Over the years, I have found that getting in shape is a process.
First, you decide you want to look and feel better, and then you figure out what you need to do to get from where you are, to where you want to go. 
Just like it says above the best thing to do is to DO IT TODAY…
Working out is a process, and the biggest and most important part is planning.
A few weeks ago, I restarted my journey back to health and fitness, by running. I started by getting some sneakers, so that is off the list, but that was just the beginning.
So I wanted to share my process with you so you can get ready to get in shape.
5 Things You Need Before You Start Working Out
- Stock up on fruits and vegetables.
- Find some healthy snacks that would help you recover faster from your workouts and that will help keep you out of trouble if you are “on the go”, because I often found myself feeling like (I was starving and willing to eat anything..which can quickly cancel out all of the good that came from your work out. The next three are a few things that I found necessary from last years running season.)
- Good headphones that don’t slip out of your ears when you are running
- Workout gear
- Something you can use to carry your water, and essentials like keys and phones are also a must.
I went to Wal-Mart with a list and a plan…because they have everything.
It’s a great time to shop for workout gear, because it is the end of the season so many things are discounted. I bought two outfits, both shirts were on sale, one for $3.00 and the other for $5.00. The shorts were also affordably priced, one for $3.96 and the other for $6.86. Not a bad start. During this early part of training you don’t really know what you want to run in. So picking up a few things for starters worked out for me.
Next stop veggies and recovery/on the go snacks..
I love cucumbers.. so I picked up some salad, some cucumbers, and some Balance Bars..
Cucumbers are great on the go items and I try to eat a salad every day. I’ve been hearing a lot about Balance Bar’s lately, so I got some Balance Bars on the recommendation of a friend, who liked the Peanut Butter and Cookie Dough.
Next, something to hold my water, and my phone.
I looked at a few options and of course, this is all about personal choice. I was going to get one of the phone holders you wear on your arm, but I was a little concerned about safety. When I saw this on the shelf I knew it would be perfect. Did I mention this was less than $8.00!!!
It solved both my problems and it was less expensive than any of the arm band phone holders…I also loved that it came with a bottle that you can freeze.
Last on my list was some earphones. I splurged here because good earphones are important. I looked at several and ended up with a pair of Monsters. Wal-Mart had a huge selection so I bought the sports variety because they were water-proof.
Having these five things in place made starting my workout routine so much easier.
These are just a few of the things I think are helpful when you are starting a work out routine. Please share some of your favorites.
This post was sponsored by our friends at Wal-Mart and our friends at Balance Bar, who have been also been kind enough to allow us to share the love with you by doing a giveaway.
Go visit their websites for more information about what they offer
http://www.walmart.com
http://www.balance.com
If you want a chance to win your own variety pack of Balance Bars and a $10 Wal-Mart gift certificate. Leave a comment below sharing what you are committed to doing to get in shape. The giveaway will end on 8/19/2014 at 11:59PM.
Stay tuned for some great tips on working out and getting in shape from the #BalanceShapeUp Twitter Chat..
Great tips… I’ll be taking baby steps with exercise until my knee is fully healed. In the meantime, I’m working on my eating habits.
Great tips.
I went to the veggie stand already this week. I’m headed to Trader Joes this evening for some healthy snacks. Will also hit the farmers market this weekend.
I just purchased new workout gear from walmart while I was on my vacation in Virginia last week.
I don’t go any where with out my headphones.
I also purchased from amazon a holder for my cell phone (the one you wear on your arm) I don’t know what you call them Lol
I think I’m ready! 🙂
I am loving this site/fb group! I just started the 21 day fix and plan on keeping up with the workouts and eating even when it’s done.
Having shoes and socks ready!
Wearing cute tops; bright colors that make me feel good.
Being very well hydrated before, and having plenty of water during and after.
Having facial wipes for afterwards as my skin is super sensitive.
Putting it on the calendar as a MUST! appt.
I never carried water when I walk ,I love the reminder and the quick idea
This was a great article. People always ask me about working out because they know that I love to work out. I always get the question can I workout and not eat right. I know we all struggle to eat right at times but I always tell people you can go to the gym everyday but if you’re not eating right you are wasting your time. Fruits and vegetables are so important. A healthy meal is what goes with a great workout. You can’t just move but you have to bless your body with healthy food
Well it seems I’m on the right track, when I’m out and about I have learned that it’s very important to be prepared. Prepping is definitely an important part of fitness! One thing that I really worked on over this last month and a half is learning what works for my body and what doesn’t I did do protein bars are good and it is a great on the go snack but I’ve learned that packing fresh veggies is also very good! I do my best to surround my meals around protein and veggies right now! I have learnt as my fitness changes I know these things will change… In regards to the end of the season clearance that’s how I got most my workout gear I am definitely a bargain shopper!