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Lifestyle | 7 Things to Always Keep in Your Gym Bag

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If you follow me on Instagram then you know at least 2-3 mornings out of the week, I’m headed out the door for a 5 or 6 AM workout. Waking up extra early is NOT something I particularly look forward to, but the benefits of working out are paying off big time. Before heading out, I usually grab a banana and a bottle of water for my husband and me for the car ride. My gym bag stays in the trunk throughout the week, so I don’t have to worry about lugging that back and forth.

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Keeping a gym bag in the car, or carrying one, is something I haven’t always done. However, now that working out has become part of my lifestyle, a fully loaded gym bag is a must-have. Read ahead to find out what 7 things I always keep in my gym bag.

7 Things to Always Keep in Your Gym Bag

  1. Water Bottle 
    • staying hydrated before, during and after workouts is crucial, so be sure to keep a water bottle in your gym bag
    • NOTE: you can also keep an empty water bottle in the car and fill it up once you get to the gym if your gym has that option
  2. Facewipes
    • keep your face blemish and sweat free after a workout by keeping a pack face wipes in your gym bag at all times; my favorites are the Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Wipes
    • NOTE: if you keep your gym bag in the car, don’t leave your wipes in your bag because they may dry out
  3. Gum or Altoids
    • during workouts, your mouth has a tendency to get try so be sure to pop a mint or piece of gum in your mouth before you start; you’ll thank me later
  4. Workout Gloves
    • protect your hands with workout gloves when lifting weights, or doing floor exercises like pushups or planks; I purchased these and I LOVE them
  5. Lip Balm 
    • just because you’re working out doesn’t mean you’re lipgloss can’t be poppin’, so be sure to have Blistex or Chapstick on deck
  6. Extra T-Shirt 
    • just in case you have to run a quick errand after a workout, it’s always smart to have an extra t-shirt in your bag
  7.  Deodorant
    • before you put on that extra t-shirt to run some errands, make sure to freshen up by adding some more deodorant
7 Things to Always Keep in Your Gym Bag

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Things to Always Keep in Your Gym Bag

So tell me, what do you always keep in your gym bag? Let me know below! 

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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Lifestyle | 23 Songs You Need on Your Workout Playlist 

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Earlier this summer I made the decision to take control of my health. I was fed up with feeling sluggish, sick of getting bi-weekly migraines and I was over having zero energy. So, from the beginning of July to the end of September I began walking at least 1 mile 5 times a week, weekends included. I worked my way up to almost 3 miles and incorporated frequent Nike+ Training workouts into my routine. My progress was slow and steady and I was beginning to notice subtle changes in the energy, as well as the shape of my body. Unfortunately “life happened”. I found myself unable to dedicate much time to consistently working out. Instead I focused my energy elsewhere for a few months. Although it was necessary for me to do so, I really missed working out.

You owe it to yourself to live a healthy and happy life! #selfcare

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Thankfully things have slowed down a bit, which means I can finally get back to my workout routine! I never thought I would miss working out. The feeling I get after I finish a 2 mile walk, as corny as it may sound, is amazing. I also feel a little pain and I’m usually exhausted, but finishing workout is an amazing feeling nonetheless. One thing that will definitely get me back on track is creating the perfect workout playlist. I cannot walk, run or do any type of exercise without good music. I usually separate my list into 3 parts – Warm Up, Workout & Cool Down. Different songs and tempos for each phase of my workout is a must. That said, here are 23 songs perfect for any workout playlist!

the-perfect-workout-soundtrack-2

23 songs you need on your workout playlist, ASAP. #wnjplaylist

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WARM UP

  1. Body Party | Ciara
  2. Be Alright | Arianna Grande
  3. Controlla | Drake

WORKOUT

  1. Sorry | Beyoncé
  2. Hello, Good Morning | Diddy – Dirty Money & T.I.
  3. Get Right | Jennifer Lopez
  4. Freedom | Beyoncé
  5. Go Get It | Mary, Mary
  6. Win Again | Nicki Minaj
  7. Get Your Money Up | Keri Hilson
  8. Alright | Kendrick Lamar
  9. Something New | Zendaya
  10. 24K Magic | Burno Mars
  11. Push It | Rick Ross
  12. Get it on the Floor | DMX
  13. Brighter Day | Kirk Franklin
  14. No Limit | Usher
  15. Crazy | Kehlani
  16. Champion | Nicki Minaj, Nas & Drake
  17. Say Yes | Michelle Williams, Beyoncé & Kely Rowland

COOL DOWN

  1. Phone Down | Erykah Badu
  2. I Bet | Ciara
  3. Hindsight | Pieces of a Dream

So tell me, do you like my workout playlist? What are some of your favorite songs form your workout playlist? Let me know! 

As you can probably tell, I like to listen to a little gospel during my workouts. I find that hearing an uplifting song throughout my workout really keeps me going. Ending with a smooth jazz song is also something that may seem a little different. Because I usually end my workouts with stretching, I think it’s a perfect choice! Be sure to let me know what kind of music you listen to during your workouts; I’m always up for adding more songs. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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