5 Things That Make Staying Active Easier
Dry Shampoo
A lot of people site not having time to shower as a reason that they don’t have time to work out! Dry shampoo can really shorten your shower (rinsing off is way shorter than washing hair). If you’re gross like me, it can allow you to put showering at all off a bit longer (until after a couple errands, or whatever - not for days, ok.).
This is my favorite one. It lasts forever compared to spray versions and adds nice volume. It seems a little pricey ($25), but it lasts FOREVER in comparison to aerosol options. Plus, people always say I smell nice when I use it (…I never get that same compliment when I use actual shampoo).
2. leggings (both $$$ and $. budgets)
Lululemon Train Times pant. My favorite expensive legging
$$$:
As much as I always want to hate on Lululemon, they make my favorite expensive leggings. The material is great, they stay up, and they last forever. These are my favorites for sweaty workouts in the gym OR runs (the back pocket is large enough for an iPhone). I only have one pair and I’ve had them for years. I wear them at least once a week and they’re still in great condition.
Powerflex legging by 90Degrees by Reflex. My favorite budget legging.
$:
If I didn’t do this professionally and wear leggings 15 hours a day, I would not be as willing to fork over $100 no matter the quality. I did some research and tried out cheaper options early this year. I liked some others initially, like Fabletics, but they didn’t hold up as well after multiple washes as these ones from 90 Degrees by Reflex. They’re $29.99 full price, and this site has sales on top of that all the time.
3. Good gym shoes
I cannot stress the importance of shoes enough. This could be its own entire post. Please stop trying to do hard workouts in athleisurewear shoes, please stop doing heavy lifts in running shoes with offset soles. Food misalignment can lead to long term injuries, difficulty recruiting the proper muscles during low body moves (Like GLUTES - what everyone wants to activate), knee and hip instability, and more.
Seriously, get some proper gym shoes that provide stability and support, then watch your form and balance improve drastically.
My two favorite gym/lifting shoes are:
Reebok Nano 6. I don’t do Crossfit, but Crossfit shoes are great. I use these a few times a week!
Nike Free x Metcon. Another crossfit shoe but a little less intense looking! Plus, this one works fine for short sprints and other cross training stuff.
4. BIG, easy to wash water bottle!
I pressure every single client to buy a big water bottle! Water aids in recovery post workout, helps you digest food, and having enough helps you distinguish between hunger and thirst cues.
I recommend everyone start by aiming for about 1/2 their bodyweight in ounces every day. I can guarantee you will have a lot of trouble getting enough water in without a water bottle.
I find 32oz/1 liter is ideal. This size is big enough to carry a considerable amount of water, while still being reasonable enough to fit into your bag/backpack without taking up 90% of the space.
Second - make sure it’s easy to clean. While the sippy lids are fun, they can get gross if you’re not careful. One time I noticed algae growing in mine and never went back!
My favorite is a classic Nalgene! Big and easy to wash!
5. Resistance bands!
I recommend all of my clients who either travel a lot or aren’t ready to commit to a gym membership purchase a versatile band set. At some point, you might feel limited by these and want to expand your home gym or venture out of your house. That said, they’re a great, flexible, affordable option for beginners without gym access or advanced exercisers who are adapting their programs during trips.