Over the past year or two, as I’ve shared bits and pieces of my personal life here on the blog, I’ve gotten lots and lots of requests for details about my fitness routine, my nutrition habits, my exercise program, my weight-loss, and everything that goes along with it. I’m working on a big post with my “story,” but I’ve realized as I’ve started that it’s going to need to be broken up into several different, smaller, posts in order to share everything I want to share. So for the next few weeks on The Scoop, I’ll be sharing some of those things, so when I do post the big post, I’ll have all of these things ready to link-up.
One of the questions people ask us ALL the time, after seeing us post about yummy treats and peeks into our very food-centric lives, is “How do you not weigh 500 pounds?!” For me, it’s because of two things. 1. Moderation in nutrition (more on that in a separate post) and 2. Exercise and living and active life. I exercise every day. Rain, shine, snow, without fail my alarm goes off between 5:30-6 am six days a week and I don’t just go for a leisurely morning walk, I train hard. I promised details on that, and you’ll get them, but for today I’m tackling something a little more fun. I could of course link up a million things that look fun and cool and trendy, but I’m sharing my personal favorites today. Things I don’t just like, I love, and genuinely use in my own life. (To be clear, this is not a sponsored post and I am in no way working with any of the brands mentioned. All opinions are my own.)
1. The Bodybugg
If you want to know what a Bodybugg is, how it works, or my thoughts about it, click here to read a post I wrote all about it. I’m a huge fan of devices like this (there’s a few others on the market now). For me, it took a huge amount of the guess work out of nutrition and exercise by telling me exactly what my body was doing. I still use it off and on when I feel like I’m in a rut and I want to see where I’m at. It always helps motivate me again! Edit: Since the time of this post, my Bodybugg bit the dust and I switched to a fitbit. Read about fitness trackers, here!
2. Athleta Guru Gita Tank
One of my pieces of advice to people who want to get started exercising is to buy a cute outfit. Don’t use the excuse that you plan to lose weight so you don’t want to waste money. It’s amazing how much more motivated you can be when you feel like you look cute! True story. I love Altheta clothes, and this particular tank is one of my favorites. The neckline is high enough that I don’t feel like I expose myself every time I bend over and the midsection is just loose enough to not cling and feel breezy. The fabric is stretchy and soft and the colors are delicious. Since that one
seems to be almost out of stock, I’ll mention that one of my other faves is super cheap at Old Navy (pictured at right). These tanks are really light weight and I love that they are loose in the middle (can you tell I have middle issues??) but have a drawstring so everything stays put. When they go on sale they’re only $5-6 bucks so I have them in pretty much every color they make. If you’re ordering on-line, I recommend sizing down because they’re pretty roomy.
3. Nike Squeeze Water Bottle
This seems like a silly thing, but I’m am so crazy picky about water bottles. I can’t stand having to unscrew anything, and I hate having to pull up a little top thing-y either. It definitely can’t leak when it falls over, either. I like to be able to squeeze a bottle, but not have it then suck up all the air on it’s way out, and I like to be able to grab and squeeze it with one hand. You feel me?? This is the perfect water bottle. I have like 14 of them in all different colors and my kids all have one. I’m not even joking that most nights at the dinner table I just put these water bottles at the table for my boys. They drink like horses. You can order these on Amazon, and I also find them at Nike outlet stores, and often at places like TJ Maxx and Ross. Lots of sports departments have them.
4. Nike Training Club App
Speaking of Nike, their training club app is awesome. If you’re looking for some structure or motivation, check it out in the app store. There’s tons of workouts in there structured around your preferences, like getting lean, getting strong, losing weight, etc. If I can’t make it to the gym or get outside, I hop on this app and run through a workout; it’s awesome.
5. Blender Bottle
This also falls into the category of things-I-have-47-of-in-every-color. Partially because I accidentally bought a case load from Amazon instead of like, 1. Shows how much I pay attention to totals in shopping carts. These handy little bottles come with that metal ball that bounces around, making it easy to shake things like protein shakes and have them actually mix up. They’re also great for salad dressings! You may have seen the jumbo blender bottles that people carry around, but take note- these smaller sized ones are the perfect size. Much more manageable, and easily slips into a purse or workout bag.
6. iPod Nano
I know, everyone knows what an ipod is, but it’s amazing what a difference good music can make for a workout. I still see people with those huge, awkward arm bands used to strap their cell phones on. iPod Nanos and Shuffles are awesome because they’re so tiny. I just pop mine on my bra strap and it stays out of the way. Shuffles start at only about $50 and it’s well worth it if it keeps you moving! Upgrade to a Nano (I love my 6th Generation, pictured here) for a little more. I’ll share my personal playlist when I post about exercise in the next few weeks.
7. Gap Breathe Line
Words cannot express how much I love these shirts. The Breathe line has long sleeves, short sleeves, tanks, hoodies, and all sorts of things. My favorites are these basic long-sleeve shirts. The fabric is the softest, silkiest, most dreamy fabric. The sleeves are extra long and have thumb holes. They’re perfect for layering before or after a workout, or even pairing with a pair of casual jeans. These are my go-to cozy shirts for lounging around the house. Love love love them.
8. Adjustable Dumbells
Home workout equipment is a big topic, but at the very least, it’s nice to have a set of weights at home. I do mostly resistance training, and use dumbbells anywhere from 25-50lbs. I think adjustable dumbbells are one of the best inventions this century. It’s like having an enormous wall of free weights in one little tiny package. The way they work is that you can slide adjusters to make the same set of dumbbells weigh 10 pounds, or weigh 50-100 lbs. They take up very little space and give you an amazing bang for your buck. This Bowflex set, Amazon’s #1 Seller is on major discount right now! (If you’re looking for a gift for your guy- this is a great idea!)
9. Victoria’s Secret Sports Bras
I’m ironically picky about sports bras considering my recent weight-loss left with me with a chest the size of a 12 year old girl. But I’ve also birthed 3 children so those weak shelf bras just don’t cut it. Victoria’s Secret Sports line is awesome because they’re all modeled after actual bras so it’s easy to find the right size and fit. They’re well made and come in fun colors and designs. I’ve been through a lot of sports bras and these are my favorite right now. I love the “Incredible” for high impact workouts, and my husband bought me the “Angel” for Christmas and it’s awesome for slightly lower impact. I’ve tried 1 or 2 that were a little too va-va-voom for actually working out (which is hard to gauge since the photos displaying the products are ALL va-va-voom), so I recommend just paying attention to the design and whether it’s recommended for low, medium, or high impact. Unfortunately the VS Sport line is only available online, but you can always order a few, try them on, and then return (free shipping for returns from home, or from any store). Once you find the style and design that’s perfect for you, they come out with updated colors and styles often so you can stock up.
I love me some fitness faves. Casey and I just bought that bowflex weight set a few months ago and it is worth EVERY penny!!!
And I too am obsessed with those breathe shirts. Nothing is more comfortable. I hate taking them off.
Also, I was so annoyed trying to find a protein powder that was natural, contained no artificial sugars and still tasted good. I love the one you use and just started using http://www.labrada.com/store/wheyisolateforher.html hers and it tastes amazing and very few, all natural ingredients!
Love it! I have been curious about adjustable weights for a while but didn’t know of any one that actually used them. I definitely need to check into a couple of things on your list. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome post. I look forward to more like this one. Thank you!
Great suggestions! Thanks so much for sharing!
I’m jealous! I want a chest the size of a 12 year-old girl!
Hahaha, trade ya??!
Love VS sports bras! They’re the only ones I use!
Okay. This may be a stupid question. But I am wondering if there is a bag or somethings else that you take with you to work out? I am stuck between trying to carry stuff with me (including keys and I don’t have pockets in any of my workout pants for some reason) and putting it in a bag but not loving any of them. What do you do?
I go to a really tiny gym so I do have a bag that I keep all of my stuff in but I usually just grab the necessities and pop them in a cubby there. It is helpful to have a bag to take along!
I love these posts! I’ll have to check out the shaker bottle!
I love my little blender bottle. I use it all the time!
My husband has adjustable weights, I’ve tried using them a few times, but they’re awkward for me. It’s almost like they’re too long and I can’t seem to balance them correctly, so I twist my wrists.
So my question is…how late do your kids sleep? I have starting getting up at 6, but my kids wake up anytime between 6:15 and 7. I don’t want to get interrupted during my workout. My husband is already at work at that time.
Also, we don’t have a tiny house, but I am always afraid I am going to wake them if I go downstairs. So I lay in bed and do all my computer stuff first thing in the morning, so I am not on the ipad all day. I used to just sleep until they got up, but started getting up early to work out. I am getting up, but the yoga isn’t happening! I swear they were sleeping until 7 to 7:30 when I started this!
Ya, kiddos make it tricky! I leave for the gym before they wake up, and I come home right when my husband needs to leave for work so it all works out.
Thank you so much for this – I can’t wait to see more.
I always wear my weight watchers activelink. This way I know exactly how many points+ I’m earning – I used to overestimate so badly before I got this.
Love these recommendations! I am always looking for good bras, but haven’t tried Victoria Secret yet. I will have to check them out.
Thanks for sharing some of your favorites! I did not even know VS made sports bras! Good ones are soo hard to find – I’ll have to check them out. =)
I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong, but when I click on the title or link for the water bottles, it takes me to the blender bottle. I’m always looking for a good water bottle!
Loved the post and all the recommendations!! How do the Gap shirts run, as in snug or loose, same size as you would usually get? Thanks!
Well I think Gap clothes run a little big across the board. I wear size small or extra-small in most of their shirts and I get size small in the breathe tops. They have a little spandex/lycra in them so they’re stretchy, but not clingy. The size small is just a little loose around my middle. So I’d say stick with what you normally wear!
Sara! Thanks for your post! I like hearing what works for other people! Keep up the great work!! I tried clicking a couple times on the Nike water bottle and it kept taking me to the blender bottles…can you double check that link?
I’m really looking forward to all your posts on this. I get up at 5:15 to teach early morning seminary so getting up earlier to exercise isn’t really a good option right now. It means I have to be REALLY motivated to exercise and clean up again after I have already showered, fixed my hair, etc. once for the day. I was doing really well at the beginning of the school year but then it got too cold to take my 2 youngest kids out in the jogging stroller and exercising in my basement is WAY less appealing to me so it hasn’t really been happening. Today is a snow day (#11 this year!) so I slept in and now I am going to go down and run on the treadmill. Keep the great posts coming. We all want to be like you!
Thanks for sharing! It is always helpful to find products by recommendation! I have been off a regular exercise routine, or should I say intense exercise routine, since 25 wks pregnant with twins (high risk pregnancy) five years ago! I am waiting for northern NJ to thaw so I can run again (get the passion back). My old body is feeling the lighter workouts–in a bad way. They were my fifth and sixth babies…all boys…so life has really sped up and gotten chaotic since then, especially now that all the boys are involved in activities! Anyway, suggestions and ideas about products are helpful when time to shop and test is at a minimum. Thanks!
What a great list of items! I enjoyed reading this and I am ordering the water bottle! I wanted one that didnt need a straw being flipped up!
LOVE the favorite things post! My must-have is an Enell jogbra. they are pricey but it is the only bra I’ve ever found to keep my 36g chest from bouncing all over the place on a run!
Just got back into a fitness scene too! What is it about water bottles?! I am sooo picky about them too. And when you find one you love you lose it. Thanks for the scoop!
I’ve been trying to figure out how to comfortably attach my phone or ipod nano to me so I don’t have to carry it. It makes resistance bands and other resistance impossible. I read you attach it to your bra strap… just curious as to how you did that?
Love the post! I’m excited to hear about your story. Thanks for all the workout tips and gadgets. I’m going to have to check some of these out.
Just used #5 to make a sidecar. Don’t tell my 20 year old. But he did leave it on the counter. This snow needs to end!
6 AM, 6 days a week to exercise… Sounds like my worst nightmare. Do you have a night owl plan?
Guess what? I AM a night owl! I am (or used to be) the farthest thing from a morning person you could imagine. But itis literally the only time I have without working out totally disrupting my life and taking time away from my kids and family. So I just forced myself to do it. Day in and day out, and it was reeeeally hard at first. But after a year and a half, guess what happens at 6am even without an alarm? My eyes pop open. You can totally train you circadian rhythm and adapt (if you want to, lol) I promise!
I am picky about water bottles too! Who has time to unscrew a cap? Ain’t nobody got time for that! 😉 thanks for this list of ideas!
I love the Gap shirts too. They are the best and I completely agree about getting a cute workout outfit. I love to work out when I have cute clothes. It is a great motivator.
I LOVE Athleta clothes! Especially on sale :). And thanks for the tip about using Blender bottles for salad dressing!
Sarah, we are gym sisters!! I have most of these exact items! I just discovered VS sports bras…for high impact, I am loving the Standout. They are in some stores including Boise now. Thanks for sharing!
Well hello there twinner! 😉 I had no idea they were carrying the sports bras in Boise! That’s brand new- they didn’t even a couple of months ago. Yay! I’ll have to check out the Standout, I don’t have that one yet.
Sara, you are helping me slim down and I’m an oldie too! I was born in 1940..I have started walking every day and I am cooking foods that are healthy. When we have family birthdays or parties with yummy desserts, I try and have just a taste. I love your posts and look forward to hearing from you. You encourage me to look good, even at my age. Thank you for sharing!
LOVE it Judy! You inspire ME!