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Fitness essentials
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items I’ve been running for a while and a gym rat even longer. In that time I’ve tried a lot of things, and I’ve got strong opinions on most of them… but this list has all (okay most) of my faves in one place.
Sections
5
To wear
To care
To nourish
For strength
For yoga (and pilates!)
To wear
Stuff I'm never without when I'm out.
I hate a vest - overstimulating and of little value. This is the ultimate carrying solution; fits your phone, keys, gels and soft flasks etc. no problem. Acrylic summer is my colour but there’s so many cute choices!
FlipBelt Zipper
I’ve got a 955 (now discontinued) but I’ve heard nothing but good things about the entire forerunner range. I can’t vouch for the AMOLED range, but keep it simple, get a beautiful piece of engineering that’ll last almost a week without charging!
Garmin Forerunner® 255
I’ve tried a few kinds of running socks and balegas are the only brand for me!
Balega Blister Resist Performance Quarter Socks
A game changer, and all a lot of races will allow these days. I was shocked by the quality of sound when I first tried these, and the battery is brilliant.
Bone Conduction Headphones - Shokz UK
To care
To manage any aches, pains and scrapes.
The ultimate chafing cream for long runs and races - and for saving yourself from endlessly rubbing sports bras. It’s even good to use AFTER to soothe and help heal painful chafing. It’s originally formulated for cyclists, so not just for runs
Bum Butter Anti-Chafing Cream
Technically my husband bought this but I use it constantly
Theragun Prime
When I felt plantar fasciitis threatening me I started rolling my feet every night with the smooth ball while I brush my teeth - absolute gamechanger and takes no time away from my day. When I'm really struggling, the spiky ball really gets in to the...
Lacrosse & Hard Spiky Massage Ball Set
When I find that my niggles are quite deep, need a rollout, and the foam roller is just a bit too big, this is what I reach for to really massage deep in there.
Muscle Roller Stick
Legitimate game changer for cracked, tired feet. PLEASE avoid scraping your dead skin, this and a good chemical exfoliant are a sure way to give your feet the TLC they need
O'Keeffe's for Healthy Feet Foot Cream
Everybody needs a good foam roller! We've tried a few in this house and this is the winning ticket
Multi-Density Foam Massage Roller
To nourish
Nutrition is just as important as volume of exercise. These are the things I insist on bringing with me on a long run.
My go-to gel for long runs
PF 30 Energy Gel
Always add one of these to my normal gel rotation when I do a race (half marathon or longer)
PF 30 Caffeine Gel
For most runs this is all I need (if at all), but if you want a little more the 500ml version also takes up very little space in a belt
Endurance Fuelled Soft Flask 250ml
For strength
Building muscle is crucial for longevity in general, but it’s also essential for runners - here are some of my at home highlights.
Start small and build up! I got my 1kg, 3kg and 5kg dumbbells from this range, and now I only have my 5s left (for high rep workouts) but they’re my faves.
Anti-Slip Neoprene Dumbbells Pair
For an at-home calisthenics set-up, especially in apartment living, this is the vibe. Get yourself these to learn so many moves (L sits are my current/beginner move)
Opti Push Up Bars
Wannabe hybrid rockstars, this is the one for you. Wall balls were my Hyrox mountain, and this’ll help you climb it!
Bulldog Gear - Medicine/Wall Ball
For yoga (and pilates!)
I've been a yogi for about a decade, and over time I've picked up more and more little bits I now swear by. I do group classes occasionally but I'm more of an at-home practice kind of person, because I can ensure I focus on anything I need from my bo...
If you're lunging a lot, trying new knee-heavy poses, or just worried about a dodgy knee, these are essential. I got these when I started working on my splits and they're an absolute game changer.
Blue Yoga Knee Support Pads
As a runner, my feet don't always look their best, and I get self-conscious about my feet at group classes. Sure I should be less bothered about it but the fact is, I can't relax in to my practice with that on my mind, and these ARE the magical solut...
Hually Yoga Socks (2 Pairs)
Great for pilates and enhancing recovery exercises
23cm/9in Soft Pilates Ball
A bolster is a must-have if you're a frequent at-home yogi. It's a way to lift your body, to rest your back, to enhance static poses... mine has even become a sofa cushion when it's not in yoga use
Buckwheat Hull Yoga Bolster, 23x63cm
Everybody need a good yoga mat
GAIAM 6mm Premium Yoga Mat