Get the most out of your work out - My 6 gym "Must have's!"

There can be more to your work out than just dragging yourself to the gym. If you are going to do it, do it 100%! Make your work out personalized to fit your style and needs. Today I am sharing 6 things that I am never without at the gym. This is to ensure that I do not get bored, uncomfortable, and that I get the most out of my hard work! 

1.) Reebok Easy Tones

I do not wear these because I believe they will help me lose weight and tone-up, as advertised on the commercials. I wear these because I truly feel like I get the most out my work out with them. I have had Asics, Nike, and even the Reebok Run Tones, and nothing has worked like the Easy Tones. The balance balls on the bottom of the shoe make a huge difference. I love to run, but I get bad shin splints and sometimes my right knee starts to hurt. These shoes help my running dramatically and they are SO comfortable. Not to mention durable; I have had one pair over a year and they are still in great shape. I so need to be a Spokesmodel for them because I cannot rave enough about the Easy Tones!

Want Easy Tones? Click Here

2.) MP3 - Got to have music!

My MP3 player makes all the difference when working out. I plug in my ear-phones, put my MP3 player in my armband and I am set for my work out. Not only does my favorite rock or dance get my adrenaline flowing but it keeps me focused. When I do not feel like going to the gym sometimes, but I push myself to go anyway, my favorite song can change my whole mood. Get lost in your music. I have a Samsung YP-K3. I bought it in October of 2007 for $70.00. It quite possibly may have been the best $70.00 I have ever spent in my life. Not only was it super cheap, but I have used it non-stop for 3 1/2 years and never had a problem. The battery life is great, it holds over 1,000 songs, super thin, and I have dropped it a minimum of 100 times, plus dropped it in a cup of water and still... no problem!

Though it is not longer available to purchase, you can purchase a newer version here.

 3.) Lifting Gloves

Lifting weights is my favorite activity to do in the gym. However, I do not want my hands to get blisters and tore up from using the machines and free weights. I always have my gloves with me on lifting days. I feel naked without them!

Need lifting gloves? Click Here

 4.) Stay Hydrated!

There is nothing worse than getting deep into your work out and not having any H20 handy. Not only does it make your work out harder but you need to keep hydrated during your work out to prevent dizziness, dehydration, or getting sick. Aside from regular water, I love to have Coconut Water, especially on days when I do high intensity or impact cardio work outs. Coconut Water keeps me intensely hydrated during rigorous activity and also happens to have amazing health benefits.

Need to know where you can buy Coconut Water? Click Here

Want to know what the benefits are? Click Here

5.) Know your work out!

It is important to know how much you are burning, your heartrate, and if you are working hard enough or even perhaps, too hard. The polar monitor is considerably more relevant than what the machine reads. The Polar F4 Fitness Monitor is great to wear during your work out. Keep track of how hard you work. It also more affordable than some other types monitors!

Want a Polar Monitor? Click Here

6.) Replenish your body.

After your work out, do not wait hours on end to refuel your body. Have a protein shake once you finish. Having a protein shake after your work out is one of the BEST times to have one. The protein is quickly delivered into your muscles to begin healing "mirco tears", which happen during exercise. Solid food takes more time to digest and to break down the protein to send to the muscles. That is why it can be best to take a protein shake immediately following a workout -- since protein shakes only take about 30 minutes to reach the muscle. I choose Muscle Milk Light because it is my favorite.

Want to buy it too? Click Here

Leave a comment below if you have any other products that you like to use to get the most out of your work out. :)