3 Exercise Essentials

Every good sports or action anime has their training arcs where the characters, whoever they may be, train for a few days and basically level up. Right, in real life this is bull. While training camps can help show you areas you need to work on, it really takes a couple weeks before you reap the benefits of your hard work.

However, before you get started there are three things that you should have before you exercise.

1. Water

Keeping hydrated is of utmost importance.

Yes, I one lined that one because I can not stress this enough. Keeping your body hydrated is good for multiple reasons, mainly survival, but it is just as important when you exercise. Good hydration means getting the right amount of water before, during, and after exercise.

If you want your body to perform properly while exercising, keeping hydrated is a must. Water regulates your body temperature and lubricates your joints. It helps transport nutrients to give you energy and keep you healthy.  Not getting enough water could leave you feeling tired, and result in have muscle cramps (more sever than your normal post-workout stiffness) and dizziness as well other serious symptoms.

In my experience, it also helps soothe the dry burn at the back of the throat and in your chest.

2. Comfortable and movable clothing

You do not need the latest wear from Nike, Adidas, Puma or the like. Heck, you don’t even need the skin-hugging exercise pants. No, what you need are clothes that you can comfortably move around in. You are going to be putting your body through some unusual movements and you do not need a pair of underwear riding up your butt or pants stopping you from lifting your knees.

If you are exercising at home, you can do it in your pyjamas. In public, I would suggest loose-fitting pants or shorts (but not overly baggy ones) and a comfy t-shirt.

For the women reading this, I would advise getting a few (or at least one) exercise bra. There is nothing quite like the bosom bouncing around while jogging or a bra climbing halfway up your boob as you stretch. Trust me, a proper fitting exercise bra keeps everything in place, comfortably.  Make sure to try it on in-store and make sure it fits and your girls sit right.

3. A goal

Have a clear, reachable goal. In fact, have multiple. One short term, mid-term and long term goal. Just make sure that they all link and that they are basically the same goal that has just been broken down into manageable and faster goals.

To set your goal, know the why behind it. It must not be society’s why but your own personal why. Why do you want to be fitter? Why do you want to build muscle? Why do you want to be healthier? Why do you want to reach that specific target weight? You need to be honest with yourself about the reasons behind your motives. Once you know why you really and honestly want to achieve the goals it becomes easier to stay on track.

Also, make sure to remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing. If you go in unclear and uncertain with an iffy mindset, the chances are you will be hesitant and holding yourself back. Eventually, you’ll stop or keep putting off your exercise days.

With the right mindset and goals it makes the start of each session easier, the burning chest bearable and the stiffness worth it.

These three essentials I have picked up along the way and have spent a lot of time-wasting to realise. I hope these help you and that you enjoyed this post!

What do you consider to be an exercise essential?