Let’s talk.

Let’s talk about workout gear and gadgets, shall we?  I’m really really into this right now- especially since I just got a new workout gadget!

Today we’re going to talk about things that you need.  Tomorrow I’ll do things that are luxuries- you don’t really need them, but they sure are great!

What do you need?

Gear

Shoes

You need to invest in a good pair of shoes.  If you’re going to run you need to invest in a great pair of running shoes- shoes that you ONLY use for running.  There is no room for scrimping here- this is your feet we’re talking about!

For running I would suggest going into your local running shoe store.  They’ll measure your feet and have you walk or run to assess the way you walk and recommend a certain type of running shoe for you.

Right now I’m transitioning to a more minimal running shoe.  So I’m wearing the Brooks Green Silence.  I LOVE them!  They give me instant good form- no more heel strike that I got in the stability shoes!!

For any other workout I do(biking, group exercise classes, elliptical, walking, etc) I have a separate pair of sneakers. They’re Adidas Fluid Trainers that I got at the Adidas Outlet.

You also really need some sweat wicking clothes and socks.

Sure you can just workout in a t-shirt and some shorts, but when you sweat the moisture will cling to you and it will start chafing in places you didn’t know you were able to chaf.

You can find inexpensive sweat wicking tops, shorts, and socks at places like Academy, Target, or Dick’s Sporting Goods.  They don’t have to be insanely expensive to work well.  Three of my favorite workout tops cost no more than $20 each!

Tops

I love these Champion tops from Target!  They’re extremely flattering and have a built in sports bra (though if you’re bigger than a C cup you might need a little more support).

I also have this Underarmour tank.  It’s really really comfy and it’s a long top so it doesn’t ride up during a workout.

Shorts and capris

I have several pairs of running capris that I got from Academy– I think they were around $12 each?

I also have a pair of Underarmour shorts that are similar to these.

I super heart these shorts!  They do NOT ride up when you’re running- trust me, I have thunder thighs and it is not easy for me to find an awesome pair of shorts.  I got them for my bday from my bro and sis-in-law. I love them so much that I’m going to go get a few more pairs!

A good sports bra

Do your research on this one and choose what’s best for you.  There are so many different brands.  Just make sure it’s sweat wicking and it supports the girls.  Bouncing  = bad.  I tend to gravitate to the Champion brand(Target).  They work for me.  I’m also in the IBTC, so if your girls are bigger you might want to look for a brand that caters specifically to that.

Socks

Sweat wicking socks are important.  You don’t want sweaty socks rubbing against your skin in your shoes.  That = blisters.  Ouch.

Gadgets

You don’t really need many gadgets when you’re working out.  One gadget that I would recommend is a heart rate monitor.  You can easily get an inexpensive one that just tells you your heart rate. Or you can go a little nicer and get one that also tells you how many calories you’ve burned.  I love love love my heart rate monitor.  I couldn’t imagine working out without it!

I have the Polar F6 heart rate monitor.  (I don’t think they make this one any more?  I’m sure there are other models that are similar to the F6 though)

Well that wraps up my list of needs.  If you have any more that you want to add to this list let me know and I’ll add it!!

Up tomorrow is luxury gear and gadgets- stuff you don’t really need but is super fun and cool!

See you tomorrow!