Is anyone on the New Year’s Health kick? I actually started in November on mine but really amped things up this January. Warm weather comes quickly in California and if I ever hope to wear shorts again, I better get it together.
Also my sweet 12 year old is working so hard on her speed and endurance for soccer and it has been a very humbling experience to try keeping up with her on her runs. (Spoiler: I don’t) Lol. So some of this is Mom pride and wanting to show both my girls what hard work and discipline can do… My plan is to ultimately beat that little turkey on her runs. Ha!
So I have a Couch to 5k running app I downloaded that is helping a ton with setting pace and slowly working up to running a full 30 minute stretch. I am pushing myself to do a tough weight session 3x a week at the gym– and I have plenty of podcasts to keep that interesting.
So I thought I’d put together some ideas of fun things that are helpful for those with me on a fitness journey- obviously these aren’t really essential but might keep you motivated and make your workouts a bit more fun. Several of these items I use regularly and a few I might treat myself to as an early Mother’s Day gift- including that backpack and those awesome sneakers. I really want to get the resistance bands too.
I usually prefer Hydroflask
I get these for my daughter when she does long practices or on really hot days or when I really push myself. These are basically used to get electrolytes into your system quickly without using sugary sports drinks.
Love the gym, hate the cooties.
These are so cute and big enough to hold several containers with snacks and drinks. We pack our own food as often as possible for sports days and road trips and I always have a bag in the car with a handful of snacks just in case- usually bars, trail mix and beef jerky.
My old gym used to provide towels for members which I loved until one day I saw a man use his towel to loudly blow his nose. No thanks. Plus this comes in such happy colors.
We take these daily for a little extra immune support. I have them in a cute glass jar right by my coffee pot so I remember in the morning.
My absolute favorite dry shampoo. This doesn’t smell stinky, cake up in your hair, feel chalky and gross. It is more expensive but totally worth it to me. I use it at night before bed if I am not washing my hair.
I really want airpods. The cords on my headphones drive me batty.
Isn’t this cute? So perfect for the gym or for travel.
I am not a bath person but I frequently do an epsom salt soak when my muscles are tired or I start feeling sick. I also force my kids into an epsom salt bath when they have really done strenuous sports or they start to come down with something. Bath, hydration and sleep seem to be miracle cures for many things.
These are so dorky- sorry but I can’t get into the fanny pack trend at all- but it does get your phone, your keys etc.. out of the way for running or other workouts. This is a cheap one that comes in various colors and is big enough to hold your phone without being awkward.
I love these! I wouldn’t wear them for running but for sure after yoga and I notice when people start working out more, they tend to wear athletic clothes almost daily. I’d wear these for most of the day and then switch into my real running shoes.
I have tried all the hair ties and I think as a grown up, I can’t really pull off the scruchie look so these are simple and designed to stay in place.
For those that like to plan, here is a cute health journal to keep your meals and goals and workouts organized. I am noting on my day planner my workouts and so does my daughter and it is motivating to look back and say- wow I ran XX miles this month or I did 17 workouts last month.
Tired legs love a good scrub.
These are the prettiest resistance bands I have seen. I follow so many athletes (especially for soccer) and you constantly see them using these bands for strength training. All the personal trainers we have ever used (myself and the kids) use them as well. Simple, cheap and easy to tote around to give yourself a great lower body workout. (Case in point- the USWNT is showcasing Olympic qualifier training today and the athletes are doing squats with these bands. If you have never seen a professional footballer in person, their legs are crazy strong.)
There you have it. All my favorite workout items to make January resolutions a little less boring and maybe some inspo for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day gifts.
Clearly if you are spending $125 for a water bottle, you are way out of my league. I
definitely cannot relate & have unscribbed.
Hi Melissa,
I’m not sure what you are talking about.I would agree that $125 is a crazy amount for a water bottle. The bottle recommended in the post is $19.99 from Target. The Hydroflask that we buy are the 32oz that run about $35 and the 44oz that can be about $42. I usually try to get them on sale or with coupons at Dick’s Sporting Goods and we use them very single day. Our current ones we bought last Spring and are still in great shape.
We do live in a hot climate though- California- and in summer it can easily hit 100 degrees so that’s why I am so loyal to Hydroflask. It is the only brand that keeps water cold all day- even sitting in the sun. When my little girl has three softball games in one day in 100 degree weather or my big girl is doing Cross Country and soccer practice and tournaments in that weather, it is absolutely worth it. For me too because I usually have my water bottle in the car and I can keep it there all day and the water is still icy.
I think if you don’t share the same needs, you can certainly get a really cute and practical water bottle (like the one I highlighted) for half that price.
I do see a half gallon Hydroflask listed around $100. That is the largest size they offer and I can’t say I’ve ever seen anyone carry around that large of a size. I suspect that would be a good option for someone that did construction work or was outdoors all day without the ability to refill but it is more than we need and would probably be way too heavy anyway. I certainly wouldn’t need that size myself and wouldn’t suggest that for just running around working out.
Take care,
Charlene