What's In My Gym Bag?

Yes, I am aware this post is somewhat of a fluff piece but I THINK "who cares?!?" :D

I did a Youtube video review a few months back for my FitMark backpack courtesy of my amaze-balls sponsor Muscles By Meyers in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (located at 483 William Avenue, 204-943-1466). I showed you some of the contents inside the bag, but TODAY you get a better glimpse inside.

So without future ado,

As you can see, the text on the image is WAY too blurry.  Don't worry, I have written everything below.

Top Left: 

My padlock: You can never be too careful at the gym.  There are some people who don't even lock their lockers and then get upset when someone steals from them.  CMON!

My Member Card:  Even though I enjoy "at-home" workouts, I always need to have a gym membership.

Lip gloss/balm:  My lips always need a little moisture when I am at the gym, especially when I do cardio.  You'll always find some in my pockets.

Hair Ties:  You can NEVER have too many of these in your gym bag.  There have been the occasional time when tying my hair the darn tie snapped on me.  Not cool man...not cool.  

Top Right:

Jump Rope:  Just in case there are no cardio pieces available, I always carry this as a backup in my bag.  It's a great way to change up your cardio routine.    

iPod:  Love jamming to some great dance, dub-step, hip hop and the random slow jam when I workout.  When this baby dies on me, my workout does not feel the same. 

Headband(s):  Bangs...even the side swipe ones get in your face.  This is your solution my friends.  

Public Myth wrist band:  I use my shirt I am wearing at the gym to wipe down my sweaty face, but this is a WAY better option.  Check out Public Myth for GREAT gym gear!

Deodorant: No one likes a stinky gym-goer...NO ONE!

Wallet: This is an obvious one.

Measuring Tape: So I can measure my MASSIVE legs....just to make sure what I am doing at the gym is making them slim down :S

Notebook: I keep track of all my exercises in this baby.  It is pretty ol' school to write everything down but I enjoy it.  

Bottom Left:

Advanced Genetics GP3: It's the best creatine, glutamine and BCAA combination on the market.  Hands DOWN!  To get the genetic advantage, check out more of what AG has to offer at their website.

Muscles By Meyers gear:  It doesn't matter where I live, I always make sure I do my very best to help support this great Winnipeg supplement/sports nutrition business.  It definitely helps that this shirt is pink!  Ya, I am a girly girl at heart!  Great service.  Great Prices.  Knowledgeable Staff!  

Water Jug:  I am doing my best to drink at least 4L a day.  It is one of my goals for this year.  DRINK MORE WATER!

AG Water Bottle:  I always carry it with me on the gym floor.  Again, WATER is SO important to fat loss, glowing skin, and darn it...it's just good for you!

Workout Gloves:  To prevent those ugly calluses for happening.  Calluses are NOT attractive.  Nobody wants MAN HANDS lol!

Because You're Fabulous Makeup Kit:  After my workout, I usually like to refresh my face with my organic, all-natural, and vegan BYF makeup.  This stuff is just fantastic.  No harsh chemicals seeping into my skin.  You can even eat it, BUT I recommend you don't LOL.

Lululemon Bag:  This little bag has all my other AG supplements inside smaller containers, just to save a little bit of space.

Bottom Right:

AG Hat:   I like to call the hats I wear "SHIELDS".  They shield my eyes away from all distractions and the many gym creepers.

Digital Camera:  I bring my camera with me to take some snap shots myself (progression pics or my weekly Public Myth/AG pictures).  Always good to have one around.  

Vibram FiveFingers:  LOVE these shoes.  I still get asked about them to this day :D

Pill Box:  I carry my supps and daily vitamins everywhere I go.  I got this pill box at Superstore, but I've seen other pill boxes at dollar stores.    

THAT'S IT!  

It does change every couple of months depending on my goals but most of these are the basics.  I hope you enjoyed this blog post.  Stay tuned for next time as I review an organic tanning spray.  It's going be a goodie!

Question: What interesting things do YOU carry in your gym bag?  

Five Things (or more) about Vibram Five Fingers

"Those are some interesting shoes."

  

"Those look funny." 

"Are those clown shoes?"

"How do they feel?"

Just some of the comments you will get from strangers on a regular basis if you own a pair of Vibram Five Fingers.  They look like this:

YUP!  Those are my feet!

Now Let's Talk About Them "Shoes".  It all dates back to the pre-historic times when cave men were chasing animals for food...okay okay...that is how I think they came up with the idea.  But truthfully, they were running on their bare feet.  Trying to stabilize themselves with both their heels & toes.  They call this "natural running" or "barefoot running".  

One of the benefits of performing your daily physical activities with Five Fingers is the ability for each individual toe muscle to be utilized.  When wearing a shoe, all the piggies are compacted tightly together.  This does not allow for them to ever get exercised or stimulated.  Because the VFF design allows for this, a person can expect significant changes in strength within the toes, calves, legs and even your core stability muscles.  Another great benefit is your feet are able to move in a more natural way as compared to wearing a sneaker.

A couple of things about the VFF:

• It isn't for everyone.  I personally LOVE mine but listen to your body and do what's best for you
• They tend to smell after a while.  VFF are machine washable (gentle cycle-warm water cycle).  Pop them in the wash and TA-DA they are brand new again.
• People will constantly stop you and ask about the shoes (somewhat of a nuisance, especially when working out)
• Light as a feather.  VFF are super lightweight.  No more heavy shoes weighing down your gym bag.
• Killer Calves!!!  They will hurt at first but trust me when I say your calves will look fabulous after many sessions of wear.  
• No-no for people who need ankle support.  I definitely would say stick to a regular running shoe if that is the case.
• Take a break. There are some activities that may require the stability a sneaker holds.  Just play around with what works best.
• There is controversy in everything.  Some Podiatrist's say barefoot running can lead to injuries while Pro-users claim it has helped them with proper form and helps reduce injuries (from their own personal experience).
• Don't do a marathon on your first wear. Switching to this type of training takes time for your body to adapt and adjust.  Make it a gradual process...kind of like a marathon.  

Bottom Line: As a personal trainer,  it is my professional opinion that every muscle group (no matter how big or small) needs to be stimulated for overall body development.  It is your own personal decision to make the switch or not.

Now I leave you with a poem by yours truly about the Vibram Five Fingers.  ENJOY!

This little piggy went to the market.  

This little piggy stayed home and slept.  

This little piggy had lean beef.  

This little piggy had a whole wheat bun.  

And this little piggy went running WEE WEE WEE all the way home....in Vibrams.

 Official Vibram Website: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/
Purchased locally or online at: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Footwear/Barefoot.jsp