Are you going to start exercising or do you want to go to the gym? If yes, then you must have a look at the fitness or gym essentials that may help you with it.
These workout essentials or gym essentials not only make your fitness journey easier but also make it more effective.
Now, let’s have a look at fitness essentials:
Workout clothes
You don’t need to buy specialized workout clothes when you start exercising. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily & maintain a steady body temperature.
Dress properly by following the guidelines below:
- Wear clothing specific to the activity.
- A cotton/polyester blend is recommended to allow for sweat evaporation.
- Do not wear clothing that restricts sweat evaporation. Your body uses sweat to control its internal temperature.
- Wear additional clothing in layers to warm up or cool down as needed.
- Women should consider wearing a sports bra.
- Men should wear sports underwear.
The 3 layers system of clothing:
If you are training outside in bad weather, use a 3 layer system to stay warm & dry.
The bottom layer
The bottom layer, closest to your skin, should be the thinnest. This will wick moisture away to the upper layers so that it can be dispersed into the air.
Cotton isn’t the good choice for the first layer, because although it can hold in heat, it absorbs & retains moisture.
A lightweight microfiber is a good first layer, as it channels perspiration away from the body.
The second layer
The second layer is for the insulation. It should retain heat & also allow excess heat to escape.
One of the most common materials for this layer is fleece.
The third layer
The third or the outermost layer should be made of waterproof & windproof yet breathable material to protect you from the elements, mainly rain & wing.
It needs to be light & breathable to keep you warm & dry, but it should also allow moisture to pass through.
You might also need winter accessories such as gloves, a scarf, earmuffs, a hat, or a pair of thick socks. Again use materials made from synthetic fiber to wick away moisture.
Athletic footwear
Did you notice pain in your feet, ankles, legs, or knees even though you haven’t changed your exercise routine? If yes, then it may be due to your worn-out shoes.
Shoes are made to support feet depending on the type of activity. So the first step in buying a good pair of shoes is to determine the type of athletic shoe you need to purchase.
Buy your shoes according to the following:
- No matter what activity you do, it is important to have shoes that fit you correctly.
- When trying on shoes, wear the type of socks you normally wear when active.
- Your feet are bigger at the end of the day, so don’t do your shoe shopping first thing in the morning.
- Have a measurement taken of both feet. If your feet are two different sizes, go with the size of the largest foot.
- There should be a gap of 3/8 to 1/2 inch between your longest toe & end of the shoe, & the heel should fit snugly.
- The ball of the foot should match the widest part of the shoe.
- Test your shoes properly by wearing them in the store to ensure fit & a balanced, comfortable gait.
How to know, you need a new pair of shoes?
Athletic shoes should be replaced often, even if they look good. It only takes 3 to 5 months of regular use before shoes lose their support & cushion.
- Place your old shoes on a table or other flat surface & look at them from the back. If they lean inward or outward or show signs of excessive wear, such as badly worn edges of the sole, it’s probably the time for a new pair.
Safety measures
If you’re exercising alone, especially at night, take safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings when you’re out so you can see the car up ahead or the stranger approaching you.
Headphones make the workout time pass quicker, but if you wear them, make sure you can still hear what’s going on around you.
Stay on sidewalks when possible. If there are no sidewalks & you have to move to the street, go against traffic so that you can see the vehicles approaching. Try to avoid heavily trafficked areas & construction.
Other gym bag essentials
- PHONE HOLDERS: Strap a cell phone to your arm. It will give you comfort & can also protect your phone from falls.
- HELMET OR PROTECTIVE PADDING: Depending on the activity, you might need a helmet or protection.
- WATER BOTTLE: Take water to ensure adequate hydration during your workout. Water is crucial for maintaining body temperature.
- SUNSCREEN: Anytime you’ll be outside for more than 20 minutes, you should apply sunscreen. Waterproof types will protect you even during your toughest workouts.
- SUNGLASSES & GOGGLES: Protective eyewear is important for protecting your eyes from the elements. In addition, the risk of injury increases when you can’t see properly.
- TOWELS: A towel is needed to wipe down equipment after use. You may need a second towel after your workout too.
- HAIR TIES: If you have long hair then you must carry a hair tie with you. Working out with hair left open may be frustrating.
- DEODRANTS: It help you to keep your unpleasant body odour at bay which may occur due to sweating.
- WRIST BANDS & BELTS: To have extra support and to prevent wrist injuries or back injuries, you should carry wrist bands and back belts with you.
Conclusion:
>All the gym essentials mentioned above can help you with your fitness journey & can make it easier for you to get stick to your workout.
>Be careful to choose proper clothing and shoes as these can cause a huge impact on your workout.
If you have any other queries related to it then let us know in the comment section or you can also reach us at physiociti@gmail.com.
ALL THE BEST:)