The weeks between Thanksgiving and the December holidays can seem like the perfect time to slack off on your gym routine. Maybe you did some traveling for Thanksgiving. Or maybe you stayed local but ran around trying to prepare for the big meal. No matter what you did, it's likely you're tired and your gym schedule fell off a little already. Maybe you're flirting with the idea of letting the whole month of December slide...
Don't do it!
These next couple of weeks before the holidays ramp up are CRUCIAL to maintaining the strength and stamina you've worked for, as well as helping you keep holiday weight gain at a minimum. If all that turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie clouded your memory, here's a quick rundown of items to assess (and possibly upgrade) as you head back to training.
Your Gym Bag
You could probably make it back to the gym without a gym bag, but we don't recommend it. Even the most minimalist athletes hit the gym with enough gear to merit carrying a bag. If you already have a gym bag, now is a great time to give it a thorough once-over to make sure it's still meeting your needs. Check the seams, zippers, and handles/straps for issues and give it a good wipe-down and spritz with a deodorizer.
If you discover your bag is not in such great shape, we have plenty of gym bags to choose from! Both bags below come with ventilated shoe compartments to keep things from getting too ripe.
Your Training Shoes
If you're the type to wear the same sneakers for all your athletic endeavors, you may want to consider gym-specific shoes. Shoes that are designed for different activities feature components that are tailored to the way you move during that specific activity.
Running shoes, for example, have more cushioning in the heel and forefoot to allow for better shock absorption and promote efficient heel-to-toe movement during a run. Training shoes often feature less cushioning and are typically a bit wider, allowing for maximum surface contact for a stable base during heavy lifting.
If your current training shoes are worn out or you're looking to upgrade from working out in your running shoes, inov-8 F-Lite 235v3 training shoes were designed to help you perform in the gym. Featuring a POWERFLOW+ midsole and a rubber outsole, these shoes provide the shock absorption and traction you need to push through your toughest workouts.
Gym Membership
Many folks start their gym memberships in January. As the year rapidly comes to a close, it may be time to evaluate if your current membership is fully meeting your needs.
Have they delivered on what they promised you at sign-up? Have better options opened up? Are there closer locations you could check out? Do you make the most of the equipment, or would you benefit from a more specialized gym? Do you get value from the classes and coaches or would a different vibe suit you better?
If your membership is up soon, these are all great things to consider.
Your Pre- and Post-Workout Sweatshirt
Early-morning workouts and colder temperatures mean you're probably wearing a jacket or sweatshirt on your way to and from the gym. If you don't already have a dedicated gym sweatshirt (or jacket, depending on how chilly it is), you should definitely consider it. Having a shirt specifically for the gym will keep your other sweatshirts from getting sweat-stained and smelly.
These Brooks hoodies are made of DriLayer® Threshold material that will keep you warm while wicking away sweat, ensuring that you stay comfortable before and after your workout.