Fit Friday: Must have items for the gym (or at home!)

Camille and I are on a huge mission to get fit this year. Not only are we hoping to tone up (and lose weight in my case!) but our main priority is to get as fit and healthy as possible!

When you first embark on the journey to getting fit, it can be a little daunting to figure out exactly what you do and don't need to get started. So because we want to take you on this ride with us, we thought we'd share our must haves for the gym (or at home)!

Good pair of sneakers

The blue, purple and turquoise ones are all mine! The pink and peach are Camille's!

I learnt the hard way that this is an absolute necessity. You really can't go cheap on these, you have to spend a little bit more and get something that will provide excellent support... as I found out!
When I first started going to Jetts Gym, I had a pair of cheap old sneakers and figured they'd be fine. Boy was I wrong! Whenever I'd go on the treadmill my shins would ache, I literally couldn't use the cross trainers at all because it was so painful and I actually started to dread cardio.

Finally after much nagging from my boyfriend (he trains us) I got a new pair of New Balances.
The difference was instant, and significant! I felt like I was walking on air, I could run on the treadmill, use the cross trainers - I could do anything! I will never go back to buying cheap, unsupportive sneakers again, it's just not worth it.

Sports Bra

This is the exact one Camille has, and is the same style I'm planning on getting as mine are getting worn out!

The main thing you want to look for is a sports bra that has encapsulating cups, instead of the more common crop-top type ones. Encapsulating cups provide far superior support and less bounce.
Please don't work out in your regular bra! Camille can attest to this, for sure. She used to continuously work out in her everyday one, and could never run or jump comfortably - until she invested in a proper sports bra. It seriously improves your performance, even on a mental note. If you're not bouncing all over the place, you're going to push yourself harder. It's just a fact!

Towel

My towels are a bit gross, but I found this cool Adidas one I want! Want, but don't need...

You can disregard this if you work out at home, but if you do go to the gym make sure to take a towel with you! I can't even begin to tell you how irritating it is to see people sweat all over machines and benches, and not wipe them down afterwards! You do not want to be one of those people.
Not to mention, you're there to work out hard and get sweaty so having a towel on you to wipe yourself down really helps. We take anything from a hand towel to a small bath towel, you don't need anything fancy!

Drink bottle

These Camelbak drink bottles with the bite valves are great!

I know, I know. This is probably the most obvious out of all of these items so far - but surprisingly enough it's the one thing that I often forget! Whether you're going out for a walk, heading off to the gym or doing an exercise video at home - water is an absolute must. Drink bottles make it easy because you can sip as you go, and make a mental note of just how much water you are drinking. Remember, the water you drink now will be your blood in an hour's time.

Music

Music makes everything so much easier!

Listening to music really helps you get in the mood to exercise. Whether you blast your stereo at home while you work out, or you take your iPod with you to the gym, I can honestly say that it makes a huge difference. When creating your perfect playlist, try to pick songs that inspire you to move - whether that be rock, hip hop, indie... it doesn't matter - as long as it makes you feel good!
TIP: If you take your iPod or smartphone on walks/runs or to the gym, you might want to invest in an armband for it. I only just bought one for mine, and it's been so great! I can't believe I didn't get one sooner.

Well that sums up our basic must have items. I seriously found that once I had all these items sorted, it kept me motivated and helped me to enjoy each and every workout.

Stay tuned for next week where we will be discussing our Chest and Triceps routine!
Thanks for viewing!
oxo