As most of us know, exercise has several positive health benefits on the mind and body, including stress relief and strengthening muscles. But, do you have all the right tools and products to help you accomplish the best workout possible? Here’s a list of some of our favorite exercise essentials for you to browse through and implement into your own fitness routine!
Exercise Mat
These mats are perfect for people who do more body weight exercises (either in the gym or at home). It’s nice to buy your own mat so you don’t have to worry about someone else’s sweat left behind on a random mat at the gym. Having an exercise mat allows you to sit down anywhere and complete a workout. Use your mat to do a fun Yoga workout! The padding on exercise mats protects your knees, elbows, hips, and back during any floorwork. They last a long time while also protecting your floors from any damage or sweat marks.
Running Pace & BMI Calculator
Both of these tools can improve your fitness journey. If you’re a runner, learning about your running pace can help you perform better in long distance races and training. Use a calculator to determine what a comfortable pace is for your body and stick with it as you progress with your goals and personal records. Calculating your BMI is another smart way to tailor your exercises as you progressively find a workout routine that works for you. Body mass index determines whether you are underweight, overweight, or at a normal weight for your height. Be mindful that pregnancy, high muscle mass, and age can also affect your BMI.
Water Bottle
There’s nothing worse than starting a workout and not having your water bottle nearby to keep you hydrated throughout your exercises. Search online (or in various sport equipment/apparel stores) to find a water bottle that has everything you want. If you like water to be cold for a long time then look for insulated/stainless steel bottles. Browse for bottles with a push/pull cap for easier use while doing cardio or other high intensity workouts. Make sure you find a water bottle that can fit into your gym bag so you don’t have to stress about where to put it on your way to and from the gym.
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Free Weights
While doing exercises on your own or at the gym, owning a pair or two of free weights can really help you get the workout you need. Test some out at the store and find a weight you are comfortable with and a weight you want to work up to. If they are smaller weights, bring them with you to the gym so you don’t have to worry about a shortage of weights while you’re there. If they are too heavy, keep the weights at home for a post-workout muscle exercise. Use free weights for various arm exercises, an add-on for a more intermediate Pilates/Yoga workout, or even a behind the knee glute activation set.
Jump Rope
Using a jump rope before a workout is the perfect way to warm up the body. Jumping at a normal rate burns more than 10 calories per minute. Not only does it burn calories quick, but also improves your balance and coordination, increases bone density, and even gives your brain a workout! Jump ropes are fairly cheap (they normally range from $10-$20) and easy to pack in a gym bag for a quick on-the-go exercise. Find a flat area and wear sneakers for an even better jump!
Headphones
A study in 2012 by Brunel University London’s Costas Karageorghis showed music has similarities to a performance-enhancing drug, relieving the body of fatigue and improving one’s happiness and drive. What do you need to listen to music? Headphones. Finding the perfect pair can be difficult. For those who do more cardio workouts, a pair of wireless headphones would be the best type to wear so the cords don’t get caught up in any weight/cardio machines. While some people prefer over the head wireless headphones for a fuller and more intense sound while exercising. Keep your headphones clean by disinfecting and keeping them in a case when you’re traveling or not using them.
Sneakers
Exercise shoes might be the most important essential of all. Although some exercises like Pilates and Yoga don’t require shoes, if you’re an avid cardio, HIIT, or gym member, sneakers will be your best friend. Assess your current exercise routine, and base your shoe choice off that. If you’re more of a runner, you’re going to look for comfortable shoes that you can be in for long amounts of time. If you’re into heavy lifting and weight training, look for a flat shoe that has stability and grip. If HIIT workouts are part of your fitness routine, find cross trainers that will provide you with the proper breathability, traction, and longevity you’ll need to finish a hard vigorous workout.
Use these tips to help you feel prepared and ready to crush any and all of your fitness goals moving forward with a healthy lifestyle and routine!
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