With the rise of Instagram celebrities and hashtags like #fitfam you would be forgiven for thinking that you need to buy all the latest accessories to get in on the fitness game. But if you’re just taking your first tentative steps there are more important things to worry about, like finding an activity you actually enjoy.
We’ve pulled together a little list of the few pieces of kit that you really must have.
One for the women
Ladies, if there is only one piece of kit you buy, make it a good sports bra. You need to make sure that the level of support is right for your sport: you need a lot more support for running, for instance, than for yoga.
Take the time to get measured properly then try on as many different styles as possible to see what is comfortable, looks good and makes you feel great. Check out online retailers like boobydoo which stock a range of different brands or visit the big department stores on Oxford Street (John Lewis, Debenhams, Selfridges) for a more personal experience.
If you’re going to splash out on kit, your sports bra is where we recommend spending your money.
Do you need the latest shoes?
If you’re taking up running, your footwear can make or break the experience. Go to a retailer that sells various brands and offers free running analysis. They’ll look at your running style and work out what level of support you need in your shoe. Once you’ve found the one for you, perhaps check out prices online to see if you can get a better deal. Also look out for previous models of the same shoe but be aware of the changes that have been made to improve them.
If you’re not running your choice is a little more free. If you’ll be doing lots of classes ask about the lateral support offered by the shoes you’re considering.
Nike Town London, Oxford Circus has shoes for most popular activities; you’ll also find the flagship Adidas Store on Oxford St alongside retailers like SweatShop and Runners Need who sell a variety of brands for you to choose from. We’ve even heard that Brooks are about to launch a London-inspired shoe in time for the London Marathon.
Say no to cotton…
We know plenty of people who’ve used their partners’ old clothes to start training, which usually amounts to a cotton T-shirt and some joggers. The problem is that training in cotton won’t be a great experience when it gets heavy with sweat, holding odour and causing you to sweat more. Cool clothes that wick or draw off sweat don’t have to be expensive. Most High Street stores now have their own gym ranges including Primark, H&M and Marks & Spencer’s.
Ladies, grab yourself a pair of black crops or leggings that’ll go with everything then choose a couple of bright tops and bras to make your outfit pop. For guys, it’s similar advice. Go for neutral-coloured shorts (black, grey, navy) then make your outfit stand out with a great shirt in a colour you love. If you’re ready to invest then check out Lululemon in Covent Garden who sell a range of high quality activewear for men and women. Not only will your performance benefit from your kit, when you feel great you’ll be more motivated to get sweating in the first place.
Some other kit that might be useful…
Headphones… to keep you occupied on a run or in the gym.
Armband… to hold your phone while you get busy.
Socks… we mentioned shoes but socks are probably just as important. Nobody enjoys blisters, right?
A bag… that can fit everything you need for your day and your workout.
Gloves… if you’re going to give weights a go and want to protect your hands.
Water bottle… don’t forget to keep hydrated when you increase your activity levels.
Activity tracker… maybe add this one to your birthday or Christmas list. Something like the Fitbit Blaze or Polar A360 would be great for monitoring your sleep and daily steps. These gadgets can even use your heart rate to keep track of your workouts.
Running / Fitness app… so you can see the miles or workouts rack up and keep your motivation high on off-days. Elle Linton Personal Trainer www.keepitsimpElle.com IG: @elle.linton
The post Getting Fit: Must-Have Kit To Start Your Fitness Journey appeared first on Felix Magazine.
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