Work Out Essentials

Let’s be honest! Life is busy, so, if we aren’t organised, would we ever get to the gym?

Time is precious, and often there are not enough hours in the day, so being organised is key.

Personally, what helps me prioritize and make sure I fit in some form of exercise (4-6 times a week), is making sure I have a gym bag packed and ready.

I leave my bag in the car so that I can be GYM READY at any time, and make sure I fit in my exercise for the day.

My Workout Essentials Check list is:

GYM BAG

SWEAT TOWEL

WATER BOTTLE

PHONE/IPOD

PHONE/IPOD COVER & EAR PHONES

TRAINERS

WORKOUT GEAR

GYM BAG:

Yes, the bag itself is essential. The size is important as you want to be able to fit all your workout gear and essentials into the bag comfortably. As well as (possibly), an outfit for any social events you may have that evening. So, you want your gym bag to be big enough to fit all your essentials, but not too big so that you look like you are going on a 10 day vacay! Smaller compartments on the inside or outside of the bag are also great for smaller items such as your phone/iPod, ear phones, or even to keep your jewellery while you workout. These compartments ultimately make more space for your work out gear, towel, water bottle, trainers and after gym outfit. Winning!

SWEAT TOWEL:

Most gyms won’t allow you to train without a sweat towel for hygiene purposes, and if you are like me, and the gym is no place to be looking pretty, and sweating to the max is the aim – you most definitely need a towel.

WATER BOTTLE:

As we all know, water intake is extremely important throughout each day, and when we exercise we have to increase our water intake to keep hydrated while working out. Glass or BPA free water bottles are best, and because I am a bit clumsy at times, I prefer using a BPA free plastic bottle so that if I drop my bottle it won’t break, and so that I’m not consuming any nasty chemicals (like I would using a regular plastic bottle).

PHONE/IPOD:

Music is probably my number one workout essential. My favourite tunes motivate and push me through my workouts. Imagine trying to work out with no music – it would be so much harder, and not nearly as much fun!

PHONE COVER & EAR PHONES:

I love running and doing circuits when I train, and I am therefore moving around a lot. So, I can’t live without my ear phones and phone cover that straps to my arm.

TRAINERS:

A good pair of trainers is crucial when working out, especially when running. All of us walk and run differently and some of us may not have any problems, but a lot of people pronate, myself included. This means that your feet roll inwards when you walk or run, and if you don’t have the right shoes when you are working out, this could give you shin splints or affect your knees. I find Asics are best for us pronate-ers as they have great arch support and prevent your foot from rolling inwards or collapsing.

WORKOUT GEAR:

Everyone likes to workout in different work out gear. I personally prefer to wear what I feel comfortable in, and what is going to support me when I am running or moving around doing circuit training. So, my workout gear ‘uniform’ is usually, a great sports bra for maximum support, a funky, in style top and a good pair of gym pants (usually 3/4 or 7/8 length).

Wearing:

Gym Bag: Mimco

Gym Top, Sports Bra, Gym Pants: Lorna Jane

Trainers: Asics

Sun Glasses: Ray Ban

Photo Credit: Nicole Le Roux Photography