My Top 5 Must-Have Fitness Toys
What was the first item you got yourself when you decided to start working out?
Changes are it was a new pair of trainers or an awesome outfit, right?
Mainly when you are starting from scratch, these are the very first things we can think of. You cannot workout in high heels neither wearing your favorite pair of jeans. However, there are other must-have items that should be present in your bag from day one, but that we tend to over look.
[Tweet “As you progress with your physical activities, news items need to be added to your must-haves.”]
On my blog 5 Gym Bag Must-Haves I already mentioned some items that you should have with you when you go training. For this blog however, I am going to a little further. If you have been training on a regular basis, chances are that you already have them, but let’s call them the intermediary-level toys.
1. Foam Roller
Ideally people should make use of foam rollers from day ONE. However, for the same reason that not everyone warms up or follows a cooldown routine in the beginning (me being guilty of that for many, many years), little to none attention is given to SMR (self-myofascial release).
Foam rollers come in different shapes and forms (and prices too). Make sure you check my blog Rolling Like A Boss to see some of its applicabilities.
Saturday night date with my foam roller.
2. Dual Shaker
During the week, I generally go training after work. Even though I take enough meals with me, until I am done with my workout, it has been already awhile since I last had something to eat.
Also to make use of my metabolic window after letting it all in the gym or in the box, I like to have a protein shake right after training.
There is no best solution for that a Dual Shaker since I can bring out my favorite protein and mix it whenever I want it. I always bring water with me, but I don’t want it leak overall in my backpack.
3. Jumping ropes
I have always been a quiet girl. If you gave me a book, I would be more than happy to read it in one sit. So jumping ropes and leap-frogs have never been among my pastimes as kid.
Since I joined Crossfit, I have been working hard to do singles so that I can ever get to do DUs (double-unders). So I have one rope that I bring along everywhere I go. Also during business trips.
Jumping ropes are an excellent alternative mainly when time is not on your side.
4. Heart rate monitor
One way to keep your progress and health in check, a heart rate monitor can become your best friend.
As in training as in life, we have to look for efficient ways to achieve our desired results. Just going out there, killing yourself without measurement can be a waste of time and damaging for your health.
From the moment that you start measuring and analyzing your progress through your heart rate, for instance, you can have a good idea whether you are getting closer to your goals or not. It will help you assess your rest and maximal rate as well as your recuperation. This way you will be able to plan your rest and training objectively.
[Tweet “With foam rollers and jumping roles you can have your workout anywhere, anytime. #sweatpink”]
5. First aid kit
Things happen, all the time. The longer you run, the more chances you will have to get blasters. The same goes for lifting heavier.
Depending on your sport or physical activity of preference, you may need different items, but some band-aids, bandages, antiseptic wipes and sharp scissors are always welcome.
Make sure that you replace expired products and leave it at a safe place, easy to find and away from small children.
My Top 5 Must-Have Fitness Toys
Well, these are mine suggestions. How many of these items do you already have? Any other personal recommendation?
Today I am joining 2 incredible linkups. Wellness Wednesday from Maureen and Rina and Wild Workout Wednesday from Annmarie, Angelena, Upala and Amber.
