Moving into a new year is a great time to pick a new resolution or a get back into an old hobby! After all of the decadence of holiday season, you might be craving something a little more healthy. If you have meant to get back into the swing of a new workout regimen, the new year is a great time to join others who are enthusiastic about starting their wellness journey, too! Don't fear the crowds at the gym, but feed off of the momentum and enthusiasm of others and remind yourself that you're not alone.
To help kick off your wellness journey, we have made a list of some great workout essentials, including gear and tips, to help you look and feel your best while getting the more out of your workout.
A Stocked Gym Bag
If you are like most of us, you might not realize how convenient a gym bag can be, especially if you are not going straight from the gym to home or vice versa. Throw in anything you could need, like dry shampoo, extra headphones, deodorant, and even a snack! This way you will get the most out of your workout time.
Fitness Tracker that Measures Heart Rate
If you read any fitness or health book, most experts will recommend that a workout is well balanced between high-intensity peaks and low-intensity valleys to give your body a break. A great way to make sure you are hitting those peaks and valleys during your workout is to use a fitness tracker. Most can also calculate how many calories you are burning.
A Great Pair of Headphones or Earbuds
Never underestimate how much good music can change your work. Songs with a beat range from 80 to 150 bpm cause an increase in your heart rate; and therefore, help you get the most out of your workout. Also, good headphones or earbuds can help drown out the sounds of the people working out around you.
Reusable Water Bottle
Sugary beverages are not the best thing to rely on when you are trying to lose weight. Plus, sugary beverages don’t hydrate as well as a regular bottle of water will. So, make sure you are properly hydrated during your workout by bringing along a reusable water bottle. If you are someone who doesn't like unflavored beverages, try getting a water bottle that has an infuser so you can put fruit in your water!
Caffeinate Beforehand
A little bit of coffee can be great before a workout. According to Men's Health, coffee before your workout can accelerate fat loss, increase performance, improve focus, decrease muscle pain, and help protect against free radicals. We use the term “caffeinate” loosely because you want to make sure your heart rate is in a healthy range, so you don't want to overdo it. There are alternatives to coffee if you are working out late at night or don’t want to drink a cup of coffee due to sensitivity. Vitamin B12 is a great source of natural energy and can be taken as a supplement. VitaCup’s Energy Blends all contain B12.
You don't have to be a gym junkie, or even a weekend warrior, to benefit from these tips. Next time you go to the gym, a yoga class, or even a long walk, give these tips a try to get the most out of your workout!