😉
I love this post! It is so great to hear all these recommendations!
Can anyone recommend their favorite protein powder? I am especially looking for something “to-go” style. I usually use deisgner whey, but i am not home as often now, so i am trying to find something similar that comes in little to-go packets, or possibly in a container already. Any ideas?
I love my Garmin too and I need to get some of those shorts for the summer. Thanks for the tips!
I am OBSESSSED with the Nike tempo shorts too! I was on the cross country team in high school and I’m in my sophomore year of college now, so obviously I’ve been collecting since then and I probably have over 25 pairs…seriously I am obsessed! They are amazingly comfy and there’s just so many fun colors 🙂 Thanks for sharing Gina!
hey gina, i know you use the garmin for tracking running-but the nike + i fit also does this! if u have nike shoes( and buy the separate sensor) u can attach it to an ipod/itouch and it will track your workouts, calories burned etc. just some info if anyone has nike running shoes!
How long do your workout clothes tend to last before they bite the dust? Or how long do you hold onto things before they become too worn out??
usually around 6 months to a year.. as soon as they fade or look worn, i goodwill them
I just got that Garmin for Christmas and I can honestly say it has changed my running for the better! I know some people say we get too dependent on stuff like that, etc, but like you said, it shows how much I’m truly capable of! It pushes me to move faster and to last longer! And music is a MUST.
addddicted to glee-cercising!
Gina – and ladies 🙂 – would you say that the Polar F6 is accurate when it comes to calories burned? I’ve been seeing some conflicting reviews online.
I definitely have to check out the tempo shorts once we get summer weather here. I never know HOW to dress when I’m outside for a workout and all I have are cotton capris (which I’m sure are a no-no). I also want a garmin, but since I’m running on the treadmill, I don’t see the need. Even though I’ve been working out for a long while, I still feel like a newbie sometimes!
Asics rock! They’re my favourite, too. 🙂
K
I love my polar F6 and I can’t make it through a workout with my iPod. I need my tunes!
BRAZILIAN YOGA/CAPRI WORKOUT PANTS – probably wouldn’t be the gym rat I am today without ’em!! I would invest in great workout pants that don’t fall off your booty and that you don’t have to adjust. Especially for spinning, lower body workouts (ie squats and lunges) and running, I like to avoid anything that doesn’t fit just right because it is a major annoyance.
My family owns a gym and we sell the MOST AMAZING workout and yoga pants. I think they’re made by a Brazilian company called Okster, but I can’t really read the label – they’re imported from Brazil through a member and they FLY off the shelf. Luckily, whenever we get a shipment my mom gives me a new color! They come in capris (only thing I can teach spin in) that have tiny colored cuffs at the knees that match the colored fold-over top. They also come in a yoga pant version, and lets just say they’re tight enough to make you look, well, “tight” but designed to NOT produce a muffin top. I have them in black and white, black and pink, black and orange, black and periwinkle, black and black, and dark brown/teal. Downside: you have to be very nice to them in the laundry (gentle cycle, hang dry, NO HEAT)!
Clearly I’m new to this bloggy thing and just left a ridiculously long comment, but I’m so ENTHUSIASTIC about these things that I’d totally donate my next pair (like I said, mom gives me a pair for every shipment) for the Fitnessista to try out. Let me know what you think!