I’ve been MIA for a moment there but just letting you know that I have been working on lots of posts, and will be updating my site within the next week or so. Been working on some side projects which has left me zero time to blog, but I have been preparing some articles during this time and in the middle of finalizing them. I will be posting soon… Stay tuned. XOXO
Spring is here and I know some of your summer goals include hitting the gym now. If you’re new to working out, or just returning after hibernating all winter long then I would recommend you prepare a gym bag of essentials that you’ll need. You can always leave this bag in your car so you can easily hit the gym after work without having to go home first. You need to figure out what to wear right? And also what goes inside your gym bag as you start your exciting journey. Below are some essentials for every fit person:
Headphones for your music is an Absolute MUST. I can NOT work out if I ever forget my headphones as it makes a world of difference while exercising. It helps block people out and also helps you become unapproachable for all those who love to chat more than they work out. I would recommend a blue-tooth wireless headphone so the wire doesn’t get in the way of everything. I’ve been using ‘Solo3 On-Ear Headphones’ by Beats for about 4 months now and have no complaints (On-Ear Headphones to workout… Why Not?). Although ‘Powerbeats² In‑Ear Headphones’ by Beats are more intended for working out.
Solo3 On-Ear Headphones’ by BeatsMake sure you carry a bottle ofpre-workout to help boost your energy when you go at late hour or when you’re tired. I don’t like to rely on anything artificial for energy, but sometimes it really helps give me a great boost. Just mix one scoop in water and drink it 10 minutes before working out. I promise you it will make you do all the hard exercises that you were going to avoid. I like ‘C4 PRE-WORKOUT’ by Cellucor in ‘Icy Blue Razz’ flavor.
‘C4 PRE-WORKOUT’ by CellucorGloves are great for preventing calluses inside your hands when you use weights or machines to pull/lift. If you don’t use gloves you can develop ugly calluses inside your hands over time. Gloves also help ensure the machine/weights don’t sleep out of your hands. I personally love the last one I bought (see image below – I think the brand is called PRPS) . It’s super easy to slip on and take off.
Workout GlovesAnd Ladies… if your man lifts without gloves, definitely get him a pair of gloves for men. Their hands will become much softer. I promise… LOL! (Check out a great one specifically for man I blogged about a while back (Men’s Training Grip Gloves -Nike)
Attire… It’s impossible to have all your gym clothes in one bag but as long as you have enough for one week, than you’re good to go. Include a 2-3 pairs of long/cropped pants, and 1-2 pairs of shorts. At least two different sport-bra’s. Always include 3-5 pairs of socks because during summer you’re probably not wearing any before you get there. One long sleeved sweater/jacket to keep you warm in the evenings and 3-5 tops of preference. I would include two different sneakers as well. This should last you 3-5 days of working out if you keep switching them.
Every gym bag should also carry one pair of clean undergarmentsand rubber flip flops for those days you decide to shower at the gym unexceptionably.
Some other extra’s to consider include a lock, jump-rope, your own resistance -band for squats, post work-out formula,shaker for your drinks , a hair comb, and bandsfor tying your hair. Only take thesee extras if you actively use them otherwise they take over all the real estate inside your gym bag.
My last tip is this. Consider carrying one small-sized bag within your gym bag. I use a basic “Lululemon” shopping bag which is super light. Once I arrive to the gym I put everything I need for that day in that small bag and carry it inside instead of my gym bag. This way you quickly decide what you’ll wear and it’s also easy to carry. But if you’re indecisive and don’t know what you’ll use than take the whole gym bag.
Of course, towards the end of your week just take your gym bag home and wash everything to get it ready for next week. Now go prep you gym bag so you’ll have no excuses not to exercise before/after work or being out. Please comment below if you found these tips helpful of if you want to add anything additional.
A few days ago my mother casually advised me to pay more attention to stickers when buying fruit and veggies as they hold some critical info. So, I became curious and wondered what these numbers really meant. It turns out that sticker labels (produce codes) on fruits actually tell you how the fruit have been grown. Definitely something to pay attention to next time you pick your fruit and veggies.
Three types of labels that you’ll come across :
Organic Fruit Labels
Organically grown produce have five digits and start with a number 9
Organic – Label starting with #9
These numbers tell you that the fruit or produce is grown and raised organically without being treated with any chemicals.
Conventional Fruit Labels
Conventionally grown produce have four digits and start with a 3 or a 4
Conventional – Label starting with #4
Yes, that means produce was sprayed with pesticides and chemicals that you may have been trying to avoid.
Genetically Modified Fruits
Genetically modified produce start with the number 8
GMO – Label starting with #8
Not only has this kind of produce been genetically modified, it might have further been treated with harmful chemicals too!
Now that you know what each label means, you can start becoming pickier with your produce. AS IF you didn’t already have enough decisions to be picky about. HaHa. Happy shopping! 🙂
Hey guys! Came across this AWESOME 7-minute video that can help you EASE neck, shoulder, and wrist pain for those of you who work part/full-time in an office/home environment. You know that sitting down for too long can result in your body becoming tired and sore, plus creating strain on your eyes. Trying these quick steps can help re-energize your body, and relieve the strain in your eyes from staring at a screen all day.
Personally, I have a hard time sitting still for more than an hour while working from home or the office. Sometimes I walk to people’s offices instead of calling them, and also go for walks on my breaks to helps me stay active. Trying some of these yoga-inspired moves by Christina Robohm (Yoga Instructor) helps break my usual cycle. Especially during this season, when it’s too cold to go for a walk. Her voice is very smoothing and these 7 steps are super easy to do without having to get up from your desk to do them.
This is also a good intro to Yoga if you’ve never tried before. Please comment below and let me know how you liked it. NAMASTE!
I hate doing cardio, and always look for new fun ways to encourage myself to do it without being on a treadmill. Jumping rope is one of my preferred ways of doing cardio because I burn calories while having fun. So while looking for a new jump rope I decided to try the “Tangram Factory Smart Rope LED”, sold exclusively at Apple.
Smart Rope by Tangram (jump rope)
The rope comes with 23 embedded-LEDs which display your jump count mid-air and in real time. The handles have smart technology to enhance more of a natural motion. Smart Rope can also be paired up with an app called “Smart Gym Pro” on your Apple Watch/iPhone.The App records complete jumps, workout times, and calories burned, creating an “anywhere, anytime” fitness experience. This means NOT having to visit gym when you’re busy. It also allows you to get awards, and compete with friends using the app.
Don’t worry…Only you can see the numbers. LOL
After trying out the smart rope I have to say that seeing the numbers as you jump is pretty cool. Now, the tricky part is that the info isn’t always displayed in front of your eyes. Sometimes the number shows up on the floor, and sometimes it shows higher than eye level. You can adjust it to eye level by changing the grip of the handles to a different slope. I personally liked the display on the floor better since most floors are darker than the wall/mirror in front of you so it makes it easier to see that number. I also like the fact that it continues counting from where you last paused so you don’t start from a scratch every time you take a break.
Smart Gym Pro App Watch ViewSmart Gym Pro App Phone View
What I didn’t like right away is that the charger of the smart rope is not included in the package, which means you have to buy your own. It charges off of a Universal USB data charger so most people usually have one at home but still found that to be an inconvenience. Another down side is the pairing of the rope with the “Smart Phone” App on your phone. It doesn’t always seem to connect well but you still see the number of jumps on the rope without connecting to the app.
Smart rope costs about $80 and is sold in different sizes (size depends on your height). You’ll love this product if you already do jump-rope or if you are looking to add a new way of encouraging yourself to break a sweat!
Smart Rope Carrying Pouch (included)
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