What to Bring to your AOC Workout

Not sure what you should be bringing to your workout? Here are some essentials to help make the most out of your workout.

• Water: Water is extremely important at all times!? You should constantly be hydrating. This means drinking water prior to your workout, during your workout, and after your workout. You lose a lot of water when exercising and it needs to be replaced with proper fluids or else your body can’t function properly and will be unable to recover. Post-workout, your body will continue to sweat and your metabolism will be high. This is the perfect time to hydrate as it will maintain that detox effect that is taking place, transport important minerals and regulate your body’s temperature.

• Towel: You will sweat!? Some may sweat more than others, but not only is it common courtesy to protect shared equipment from your sweat, but excess sweat can actually be a distraction as it can get into your eyes or cause poor grip.

• Clothing: Everyone will have their own personal preference as to what they like to work out in: long sleeve vs. short sleeve, pants vs. shorts, etc. What’s important is that the clothes are able to breath and remove moisture. Clothes that retain water and are non-breathable (usually cotton), can cause discomfort and even body odour. Opt for clothes that are form fitting. They don’t need to be skin tight, but if they are too loose or baggy, they can hinder your workout by inhibiting your natural movement. Of course, comfortably is probably the most important aspect, so wear what works for you and what you’re comfortable in. The last thing you want to be thinking about is how you LOOK in your clothing as opposed to how you’re performing your workout.

• Underneath It All: Women: If you have never tried working out in a sports bra, this will change your entire experience!? Sports bras come in all shapes and sizes and provide, not only, the added support needed when doing high-impact activities, but due to their breathable fabrics and specialty straps, they won’t rub against the skin like a normal bra would. Men and women: As far as undies goes, breathable fabrics are especially important here to reduce chaffing and to wick up any excess moisture that can cause bacterial growth.

• Shoes: In the past couple of years, there has been a huge shift in workout shoes from a well-supported, cushioned shoe to a minimal, barefoot-type shoe. The barefoot idea is great as it actually allows you to train your body in a primal state rather than having a safety blanket as footwear. This means becoming stronger in the core and in the rest of the body, and having more body awareness like never before!? However, if you haven’t made the jump into a barefoot-type of shoe, do so gradually as it can cause issues like plantar fasciitis if done too aggressively.

• Go Au Naturel: As much as you might think that people are paying attention to how pretty you look, they aren’t. Try to forego the makeup as much as possible and go for a bare-skinned look. Your skin will breath better and thank you later for it. Also, keep the jewellery to a minimum. It can be a distraction and get caught in your hair or other places.

• Post-Workout Snack: After workout, there is a 30 minute window crucial to restoring the body. Opt for a small meal such as a protein shake that will help with the recovery process, keep the body strong and immediately supply the needed replenishment.

• Good attitude: The most important tip!? Without a positive attitude, your workout will not be nearly as effective because you won’t be trying as hard. Also, it will seem much longer than it actually is so put a smile on your face and stop dwelling on the negative!

Image credit via Flickr.