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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ItGirl 100: Get To Know Some Of The Most Inspiring And Empowering Women On Our List
The ItGirl 100 List, in partnership with Hyundai, is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
We often see lists featuring amazing women who are seasoned in this thing called life, and our ItGirl 100 List gives flowers to the people they’ve passed the torch to: young millennial and Gen Z women who are innovating and disrupting in today’s world of advancement.
xoNecole has partnered with Hyundai for its inaugural ItGirl 100 List to give these women their flowers today. It’s a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who have built their own tables, launched new businesses, and redefined what it truly means to be blessed, booked, and busy.
Here’s a snapshot of fun facts from a few of the women listed on the ItGirl 100, representing the East, West, Midwest, and South:
EAST
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DJ 9AM: DJ & Curator
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Nia Long
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Taurus Moon, Pisces Rising
Favoring open-format, multi-genre mixes, this DJ has created a winning reputation for rocking a crowd with seamless transitions and selections, always representing Southwest musical and cultural influences.
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Tiffany James, Founder, Modern BLK Girl
Representing:Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Lucky Girl" by Carlina
Favorite OG It Girl:Naomi Campbell
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Virgo Rising
Modern BLK Girl is one of the leading investment groups among women of color, and the founder serves as an avid investor, community builder, and advocate. Tiffany James is also a mentor, utilizing her unique combination of financial and fashion expertise.
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Kat Mateo, Casting Director
Representing: New Jersey
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Princess Going Digital" by Amaarae
Favorite OG It Girl: Kelis, Eve, Lil Kim
Zodiac Big Three: Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, Cancer Rising
Thriving as a casting director and stylist, Kat Mateo offers a unique point of view that has shaped New York Fashion Week shows, ad campaigns, and editorials. She has also been a major contributor to cultural conversations related to fashion and inclusivity.
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Denise Stephanie Hewitt, Photographer
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Experience" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Hannah Montana
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Rising
This Gordon Parks Foundation scholar is a full-time student who has been working to expand her freelance career in photography. Denise is also been featured among Essence'sinaugural list of "Top 10 Creators Under 30," for her unique aesthetics and perceptions through her art.
WEST
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Nayamka Roberts-Smith, Aesthetician
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Tomorrow 2" by GloRilla & Cardi B
Favorite OG It Girl: Meagan Good
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Capricorn Rising
Nayamka Roberts-Smith is an award-winning professional in the skincare industry and serves as an educator, offering knowledge on beauty culture. She also is a well-sought-after speaker on beauty and women’s issues, with a following of more than 1 million on social.
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Desiree L. Talley, Esq., Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Revolt TV
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice" by The Carters
Favorite OG It Girl: Issa Rae
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Rising
An attorney and storyteller, Desiree L. Talley meshes relatability with her legal smarts for the culture. She advocates for cultural advancement and societal change through her POPLAW Podcast while balancing her executive duties at Revolt TV.
Marley Rae
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Marley Rae, Organizer, WalkGood
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice For What" by Drake
Favorite OG It Girl: Mariah Carey
Zodiac Big Three: Capricorn Sun, Taurus Moon, Leo Rising
Marley Rae is a Nike Athlete, certified yoga instructor, COO, and Director of Health and Wellness for WalkGood LA, a family-founded non-profit organization. She is dedicated to fostering understanding and care in local and global communities.
MIDWEST
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Shawnee Dez
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "FreeBody Freestyle" by Shawnee Dez
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Morrison
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Aquarius Moon, Cancer Rising
Shawnee Dez is an artist who's all about captivating her audience through encouragement and empowerment. Her music features fluid harmonic layering, live instrumentation fused with digital production, and her unique multi-talented voice in an alto melodic tone.
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Bianca Pastel, Visual Artist
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: Anything by Whitney Houston
Favorite OG It Girl: Grace Jones
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Bianca Pastel's artistic portfolio includes fine art, illustrations, and animation, and she's worked with clients including Disney Pixar, and the NFL, to name a few. Her focus is "empowering the experience of being a Black child and dealing with mental health issues."
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Donyale Walton, Founder, Hoop Mobb
Representing: Detroit
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Yeah I Said It" by Rihanna
Favorite OG It Girl: Aaliyah
Zodiac Big Three: Virgo Sun, Libra Moon, Capricorn Rising
Donyale Walton's brand Hoop Mobb, celebrates the Black and Brown fashion and cultural impact and presence of hoop earrings. It's grown to earn more than seven figures in annual revenue and a nationwide community of loyal consumers.
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Ticara Devone, Content Creator
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "She's a Bitch" by Missy Elliott
Favorite OG It Girl: Ananda Lewis
The Zodiac Big Three: Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising
A trusted sneaker enthusiast and content creator, Ticara Devone uses dynamic storytelling to hold space for others with a passion for sneakers. A published writer, she’s worked with brands including Nike and Footlocker and inspires us all by ensuring women are vocal and seen in the multi-billion dollar shoe space.
SOUTH
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AllyiahsFace, Content Creator
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Go Off" Doja Cat
Favorite OG It Girl: Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry
Zodiac Big Three: Gemini Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising
AllyiahsFace's YouTube channel has more than 830,000 subscribers, and she's been hitting the ground running since 2015. Her content creation, which centers on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, has led to a lucrative career and drawn a close-knit social and real-life community to view and be inspired.
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Jaycina, Executive Director, Tender
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "All I Got" by Amel Larrieux
Favorite OG It Girl:Tracee Ellis Ross
Zodiac Big Three: Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Jaycina is a signed model with a nonprofit that works to provide support and community for single mothers in Atlanta. She's also appeared in campaigns for brands including Fenty and GAP as well as features in all your favorite magazines and on billboards across the country.
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Asha Christian, Founder, Coily App
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "It's My Life" by Mariah Carey
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Childs (Girlfriends)
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising
Asha Christian created Coily to provide beauty recommendations utilizing social data. It offers a more personalized, AI-driven experience for users and part of her mission is to provide solutions related to diversity and put the focus back on the consumer. Meshing tech and culture, Christian is innovating with options that exemplify the Black girl magic needed in tech.
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