It’s an undeniable truth: gyms and fitness studios are packed to the gills during the month of January, filled with people with good intentions and resolutions. Come February, the vast majority of those people are nowhere to be seen, at least not near a gym.
Chances are, you’ve resolved to become more fit and healthy this year – which is an admirable resolution. We should all be practicing self-care and looking after our own health, particularly if we need to look after others. But how can we hold on to those resolutions AFTER January is over? We have the best items to help keep fitness resolutions, and make this year the one you become healthy and feel great!
Nothing can derail a workout faster than sore feet, shin splints, or aching knees. Prevent those from happening by investing in the right footwear. There are many great options out there, depending on what your workout entails. No matter if you’re running, walking, or taking a Zoomba class, you need shoes that are cushioned, have good support, and fit properly. This is not a place to skimp! The bonus is that once you spend money on a good pair of shoes, you will be motivated to use them – you don’t want those shoes to go to waste! All the major brands feature pretty colours and styles these days, which is also important to me – I like a flashy shoe.
Whether or not you’re gifted in the “girls” department, you need a good bra to keep all hell from breaking loose. No one wants to get a self-inflicted black eye. At the very least we want to keep comfortable and contained during a workout, whether or not it’s high impact. Sports bras are notoriously difficult to put on and take off – that can be a sweat-inducing workout in itself! - so I like the kind that fastens in the back like a regular bra.
Some people swear by the FitBit, some like the new Apple Watch. Some people like heart rate monitors that strap around their chest. Those are all excellent choices, depending on what you are looking for, but there are also many free apps that can be downloaded onto your phone: My Fitness Pal, Strava, Couch to 5K, and Fitnet, to name just a few. Most smartphones already have a step counter installed, which is a great way to start. Set a goal and go for it!
Sure, you can work out in old sweatpants and a concert t-shirt from 1992. That’s perfectly functional. But new workout wear can be extremely motivating! For me, just seeing a new outfit folded on my chair makes me want to put it to good use. There are so many good sweat-wicking materials out there that make exercise more comfortable.
A Camera
Take a photo of yourself, January 1. Be brave, you can do it. Take a photo of yourself in your underwear, front and sides. Then take another February 1. Keep taking photos at the beginning of each month and compare them. This is a very motivating way to keep on track with your goals. The scale can be deceiving but photos do not lie. You will be able to easily see your progress! Then, next January 1, you will be able to see that sticking to your fitness resolutions really paid off.
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