Hello guys, we're sure you all remember the first #MyJourneyToFitness post by the lovely Itunu from rosesandredbottoms.blogspot.co.uk and today she is back with our second scoop of the segment, gym essentials yay! So without further get your checklists on deck and enjoy the post...
So hopefully like me, you’re on your journey to fitness, or maybe you’re yet to start and just need that push. Well, before embarking on this journey, paid gym membership or not, it is important to be prepared.
As I said in the last #MyJourneyToFitness post, my journey began spontaneously so I didn’t have as much time to prepare as someone who took time to make the decision to join a gym or begin a healthy life.
Here are some of the things I believe are essential when beginning your ‘Gym Journey’.
- Gym Gear – Make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the gym; no jeans, no jackets, no hats. Gym leggings, shorts, sports bras, gym appropriate shirts etc. Anything that you know shouldn’t be worn in the gym take it off your checklist.
- Trainers – It’s important to wear comfortable trainers to work out. Stay away from bulky trainers; look for light trainers that mould into your foot shape. A good pair of gym trainers are the Nike free runs.
- Gym Gloves – I got these because quite a lot of my workouts are done with weights and wearing gym gloves makes life so much easier when lifting them. It gives you a better grip and prevents any burns or blisters from rubbing on things.
- Water Bottle – You need to consistently rehydrate during any workout so having a water bottle is essential. Who really wants to keep running to the other side of the room to take a sip from the communal gym water fountain?
- Waist Trainer – If you’re like me and one of your main focuses is to get a smaller stomach area and a smaller waist, a waist trainer is definitely a must have. If you don’t want to wear it every day, wear it whilst working out. Measure your waist before you begin waist training and re-measure as often as you like to see improvements.
- Earphones – Even though the gym does provide music, a pair of earphones will come in VERY handy when they play a genre you don’t like or when you simply want to tune out the world and focus on you, your workout, and your goals.
- Skipping Rope – This isn’t necessarily essential for the gym but it’s great to have at home for the days you can’t make it to the gym.
- Hand Towel – Luckily I’m not a very sweaty person, but for those who are, a hand towel is a must have if you don’t want to be dripping everywhere and constantly trying to discreetly wipe away the sweat with your hands or shirt without everyone noticing. A towel is much less effort, less embarrassing and a lot more hygienic!
- Padlock – Most gyms have lockers but not every gym provides a lock. Get yourself a padlock so you can keep all your personal belongings away and safe while you work towards your goals.
- Workout Log – Have an idea of what workouts you’re going to do at the gym and keep track of your progress and targets with your workout log.
- Gym Bag – CONFESSION!!! I don’t have a gym bag guys but this is only because I live literally two minutes away from my gym so I don’t need to pack a bag; I don’t even have a padlock because I don’t really take anything with me to the gym. However, for those of you who don’t live as close to the gym as I do, a gym bag is perfect to keep everything organised.
- Nike Training App – This isn’t essential but I highly advise everyone to download this app for the days you can’t make it to the gym and want to do a quick workout at home etc. It has anything and everything fitness on it and caters to your specific needs by using your goals as guidelines.
These are all the things that I personally think are essential when beginning your journey to fitness; they are just tips and guidelines to get you started. My advice to you is, do what is best for you and get what YOU think is essential for YOUR journey. But whatever the decision, you get to go on a shopping trip and who doesn’t love to go…
