Hey everyone! Since I’m spending time with my family in Newfoundland I decided to schedule some posts that a few online friends have written up for me. Check out the first of a few for while I’m on holidays. Meet Susan:
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Hellohello! My name is Susan and I come from a little piece of the internet called The Great Balancing Act. I’m a displaced Maritimer living in Ontario like Nancy and I’m honoured to fill in while she’s visiting family back in Newfoundland!
My favourite thing about Nancy’s blog is that she is always clueing me in to neat products – be it fashion, kitchen or cosmetic related. I’m kind of clueless when it comes to those things, so I find it to be a huge help.
In that spirit, today I am going to go over my favourite fitness products. I work as a full-time personal trainer and part-time in a running store. I may not know much about Mac brushes, but I know LOTS about fitness product and apparel. Blog what you know, right?
Here are my favourite, in a handy-dandy list format:
1. Polar heart rate monitor
For me, a heart rate monitor is the best motivator there is. I don’t know about you, but I tend to “breeze†through my workouts unless I have someone telling me to work harder. With this, I can just look down and see my heart isn’t working hard enough and know it’s time to push more. Polar is the top brand and compatible with most machines at your gym so your heart rate pops up on the display. I have an F11, but the most basic and best bang for your buck is the F4.
2. Running Room heart rate bra
If you already have a heart rate monitor, this allows you to attach the transmitter right to the bra. No chest strap needed! If cared for properly, this bra works just as well as the chest strap.
3. Nike+ iPod
Don’t have $400 to splurge on a Garmin? This gadget plugs right into your iPod with a sensor you attach to your shoe. It tracks distance and pace based on your stride. It’s only around $40 and really helpful when training for speed. If you don’t have an iPod, wrist bands are now available for it.
4. WigWam Ironman socks
If you’ve never worn athletic socks while working out, you’re missing out! The $10-$20 price tag may seem hefty at first, but I assure you it’s worth it. When you’re jumping around and getting sweaty, you want your feet to be as comfortable as possible. I like these socks because of the light cushioning in the forefoot and heel, along with the arch-hugging band. I wear them running, cycling, and in the gym. Plus, the low heel doesn’t make you look like a turd when you wear them with shorts.
5. Bondi band
These were hyped up for a while before I finally broke down and bought one. But now I understand why all the hype! They’re a wide sweat-wicking hair band that doesn’t slip off your head. Because it’s so thick, you look kind of silly wearing it, but I no longer care. I bought mine at a race expo and you can check out the website here.
6. Foam roller
Consider it your own personal masseuse. A dense piece of foam you can roll your muscles out on. Amazing for massaging all those aches and pains that can be caused by exercise. You can watch my video on foam rolling here.
And that’s just the beginning! I also have a slew of favourite sneakers and fitness clothing, but those are things that are best suited for me. I’m a strong believer that you need to try those things out yourself and determine what feels best on you. Just remember: cotton is rotten. Synthetic, sweat-wicking fibres are always best!
Thank you to Nancy for letting me drop by! Feel free to come visit me at The Great Balancing Act for more fitness and food rambles.
Question of the Day: What are your favourite fitness products?