Tag: Under Armour

What to Have in a Gym Bag

The Gym Bag

Thank goodness it’s Friday! I figured today would be a good day to post this because I’m sure quite a few of us have messed up on our diets or fitness regiments and will be “starting” again on Monday. To be honest, I haven’t even begun to try and work out or eat healthier again. Like I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I’m still getting settled in my new city!

The apartment I’ll be moving into has a great gym on site and hopefully next week I’ll mosey on over to the gym a few times. I think the most exciting part of starting a new fitness regime is getting to stock your gym bag and buy a few new workout clothes. Is there anything more motivating than new gym stuff? Maybe just the cute bikini you’ll slip into this summer!

What’s in My Gym Bag

  1. Workout Leggings- The stretchy pants the hit mid-calf are the most flattering in my opinion. I find most of mine at Marshall’s for around $15. Hint: Buy them in prints because it conceals any lumps you might not want everyone to see!
  2. Gym Shoes- Simple, right? It drives me crazy when I see someone wearing Sperry’s to lift weights. My best tip for getting gym shoes like the Under Armor ones above is to wait for Dick’s Sporting Goods to have their semi-annual sale.
  3. Deodorant Spray- Dove has a good spray that I like. Before I workout, I spray it behind my knees and around my feet. Other weight lifters appreciate it!
  4. Water Bottle- Fill it with ice cubes and lemon wedges for a refreshing thirst quencher.
  5. Weight Lifting Gloves- I love these to prevent blisters, but you have to be sure to wash them often to prevent stink and bacteria!
  6. Good Sports Bra- Victoria’s Secret makes a few great ones but I’m not paying $50 for something I’ll sweat in. I found the one above in Target and absolutely loved it! It clasps in the back and provides a lot more support. Best part? It’s only $16!

Not pictured: Great anti-chafe cream! When you hit the tread mill, your thighs tend to rub together and get sore. Monistat makes a good chafe cream you can buy at Wal Mart for a few dollars. Leave a comment with what’s in your gym bag!

witty n pretty

How to Get Motivated for the Gym

Fitness
Summer is coming and it has crept up on us yet again. As I look in the mirror I can see a few improvement areas, particularly around my thighs (a trouble spot). However, I know better than anyone else that getting your bum off the couch and getting to the gym is one of the hardest things you will do in an average day. Some people live for the gym and I’m forever jealous of them! 
What can we do to motivate ourselves to hit the gym? I think I’ve come up with a few ideas. Read on. 
1. Get a gym bag
Seriously, who doesn’t love getting a new bag of some sort? I’ve been browsing Dick’s Sporting Goods and they seem to have quite the assortment of awesome gym bags to choose from.
2. Put together a great gym outfit
Girls (and guys) should try and look presentable at the gym. I enjoy looking cute though. Go find some athletic shorts in your favorite color and a new tank. While you’re at it, indulge yourself in a new pair of running shoes. They don’t have to cost hundreds but fresh kicks can do a world of good!
3. Make a routine
Tone_It_UpYou won’t want to go to the gym if you have no idea what you’ll do when you get there. Find a routine that you are comfortable with but will also challenge you. The Tone It Up girls run a Youtube channel with hundreds of workouts to choose from. Go take a peak!
4. Make a playlist
For a really good workout you need a really good playlist of songs that motivate you. A few songs on my playlist are “Angel” by Akon, “Cool Kids” by Echosmith, “I Love It” by Icona Pop, “I Made It” by Kevin Rudolf, “Runaway” by Mat Kearney, and “I’m Alive” by Shinedown. 
5. Hydrate
Water is an important part of any workout routine. If you’re like me, you find water rather boring. Rethink this with adding Pinterestfruit to your water! I love strawberries and limes in mine. At a spa I went to in Disney World, they added lemon and cucumber to their water. It was a refreshing drink that truly made water exciting! 
6. Find a workout partner
Having someone that will meet you at the gym will motivate you for two reasons: 1. You won’t want to be rude and cancel on them and 2. You will challenge yourself to keep up with your partner and meet your own goals.
7. Find a fitness app 
I like to record my progress, calorie intake, weight, and water consumption on my phone so I can remember and have it handy. Find an app that you like to record the same things. I use My Net Diary to keep track of these things but there are many others! 
What do you do to motivate yourself to go to the gym? Any tips? Comment, like, and share!
-Liz