Favorite Workout Gear
It's no secret that I love to work out. I've been doing it consistently for about 16 years now, so I better like it! Now, I'm no expert, but I thought I'd share some of my favorite workouts, clothes, and apps with you. {This isn't sponsored and I'm not using any affiliate links...I just wanted to share what's worked for me. Click right on the pictures to see where I got the pictures and where you can buy them}
Clothes
Nothing can derail a workout like ill-fitting clothes, or ones that ride up. Sure, you can workout in any t-shirt and shorts, but I've found that specialized athletic clothes are much better for most activities. Many people swear by Lululemon, but I've never tried them as they're out of my price range. Here are some of the things I've found luck with.
Old Navy has some great compression capris and tops. They're comfortable and don't ride up! I always check out they're clearance section and have been able to buy them really cheap.
Victoria Secret I would normally not think to shop here for workout clothes, but I found some of their compression capris on ThredUp.com and they are my absolute favorite to run in. They are super comfortable and never budge. Definitely worth the money!
Forever 21 is known for it's cheap, trendy clothes. But when we were in Florida a few years ago, I discovered their workout clothes. With the prices being so cheap, I figured it wouldn't hurt to try them out. I bought some of their capri pants and a sports bra and was absolutely blown away. They are really great quality and the sports bra is my absolute favorite. Since some of the pieces are so cheap, I would probably go into the store to see them, instead of ordering online, just to make sure. But you really can't beat the price!
Brooks I've had problems with my feet for years. I have really high arches and because of that, had to have extra bones in the back of my feet removed about 10 years ago. I have specially made orthotics that I have to wear in all of my shoes. Because of all this, when I got into running, I knew I had to really research the best shoes for me. I'm all about a budget, but shoes are not one you should go cheap on. For me, Brooks PureConnect are my absolute favorite shoes. Brooks even has a shoe adviser on their website to help you decide which shoes are right for you!
Workouts
I get bored with routine very easily, so I constantly need to change things up. That's why I love running so much. I can always run a different route or change up my pace. That's why running is my primary workout. But whenever I need to change it up or can't get out for a run, I turn to workout videos. Jillian Michaels is my favorite. I rotate different workouts of hers, depending on what I'm looking for. Here is a quick review of my favorites.
30 Day Shred
I jumped on the Shred train years ago. If you follow the plan and do the workouts 30 days in a row, you will definitely start to see some changes. It's a quick workout, only 20 minutes and incorporates weights, cardio, and abs. It's more of a beginner/intermediate workout in my opinion, but always great if you're short on time!
Ripped in 30
In my opinion, this is very similar to the Shred, only different workouts and a little harder. Again, the workouts are only 20 minutes so they're perfect for fitting in when you're short on time!
One Week Shred
Now in full disclosure, I've never actually used this workout the way it's intended to be. The video is broken up into two workouts...strength and cardio. Each workout is 30 minutes. In theory, you're supposed to do the strength portion in the morning and the cardio portion at night. I've only done one workout or the other at one time. Let me tell you, these are both really great workouts. Definitely more of an intermediate/advanced workout
No More Trouble Zones
This is the newest workout of hers that I bought. It's an hour long workout that works every spot on your body. There's not as much cardio as I would like, but the strength training is spot on. I absolutely struggled through this the first time I did it. I've been mixing this in with my runs recently and am finally seeing some more definition!
Apps
{You can download all of these at Itunes.com}
Running Log
I've challenged myself to run 1000 miles in 2015 {which sadly I'm not going to do if I don't step up my game}. Running Log lets me quickly see my monthly and yearly total at a glance!
Nike Training
I only just downloaded this app a few weeks ago, and I absolutely love it. Not only do they post workouts every day, but you can customize you're own workout program! You can chose beginning, intermediate, or advanced and chose how many days you want to work out. I also chose to incorporate running into the program. What I love most, is that when you play the workouts, they tell you which workout to do when, and when to stop and start. If you're unsure of how to do the workout, you can watch a short clip of how to do it. I'm still learning about this app, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorites!
Recovery
I have learned the hard way, that you really have to be careful when working out or you will get injured, which is never fun and will also sideline your workouts. Two things I use the most are a foam roller and compression socks. Both are really important for stretching out my legs and have eliminated so many problems I was having.
I just realized that Forever 21 has work out clothes! I'm going to go back and check it out. I love their cheap clothing and workout wear can be so expensive!
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