If you are diving into your first month of fitness resolutions this year, plan for success. You may be an experienced lifter, be new to the gym scene, or anything in-between, but these simple essentials are important for anyone looking to work on their fitness this year!

1) SKINCARE:

You want to commit to a healthier lifestyle this year, so don’t forget that you need to take care of your face too! Hard workouts and sweat/oil buildup in your pores can mean breakouts for you later. Don’t punish your skin with breakouts because of your new resolution, wash your face!

If you wait until you go to bed to wash your face, you are leaving your pores blocked for hours. Washing your face with a gentle cleanser and using an oil-free moisturizer after each workout is key to avoiding unwanted blemishes. It only takes a couple minutes, and you’ll feel more refreshed after your workout too.

Tip: If you are taking a shower after your workout, avoid washing your face directly under the shower head! That’s a lot of water pressure to be slamming against your defenseless pores. Instead, scrub your face away from the shower head with your fingertips, cup your hands together to collect some clean water, and rinse your face with the collected water in your hands. It will help minimize your pore size over time.

Product recommendation: Cetaphil Gentle Foam Wash and Oil-Free Moisturizer
I’m a genuine fan of this brand and using their products has helped lessen some of my own breakouts. It is gentle enough to use morning, post-workout, and at night. If you are like me and have very oily skin, I highly recommend their DermaControl Oil Control line. I’ve been using it for years and haven’t found a better product yet.

2) GLASS OR STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE:

If you are using it often, you want to make sure it is contributing to the healthy lifestyle you are looking for.

Thick plastic bottles are likely to leach chemicals into the liquid in your bottle, which you can steer clear of. You can avoid this by purchasing BPA free bottles OR take the safe route and purchase a stainless steel or glass bottle instead! They are safer and you can recycle them when you are ready to move on to your next bottle, whereas many thick plastics aren’t as easily recycled.

3) BACKUP GEAR:

Expect the unexpected and don’t give yourself a reason to miss a gym day!

If you have a car, keep a bag of your gym necessities in the trunk so that you never miss a workout after forgetting your clothes at home. Likewise, if you don’t have a car, keep a thin set of clothing tucked in your backpack just in case. Don’t get behind on your resolutions because you left your stuff at home and missed a day at the gym. Plan ahead.

Recommended essentials for your backup bag: 

  • Clean water bottle
  • Headphones/earbuds
  • Athletic shoes
  • Top/Sports bra
  • Bottoms
  • Trial-size face wash/moisturizer
  • Trial-size deodorant
  • Hair ties/Headband
  • Shoes/socks

While this is certainly not a comprehensive list, these essentials can help you stay on track for a whole year of healthier living.

Have an essential item that you love using toward your fitness goals? We’d love to hear it! Share your favorites in the comments section:

Source for water bottle pros/cons:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/steel_glass_and_or_plastic_bottles_what_is_the_best_choice