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Health + Fitness

Operation Skinny: 10 Gym Bag Essentials

I don’t know about you guys, but I hate going to the gym. I have a gym at my office, so I can’t just come in sweats and go home disgusting. I have to be prepared to work, especially since lunch time is the least busiest time to go (and gives me no excuse not to). Packing your bag is essential! Below are my top 10 must haves, along with a few extras.

 

  1. A good bag: It may seem redundant, but you can’t just throw your stuff into any random bag. Make sure it’s easily identifiable (lime green with my company logo? done.), large enough for everything and has at least one compartment for smaller items.
  2. Hand Sanitizer: Maybe it’s just me, but gyms are kind of disgusting. I’m pretty sure I’m allergic to the cleaning wipes they use, so you’ll see me sneezing on the machines. Do you want that on your hands? Didn’t think so.
  3. Pony Tails: I have thick, long hair, and nothing is worse then sweaty, thick long hair!
  4. Bobby Pins: Really great for layers and wispies, but even better after your work out to turn your sweaty strands presentable.
  5. Hair Brush
  6. Deodorant: Your coworkers will thank you.
  7. A good pair of shoes: Don’t just throw your crappy pair of tennis shoes in there – you won’t use them!
  8. Dry Shampoo: Seriously – this is KEY! Spray some at your roots and under your hair (by your neck) then brush it out. Instant clean!
  9. Face Wipes: This helps you avoid a shower. (FYI – I don’t run, so don’t think i’m this disgusting sweaty mess!) Use one on your face on the back of your neck, and the other in your “sweat spots.”
  10. A Headband: To reduce the sweat around your face.

And of course, don’t forget your work out clothes or headphones – you’ve gotta have something to jam to! Personally, I’m a big fan of Songza‘s playlists – Drop-A-Beat Workout is my favorite!

What is in your gym bag?

Categories
Health + Fitness

No-Drink November Update!

Drumroll please…

-4.5lb! 

Needless to say, I’m incredibly pleased with my results from No-Drink November so far!

To be fair, along with cutting the liquid calories, I have been keeping a food diary and watching what I eat, but I’ll admit to a Steak N’ Shake date (equip with cheese fries) and killer grilled cheese sandwich from Sarah’s Meltdown.

Workout Schedule (Week 1):

Thursday, 11/1: 1.25 mile walk with Yadi

Saturday, 11/3: .5 mile walk with Yadi

Tuesday, 11/6: 1 hour Yoga class

Wednesday, 11/7: 2 mile Treadmill walk.

 

Categories
Health + Fitness

The Color Run: Training Schedule

After a lovely vacation to Florida this past weekend, I quickly realized something: The Color Run 5K is in 8 weeks, and I am nowhere close to running 3.1 miles! Hell, I’m not sure I could run 1 mile right now! So, starting this evening, my training begins!

 Yippee! I’m trying a different Couch to 5K app this time (from Active.com), and starting on week 2 (since I had a little bit of training before!) As far as weight training, I’m going to stick with the Tone It Up Lean Legs Pyramid:

And the Flirty Girl Fitness arms work out video.

I’m keeping a food log over at my Tumblr account, as well as using the Lose It app to track my weight.

Have you ran a 5K? What tips would you share?