The Items You Need to Get Going on Your Healthy Active Lifestyle

Acquiring a healthier active lifestyle can be a bit confusing at times or even intimidating if you don’t know where to begin. The truth is, the moment you give it a thought, you have taken the first step. When I started, I didn’t know where to begin, and the mere thought of going to the gym was frightening. So, I began my journey from home and slowly transformed and evolved my routine, knowledge, and body. With that in mind, I have carefully curated a small but efficient list of equipment and items to help you continue your new healthy lifestyle. Here are some pieces I use, recommend, and own. 

The Bike 
Don’t be afraid of a spinning bike. You can work on endurance, cardio, legs, and body, and if you take a YouTube class with Gabriella Guevara, your life will never be the same (and for the better). I speak from experience. I have this Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Cycling Stationary Bike. It has a 40 LB flywheel and 4-way adjustable seat. It's suitable for thetall-short gal like me. I’ve had it for over five years, and it is affordable, durable, and excellent for rhythm cycling and spinning. In fact, spinning instructor Gabriela Guevara has it on her list of affordable and durable options for those looking to invest in a bike. Her classes are themed (reggaeton, pop, hip hop, salsa, merengue, etc.) and welcome the beginner, intermediate, and advanced rider. ​

The Resistance Bands
I take my resistance bands wherever and whenever I travel and am away from home. It’s the perfect way to maintain your workout routine, and they pack easily. I use them at home and on the go and love them. Try ALTA Resistance Tube Bands for Women. I like that it's a full kit of resistance bands with handles, ankle straps, and door anchor. It also comes with a nice storage bag, which is always useful. The grip handle is perfect for leg exercises and tricep and bicep variations, especially when you're away and need to press those pecks (there, I said it!). These resistance bands are great for strength training. I highly recommend. 

The Gloves
These have been a game changer for me, both aesthetically and productively. I own two pairs of workout gloves. They are good, especially when lifting, and I will admit, they do help me get into workout strength mode. Plus, they look cool. Check out these Seektop Breathable Workout Gloves. They come in different sizes. My hands are small, so that is important because you want a nice fit. These thick padded gloves have an extended thumb design with enhanced grip. They effectively protect palms from calluses so you can feel confident during training, exercise, and cycling. 

The Weights 
​Weight lifting is essential to keep your muscles strong and prevent injury later in life. Since I began lifting, my body isleaner, stronger, and toned. I thought I’d get bulky, but it turns out it’s not that easy, especially for women. Check out this Adjustable Dumbbell Set by EOAT. They are currently on sale. You get five in one multifunctional capabilities. And you will use all of them.  In their podcast, Change Your Brain Every Day, Tana Amen and Dr. Daniel Amen discuss the importance of exercise and strength in the episode, Stronger, Sharper, Longer: The Brain Boosting Power of Muscle. They share the benefits of strength training and even put to rest the "bulky body" myth. They even mention the benefits of creatine.

The Creatine
After learning about the benefits of Creatine, I am all in. Tana Amen mentions her use of creatine and how much she loves it. It is good for recovery, hydration, cognitive function, and building muscle mass. I've been using Sunwarrior brand for a while now, so naturally I am inclined to share that they have Creatine Monohydrate Powder Micronized PreWorkout Recovery Supplement. "Creatine is one of the best supplements for improving strength and high-intensity exercise performance." Not only is it good for the muscles, it’s also great for cognitive function. It helps mood support and energy. It's vegan with no synthetics, no fillers, and they do third-party lab testing. 

The Protein Powder
Ever since I introduced protein powder to my post-workout routine, I am a lot more confident about muscle recovery and nutrition. It’s so important to take the right amount of protein and nurture the body with foods, especially after a workout.The muscle needs to recover, and protein helps that process. I love Sunwarrior. Manufactured in the USA, this protein powder is professional grade, premium quality, and made with clean ingredients. I love that it is third-party tested, so I feel confident about keeping it in my daily routine. I also recommend their Collagen Building Peptides. I use it daily, and my hair, skin, and nails love me for it.

The Mirror 
This one you already own, but if you want a new one, try this one.  Affirmations may sound silly and may feel odd, but I can attest to its effectiveness. Say beautiful things to yourself. Cheer for you. Motivate yourself. You are the longest and most honest relationship you will have, so nurture that. The way we speak to ourselves matters. Have you ever heard that when we repeat something enough times, we begin to believe it? This is as true for a child's development as it is for an adult's transformative journey. So if you take anything away from this article, take this. Positive affirmations and encouragement to yourself in the mirror daily will transform you.  This portable FUNTOUCH Rechargeable Travel Mirror with LED Lights, 3 lighting modes, and dimmable touch screen is affordable and it comes with storage bag. Affirmations are effective and you will feel the difference progressively. Commit! You got this. 

These options are here to help you continue your self-love, healthy lifestyle journey. Don’t forget to speak kindly to yourself in the process and remember, consistency is key, and progress will progress. 

By shopping through these links, you help me earn a small commission, so thank you. Let me know which of these items you buy and try. I’d love to hear your thoughts! 
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Earns Commission 

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by Jessica G Ferrer