Here are five essentials that every beginner needs when entering their active eras
There’s no better day than today to begin adopting a more active lifestyle to replace your sedentary one. As good as languid days feel, the benefits of exercise will feel a whole lot better. You don’t even need structured exercises if you’re unable or unwilling—at least two minutes of sporadic bouts of vigorous physical activity everyday like fast walking and stair climbing is already a good target.
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While an active lifestyle doesn’t necessarily come with a price tag, essential equipment and gear do come with a cost. So if you’re down to make the time and financial commitment to gradually improve your life, here are just a few things we think you’ll need.
Activewear
Truth be told, you can get plenty of light exercises done with just your regular, everyday clothes. However, we’re a big believer in clothes playing a role in our mentalities. Based on what you’re wearing, you could be inspired to move and feel confident enough to be seen doing it. And that’s just the cherry on top of the very real and technical benefits that activewear and sportswear can give you, whether you’re running, cycling, or playing golf, tennis, and basketball.
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Shoes
When you’re just starting out and experimenting with light to moderate daily movements, you only really need one good pair of training shoes to get you going. Before investing in that pair, make sure that it’s the right fit and made of the right materials you’d want. Otherwise, you’ll need different pairs of shoes for different occasions and environments, like ones for road running, trail running, and obstacle courses.
Exercise mat
Exercise mats are absolutely essential for any and all floor exercises, such as yoga, mat pilates, and push-ups. These exercise mats will keep your body cushioned to prevent aches and pains, and will also keep you from touching the dirty floor if you’re exercising in a public space like a gym or outdoors.
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Resistance bands
We swear by resistance bands. While they don’t look like much, resistance bands can improve your strength without the use of expensive and heavy equipment. It’s also good for your health to have a balanced mix of aerobic and anaerobic exercises injected into your routine. So, on the days you’re not jogging, for example, use a band for biweekly resistance exercises.
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Water bottle
It goes without saying that drinking water is essential for your health. Similar to how wearing exercise attire can put you in the right mindset to work out, always having a water bottle on hand will remind you to drink enough in a day. This is especially important for those who are new to sweating more frequently because you need to hydrate before, during, and after exercise.
