When it comes to fitness, I bleed green. This was a journey I sort of stumbled into and almost four years later, it is something I am passionate, and almost obsessed about.
However, I have also learned that this lifestyle can be quickly overwhelming if one is not careful. With information and suggestion hitting you from every corner of the internet, you can quickly conclude that you neither have the time, energy, or finances to get you in on this lifestyle.
But sis, you do. And I hope this piece not only convinces you to get your healthy living game all the way together, but also helps you stay on track.
Now let’s talk about fitness gadgets:
You can start by working out at home instead of signing up with a Gym. Hey, don’t get me wrong, I love the gym and I hope to have mine someday, but I also do understand that keeping up with the routine especially as a beginner can be pretty overwhelming, and giving up especially in the first few days or weeks may hold a strong appeal. However, if you have somewhat established a workout routine at home, you can take that discipline into the gym later on.
So, what do you need?
First, as a babe, you need the right sports bra.
This one is almost non-negotiable, and especially if you are busty or breastfeeding. In fact, some of us need to wear a double bra to hold even better especially when engaging in high impact workouts. Soreness typically comes with your first few days of working out or trying a new routine and you don’t want to add pain around your chest area to that. Make sure the sports bra is firm, but also comfortable. If it digs into your skin leaving marks behind, it may be too tight and may actually lead to headaches. I have found that a wider strap works better for ladies with bigger boobs, so think functionality over aesthetics.
The right shoes
Oh my gosh, this is so important if we are going to avoid injuries and actually be free enough when we work out. I particular recommend shoes with a double padding so that no matter how much impact your feet has with the ground, they are protected. Do not fall for the temptation of working out without shoes, especially for workouts like skipping, jumping jacks and aerobics. I did that once and the injuries I sustained put me out for a bit.
Speaking of skipping, I still consider it one of weight loss’s best kept secret. So, go ahead and grab a set of skipping ropes. If you want to take things up a notch, buy a weighted skipping rope. The handle of this is usually heavier than normal so not only do you burn calories all over the body, you also get to tone those arms, moving slowly from Christian mama arms to Michelle Obama guns.
But even a regular skipping rope is s fat-burner, so go for that too. If you think you cannot skip, can I challenge you to at least start to try? I have lost count of all my clients who come in first as non-skippers but are soon throwing 2000 skips in the bag per workout session. Start with 10 if you like and then work it up to the thousands.
The right work out wear
You need at least three wears and the great thing is that whatever your budget, you can find one. A set of dumb bells are a nice to have too, but I have also been known to advise Clients who cannot yet invest in them to fill two big bottles with wet sand and improvise with that instead. That would give you an equivalent of 2kg each and that works almost as well.
For a beginner, whether you are working out with YouTube videos, going for a walk/jog/run, dancing at home, skipping or jumping jacks, these are my top recommendations that would help your exercise ministry, keep you well within budget if that is important to you, and give you the results you so desire.