Your Favorite things- fitness/ exercise related

[roundisashape 712]

Go to a running store (even if you don't plan to run) and get fitted for a good pair of shoes. You'll cry when they tell you how much they are but it's totally worth it! I'd suggest a small place vs. a big chain store.

Brooks are my favorite, but I've had pretty good luck with a pair of Saucony's too. I just grabbed them to do the color run without messing up my Brooks, but they've wound up being pretty comfortable.

[pink dahlia 2,513]

I love my FlipBelt . Its a fabric tube with slits that goes around your waist. It hold your phone, I.D. , keys etc so you don't have to stuff your things in your pockets, bra, etc. About $25 online ( google " flip belt "), sounds like a ridiculous price , but it works so well for running/ walking etc. Money well spent ! Also , I love my wool socks, Nike running shoes and my waterproof running jacket with a hood. I just got a Fitbit for Christmas, will have to see how that works this week !

[katesuccess 990]

I too love my fitbit - and now my Garmin HRT/GPS tracking device. My fave sports bra is the one by Wacoal http://www.wacoal-america.com/sport_wacoal-bras-catalog/ they're underwire is so comfortable, and everything stays put - plus no Uni-boob affect! I love my bright royal blue one too.

Also a great gadget is an amphipod http://www.amphipod.com/products/holders/music/electronics/beltpod-smartview-micro that clips onto my pants waistband and holds my cell phone and has a little zipper section for key or cash or card. They now have clear plastic window you can still work your touch screen through too. Under $20, and worth it at thrice the price! Really rugged and stays put too.

Finally, I received some bluetooth earbuds for Christmas, but wrong shape for me ear, so I ordered some by Yurbuds - i'll let you know how they work when I test-drive them. Test-run?

Edited December 30, 2014 by katesuccess

[catfish87 3,471]

My Garmin (310xt) with HRM is probably the best money I've ever spent. Keeps track of everything!

Bluetooth headphones to cycle/run most times...the behind the head spring ones that will not fall out. I order them online (ebay) for about $10 bucks per pair....use them a couple months then toss them....at a fraction of the costs of my "good" ones.

I like Newton running shoes...they work well for me. But each person should really go get evaluated for what would be best for them....by someone who knows what they are talking about.

Music....gotta have tunes! I use Pandora. Also, I use a website called Steadymixes.com to download some really cool running mixes. Fast paced 130 bpm or so. AND ITS FREE!

[Jackbrack 1]

www.bbolder.com are great headbands. Really stretchy, keeps your hair back, and keeps the sweat out of your eyes.

[Luvin_Life125 558]

Just ordered a headband from bebolder! Thanks so much.

I just tried the Quest Protein bar in chocolate chip cookie dough and it was AMAZINGLY delicious. I will have to order a case of those puppies while rationing myself to once a day. It will be my after gym reward. Lots of Fiber too which is always a struggle for me since surgery.

[tamg26k 479]

My favorite things:

• My gym membership - I try to get in 4-5 days a week. I feel so awesome after a good workout!
• My trainer - I love him! I have 2 sessions a week and another "homework" session. I can tell that I am getting stronger each week.
• My Power Beats 2 wireless headphones- It was a weight loss gift to myself a month ago and I love them. I can set my on the ground and go through my exercises without being wired to my phone. They sound great
• My exercise pants from Wal-Mart - at about $13 a pair I have both full pant and capri length. A plus was being able to buy an XL instead of a 1X or 2X!
• My Hanes sports bras - I wear a sports bra over an everyday bra for extra support.
• Planks - I've leaned to love doing them. I do a plank challenge every night before I go to bed and add 10 seconds each night. My goal is to be able to hold a plank for 2 1/2 minutes.
• Syntrax Protein powder - since upping my exercise, I've upped my Protein to over 100 grams a day. This Protein Powder helps me do this. I like the flavors a lot!
• My Nike FS 2 Lite running shoes -comfortable and cute!

Just a few of my favorite fitness things!

[tamg26k 479]

I forgot to mention my Garmin Vivofit. I just switched from Fitbit flex to the Garmin, so far I do like it getter. I like having the readout on the device and the challenges. You can also buy replacement bands in different colors on ebay or Amazon for a fraction of the cost.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I just bought the vivosmart. So far I love it!

Things I plan to buy:

• iPod shuffle with waterproof case
• a new pair of Nike's
• A new bike by Spring

[Shells_Almost_There 357]

I have come to really love my gym. It's one of those 24-hour keycard places - so I just go in at 4:30 a.m. when there are few people around (and those who are there are just as crazy as me!) and just do my thing. I'm almost always the largest person there, so it took a while to get over the chip on my shoulder about the wiggle-n-jiggle, but I think no one really cares about that but me. I bought a couple of training sessions to keep my workouts fresh (and to keep them challenging!) - totally worth the money. I am a slow loser, but I am completely inspired by the way my body composition has been changing since I got serious about my workouts in August. I can't keep up with the clothing costs at this point, so I look a little "baggy" a lot of the time. Not a bad problem to have!

Other things that have really helped me: I got a Fitbit for Christmas a year ago, and it has helped me with tracking exercise and inspiring me to hit at least 10,000 steps per day. I'm still enjoying it, but I'm tempted to get a newer device (thinking Vivofit) for this year. I have also invested in nicer gym clothes, a new iPod and some wireless over-the-ear headphones. Essentially for the past year, for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions, I've asked for gift cards so that I could purchase fitness equipment and even a 1-year gym membership. It has been a really good year, and I'm looking forward to even better in 2015!

Edited January 2, 2015 by Shells_Almost_There

[deedadumble 1,033]

Love this thread!

I'll second the FlipBelt! I have an iPhone 6plus and it fits.

Love my Jaybird Freedom Sprint Bluetooth earbuds.

Get fitted for good shoes! I buy last years model of the Brooks Pure Cadence and get them for $40-50 dollars (they're usually $100).

Get cute workout clothes that fit. Working out is more enjoyable if you look good doing it.

[Dragon Lady 59]

My pretty new and SMALLER hip scarf for Bellydance class!

[crashkaers 7]

Great thread!

I do high intensity workouts like Beach body's insanity etc so compression clothing is pretty important to keep the clapping noises at bay. I've tried a few types and have found d underarmor to be the best fit. They have different levels of compression so depending on the workout I can pick the level of compression required. The wick sweet well and stay fresh for a good amount of time.

Beach body discs are a favorite of mine currently,. The combined cardio and strength training has done wonders for muscle gain, which I lost lots of over the past year.

I use underarm or sweat bands on my arms but I find the head bands too tight, haven't found a comfortable one yet.

My outrer layers are usually lulu, mostly cause they are so light and thin, but because of this I have to wear compression base layer when really jumping around. Lulu and underarmor are both pricey but I buy my stuff online on sale which helps, but you need to know your size as its not returnable.

Fit bits are awesome, but I have gotten active enough I don't need a device to tell me I have been active enough.

[enjoyinglife 313]

I love all my Under Armour gear and my new mountain bike.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I just won a new saddle from Terry's Bikes . Hopefully the weather will clear up and I can get some riding in. I'm also attending the event Lane Bryant is having this Saturday. I'm still plus sized and will be for a while. I like Lane Bryant's active line. The clothes feel nice and sturdy, not like something that will fall apart in a few washes. I workout 5 days a week so I need stuff that is durable.