10 Workout Essentials You Need For Your Best & Most Consistent Fitness Season
Ladies, it's about that time of the year, again. You know the time I'm talking about. The time where you've watched your winter become spring, summer, and fall; and you've suddenly come to realize that all of those resolutions you've made have been anything but resolved.
Those books that you planned on reading, are still collecting dust.
That hobby you wanted to pick up, is still waiting on you.
And that exercise plan you wanted…still remains there, mocking you, waiting to be picked up in the new year.
But, fear not. Despite it officially being hot girl fall, you still have some time to fall back into your workout routine. And in order to do that, you have to have the right equipment to kick off your victory lap.
Whether you're looking for the right shoes, or simply need the right attitude, here are the top 10 items you must have to ensure the best and most consistent fitness routine.
The Proper Fitness Shoes
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Most workout routines are left behind, due to injuries caused by the workout routine, itself. At times, common injuries are created by using the wrong posture, pushing oneself too hard, or attempting to do too much too soon. Other times, injuries are caused by something simpler than that, like having the wrong shoes.
Wearing shoes that are incompatible with your workout routine can have you falling off your exercise plan quicker than expected. And it can even have you reconsidering working out all together. But no worries, this is an easy fix. Instead of heading to the gym or going on your run with the wrong shoes, find the one that is just right for your routine.
Regardless of your exercise plan, your shoes should have adequate room near the toe and your heels should have no room to slip. With running shoes, you want to have the best feature possible, meaning the shoes are light, comfortable, cushioned, and supportive.
For regular gym shoes, you'll want to have light shoes with great shock absorption, and durability. If you're one of those who hate light shoes, consider checking out the men's section for a heavier feel.
Top Workout Shoes to Consider:
- Brooks Levitate 2 (All Around)
- Saucony Ride ISO (Best for Long Distance)
- Adidas EdgeBounce (Best for Marathons)
- Nike Epic React (Best for Runs)
- Asics Gel-Nimbus 21 (Best for Stability)
- Altra Torin Knit 3.5 (Best for Wide Feet)
- Brooks Bedlam (Best for Gait Correction)
- Saucony Women's Omni 14 (Best for Narrow Feet)
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 (Best for Flat Feet)
Sports Bra: Support
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The point of a sports bra is to provide worthwhile support, regardless of how rigorous the routine. Finding a sports bra can be overwhelming, especially if you're unaware of how to differentiate between an underwire, molded cup, removable pads, adjustable straps, etc.
Nevertheless, instead of running away from the endless amount of supportive bra options. Follow the guide below to help you lean into your bountiful options.
Underwire:
Underwires are the most supportive bras out there, and if you're a C or D cup, this is the type of sports bra you should consider. It helps reduce breast pain, by stopping your breasts from constantly moving up and down, and eliminates discomfort often caused by working out. Made specifically for high endurance workouts, it can help with the bouncing and rolling that inevitably occurs. Meanwhile, for A and B cups, this bra is a great option to control natural breast movement, but unless you're having an intense workout, it might not be needed.
Wire-free:
Wire free sports bras aren't as supportive as underwire, and for medium or low impact workouts, that will do just fine. Wire-free sports bras are often compression style and instead of supporting your breasts, it presses them to your body. For A-C cups, this bra is always an option and welcomed during fitness activities like yoga or a simple gym routine.
Molded cups, removable cups, and adjustable straps aren't huge factors within your sports bra choice. Although it is important to know whether you want those features or not, this can be decided by what you like in a bra, rather than what your breast size is.
Clothing: Breathable, Sweat Resistant, and Odor Resistant
Instead of grabbing clothes from your closet or drawer that you're willing to drench in sweat, consider spending some coins on the proper fitness clothing.
While looking for workout clothes, you want to make sure that your fabric is breathable, sweat-resistant and odor-resistant. Cotton might be nice to wear during the day; it would be terrible to have during a workout. It retains moisture and makes your sweating more noticeable during the workout and can lead to a heavy amount of discomfort. When searching for fitness gear, you'll want to ditch the cotton and make sure that your clothes are quick-dry, with anti-odor fabric, and strategically designed with mesh construction. This will enhance your comfort during your workout, while keeping you dry and odorless.
Foam Roller
Most workout injuries stem from muscle tightness, which is caused by many lacking the proper stretching routine in the beginning and end of their workouts. This can cause serious injuries and can take you out of the gym or running trail longer than expected. To stop this, it about time you stretch, but it's also about time you've invested in a foam roller.
Foam roller are a self-myofascial release technique, in other words, it's a gift from God. The foam roller can smooth out hard knots created after a workout routine and can help loosen you muscles more than a stretching routine could. Foam rollers ease muscle pain, increase range of motion, reduces cellulite, relieves back pain, and most importantly, helps your muscles to ensure that you are injury-free.
With just an investment of $15-$30, you can save yourself an injury from yet another attempted workout. Whether you choose a smooth roller, textured roller, foam-cover massage sticks, or foam massage balls, there is a foam roller to help the fitness buff in you.
Pre-Workout and Post-Workout Treats
The purpose of a pre-workout meal is simple: to fuel your workout and give your body what it needs to perform. Often, people skip meals thinking it will help one lose weight more quickly, or they simply don't like eating before working out if they know they will want to eat afterwards. Regardless of the excuse, save yourself the trouble and prepare to have a meal, at most, an hour before your workout and, at least, an hour after your workout.
What you eat is up to you, just make sure that it is filled with carbs and protein for the best workout and the best recovery.
Gym Towel
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I know, a gym towel? I get it, I hear your thoughts, but hear me out: everyone needs a gym towel. There is nothing worse than going to the gym and sweating profusely without something to ring it out in. And before you suggest your washcloth, or unused bath towel at home, treat your gym towel like you would your gym clothes. You don't want to bring your bath towel to the gym. Not only will you be carrying around a large towel around, but you would be carrying around a large wet, heavy, cotton towel, that absorbs everything and smells like it does, too.
Save yourself the trouble and consider picking out a gym towel that has microfiber or synthetic fabric, dries quickly, and resists odor.
Gym Bag
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You see it. You want it. So, get it.
Gym bags are not only fashionable, but they are useful; and finding the right one for you is easier than you think. Whether it is a duffel bag, backpack, or tote, your gym bag can make all the difference in the world for your workout routine. It can get you motivated to crush your workout and it can have you taking your fitness game to new heights.
Plus, these bags eliminate your excuse for having to carrying clothes around all day, or a thousand and one objects by hand, into the gym.
Fitness Tracker
It's clear that inactivity can lead to innumerable health and personal issues, this includes weight gain, illnesses, and low productivity throughout your daily life. And becoming consistent with your workout routines (especially in the beginning) can be difficult, particularly if life manages to get in the way. So, instead of stressing about your workout routine, pre-meal, post-meal, clothes and everything else, take the stress of being consistent off your daily plan and invest in a fitness tracker.
Fitness trackers have become popular in the last decade, and this is due to it doing all of the hard work for you when it comes to keeping note of your health and well-being. It tracks your workout routine, your calorie intake, distance traveled, heart rate, and sleep. All you have to do is make sure it's on your wrist.
A Good Playlist
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Listening to music when you head to the gym isn't revolutionary. But it could make your workout routine just that. Research consistently finds that listening to music distracts you from being aware of your body. Meaning you think less about how far you have to go, and instead anticipate the next tune coming on. Songs between 120 and 140 beats per minute per minute have been scientifcally proven to increase your workouts, so find your jam and play it until your ready to put down the weights.
The Right Attitude
Finally, the best thing that you can bring to your workout is great attitude. Despite what everyone says, working out does suck. I know this, and you know this.
However, the difference between those who maintain their fitness schedule and those who don't is how they address this realization. Working out is terrible, but you will feel amazing (and look amazing) afterwards. Know that despite not wanting to be at the gym, it's something you have to do and something that you should do to maintain your health. And the more you go, the less it'll suck.
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Taysha Robinson is a writer and high school English teacher, based in metro-Atlanta. A self described philomath, you can find her reading books and articles of every genre, attending educational conferences, and hiking wherever the terrain will allow.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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From Toxic Traits To Transformative Growth: Understanding Evolved Vs. Unevolved Zodiac Signs
Explore your sign’s 2024 horoscope predictions to learn what is in store for you this year in love, career, and more. Check out the love compatibility of each sign to learn more about zodiac pairings and all things compatibility.
Have you ever heard someone talk about a certain zodiac sign and wondered why your experience of that particular sign has been completely different? We have all heard about the notorious Gemini Man or Virgo Man being a difficult partner to have in love, but does this apply to all Geminis and all Virgos? Well, this is where the discussion of evolved signs vs. unevolved signs comes in. It’s the idea that, while some toxic or challenging traits are more prevalent in certain signs, it also depends on the individual at hand and on whether or not they have evolved in life.
Evolved vs. Unevolved Signs: A Guide
Astrology is life-changing not only because it allows you to learn more about yourself, but it also allows you to see certain behaviors or traits in yourself, and change them if you are not happy with the way they manifest in your life. To be evolved means to learn and develop. In order to tell whether you are dealing with an evolved sign or an unevolved sign, look at the way they navigate their strengths and weaknesses. We are all predisposed to certain behaviors aligned with our zodiac sign; it’s how you grow from your experiences rather than what you accept as a defining characteristic of who you are.
Evolved signs have done the inner work, unevolved signs make excuses for their behavior.
When we are talking about evolved zodiac signs, we are talking about the Virgo who appreciates progress more than perfection, the Libra who trusts that they can stick to a decision rather than accepting they are incapable of making the best one, and the Aries who takes intentional action rather than an impulsive one. It’s those people you meet and they make you change your perspective on a certain sign you may have had a negative experience with in the past. An unevolved sign, however, is the Aquarius who isolates rather than expresses how they are feeling, the Scorpio who lets their jealousy get the best of them rather than trusting their connections, and the Leo who puts their ego before anything else.
The good news is that if you feel you are living a more unevolved version of your zodiac sign, you can change this by first addressing where you may be self-sabotaging, and where you can highlight more of your strengths. Healing from past traumas, seeking a therapist or astrologer, or overall making your well-being more of a priority all will benefit. When you are feeling good within, you attract more experiences to you to where you can be that evolved version of yourself rather than entertain old habits or ways of relating that don’t serve you.
It takes work, but the more you tap into the evolved version of yourself and strengthen this part of you, the less you will revert to your old ways or attract those same types of toxic or unevolved people towards you.
So, how do you know which side of the coin you are dealing with or are yourself? Read below to find out more about the traits and characteristics of the evolved vs. unevolved signs of the zodiac.
EVOLVED ARIES
- Confident
- Methodical
- Disciplined
- Leader
- Energetic
UNEVOLVED ARIES
- Aggressive
- Short-tempered
- Reckless
- Arrogant
- Impulsive
You’ll know whether you are dealing with an evolved Aries versus an unevolved Aries through the way they communicate and approach others. If they are confident and encouraging, you are dealing with an evolved Aries who is comfortable with who they are but also doesn't feel the need to force their energy on you. Unevolved Aries will make you take a step back, evolved Aries will make you want more. Aries’ strengths are that they are bold and assertive, but an unevolved Aries tends to create more disagreements or challenges with others in the process.
EVOLVED TAURUS
- Abundance-mindset
- Grounded
- Generous
- Compassionate
- Trustworthy
UNEVOLVED TAURUS
- Materialistic
- Stubborn
- Lazy
- Vengeful
- Envious
An evolved Taurus versus an unevolved Taurus can be differentiated by the person who has stability or who has goals in life that they share with you and are working towards. The unevolved Taurus you will most likely find on the couch, demanding that you give them what they need at the same time. Unevolved Tauruses tend to show traits of envy or jealousy when you are explaining a recent win to them. An evolved Taurus will be the first person you want to go to with the good news, and they are a big support and secure person to their loved ones.
EVOLVED GEMINI
- Communicative
- Curious
- Creative
- Innovative
- Fun
UNEVOLVED GEMINI
- Confusing
- Chaotic
- Disorganized
- Bored
- Unpredictable
An evolved Gemini will have you feeling understood, heard, and inspired. They are fun and light-hearted people to be around. An unevolved Gemini will have you questioning them, life, and everything in between- and will create unneeded chaos in your life. Unevolved Geminis are notorious for being unavailable and disloyal in relationships, and you can tell the difference between whether they are evolved or not by what they do when they are bored. Do your Gemini create or connect, or do they do something destructive, leaving you feeling a deep sense of distrust around them?
EVOLVED CANCER
- Compassionate
- Nostalgic
- Supportive
- Nourishing
- Protective
UNEVOLVED CANCER
- Moody
- Holds a grudge
- Pessimistic
- Manipulative
- Clingy
An evolved Cancer leaves you feeling supported, nourished, and loved. An unevolved Cancer may make you feel the same way, but will be hot and cold on when and how they show it. An evolved Cancer will be your go-to and someone you can trust with basically anything. An unevolved Cancer, however, you will steer away from and not want to express yourself to them for fear of them making things worse. Evolved Cancers understand their emotions, unevolved Cancers let their emotions get the best of them.
EVOLVED LEO
- Self-confident
- Passionate
- Generous
- Motivating
- Kind-hearted
UNEVOLVED LEO
- Entitled
- Angry
- Selfish
- Controlling
- Dramatic
Evolved Leo has an evolved ego. They have a strong sense of self, they know who they are and what they want, but they don’t let that get in the way of how they treat others. Unevolved Leos command the room in a way where you are looking at them in shock rather than in awe. Unevolved Leos think the world revolves around them, evolved Leos think the same thing but also want other people to be in that world or think the same thing about themselves as well. Evolved Leos are like the Sun, and you will feel enlivened in their presence.
EVOLVED VIRGO
- Organized
- Caring
- Down-to-Earth
- Inspiring
- Helpful
UNEVOLVED VIRGO
- Perfectionist
- Overly critical
- Resentful
- Anxious
- Cynical
The easiest way to tell the difference between an evolved Virgo and an unevolved Virgo is the way they make you feel. If they make you feel inspired and like you can accomplish or experience great things, you are dealing with an evolved Virgo. If they are overly critical of everything you do, you are dealing with an unevolved Virgo. Evolved Virgos help you grow, unevolved Virgos tend to make you feel incapable of that. Evolved Virgos can laugh off or let go of the little things, unevolved Virgos will get caught up in them.
EVOLVED LIBRA
- Relationship-oriented
- Balanced
- Charming
- Diplomatic
- Fair
UNEVOLVED LIBRA
- Codependent
- People-pleaser
- Flaky
- Indecisive
- Dishonest
Evolved Libras make some of the best partners, friends, and confidants. Unevolved Libras make some of the hardest of the above to maintain. The difference between the two is the Libra's ability to find the balance between their needs and the needs of others. Libras are relationship-oriented people, but unevolved Libras tend to let this trait get the best of them and will be in and out of relationships and never really settle down to figure out what they truly want and need. Evolved Libras love, but will not sacrifice their sense of self in the process.
EVOLVED SCORPIO
- Passionate
- Mysterious
- Intuitive
- Transformative
- Resilient
UNEVOLVED SCORPIO
- Obsessive
- Secretive
- Reclusive
- Destructive
- Ruthless
The difference between an evolved Scorpio and an unevolved Scorpio is their ability to let go. Evolved Scorpios have learned from their past and have made their life better in the process. Unevolved Scorpios hold onto a lot of resentments and often cause themselves or others emotional turmoil. Evolved Scorpios can let people in and make some of the most loyal, protective, and supportive partners. Unevolved Scorpios tend to be very distrustful of others and have a hard time letting go of control in any way or letting people get close to their inner world.
EVOLVED SAGITTARIUS
- Outgoing
- Optimistic
- Spiritual
- Adventurous
- Genuine
UNEVOLVED SAGITTARIUS
- Dramatic
- Brash
- Superiority-complex
- Unreliable
- Careless
The evolved Sagittarius are inspiring, optimistic, and hopeful. The unevolved Sagittarius is just about the complete opposite of that. Evolved Sagittariuses have learned to fuel their adventurous spirit with intentional action rather than recklessness, and are there for their loved ones rather than leaving people hanging or being unreliable. Unevolved Sagittariuses can be very rude and aggressive and will mask this behavior with humor. They can be very harsh, rather than the evolved Sagittarius who is still outgoing, but is also genuine and confident and aligned with their highest self.
EVOLVED CAPRICORN
- Hard-working
- Loyal
- Stable
- Sensible
- Ambitious
UNEVOLVED CAPRICORN
- Workaholic
- Unforgiving
- Rigid
- Stubborn
- Dominating
When you are looking at an evolved Capricorn, you find yourself in the presence of someone loyal, hardworking, and down-to-earth. An unevolved Capricorn can be judgemental and cold, with only their personal goals in mind. Unevolved Capricorns seem to be stuck in the same place in life, and unmoving in what they believe is best for them. Evolved Capricorns are open to feedback and are flexible enough to figure out what is truly best for them, to explore, and to allow someone else to lead them at times. Evolved Capricorns are responsible and productive but take care of their well-being in the process.
EVOLVED AQUARIUS
- Freedom-oriented
- Logical
- Friendly
- Open-minded
- Outgoing
UNEVOLVED AQUARIUS
- Distant
- Cold
- Disloyal
- Detached
- Superiority-complex
Evolved Aquarius and unevolved Aquarius are mirrors of each other. The evolved version of Aquarius is friendly, open-minded, and supportive of not only themselves but of others as well. The unevolved version of Aquarius can be quite distant and detached from their relationships and life altogether and can be hard for people to get close to. Evolved Aquariuses value their independence, but don't use escapist behavior as an excuse for their actions. Unevolved Aquariuses will leave someone on read for months instead of just telling someone how they feel.
EVOLVED PISCES
- Loving
- Intuitive
- Compassionate
- Creative
- Romantic
UNEVOLVED PISCES
- Consuming
- Escapist
- Moody
- Distant
- Unrealistic
Evolved Pisces are the artists, muses, lovers, and dreamers. Unevolved Pisces may have that same creative energy but tend to wear rose-colored glasses that get them into trouble in the process. Pisces are hard to grasp in the first place with their fluid, mutable nature, but an unevolved Pisces will make that distance feel like miles. Unevolved Pisces can get pretty messy and will act out on their emotions without getting the full picture or giving themselves time to sort things through. Evolved Pisces on the other hand, let their emotions inspire them and know how to step into their true power.
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