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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

New to Exercise? Basic Gear

I was chatting with a friend at the law school who mentioned she'd started running in Central Park. Apparently seeing me decked out in workout gear at school all the time had made her interested in giving running a try! I can be a *bit* evangelistic about exercise--"it's the best thing ever! Try running! Try lifting! Try yoga! Yay sweat!"--so I was really excited to hear that someone was converted to my cult giving exercise a try.

She wanted a few tips on what to wear, and although I'm a relative newbie to running, I thought it was a great challenge. Put together the most necessary exercise gear for someone who is new to running and working out? Game on. Here's what I came up with!

The Necessities
Good running shoes
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 13s - $110
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These had to come first because having a good, fitted pair of running shoes is by far the most important factor in safe, comfortable running. I really like the pair of Brooks Adrenalines I recently purchased on sale since they provide support for my high arches and pronation. However, your feet are probably different! Thus it's very important to get your feet assessed at a running store. I might recommend even going twice so you get two opinions -- I was told that I didn't pronate in September so I bought a neutral shoe and it led to a lot of foot pain that has vanished with proper shoes!

Crop leggings
Lululemon Wunder Under crop leggings - $72
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I think a pair of crop leggings are the most versatile piece of workout clothing you can have. You can wear them to yoga, to an exercise class, to the gym, or out on a run. Make sure they are non-chafe -- I recommend Lululemon's Wunder Unders. Although they're an investment, I've never had any issues with chafing and they're so comfortable and versatile that I think they're worth the money. You can use these for most weather, except for the hottest days of summer and coldest days of winter.

Supportive and non-chafing sports bra
Nike Pro Compression Sports Bra - $30
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Trust me, it is painful to be bouncing around. Nothing worse than a boob to the face mid-run. Find a sports bra that provides lots of support. Jump up and down in it to make sure it keeps the ladies strapped in. And don't be afraid to return it if it starts chafing after a mile!

Safety first! Phone/money/ID carrier
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Lite - $17.95
(source)
I always carry my phone, a credit card and/or cash, my apartment key, and my metro card with me. I often forget, but you should also try to carry your ID with you for safety. If something happened out on a run, you would not want to be without your phone or money. I recently got an Amphipod Handheld (the larger size because I'm a water buffalo and guzzle water like it's my job) and it's a great place to also store your keys and cards.

I actually stuffed my phone in my sports bra for many months and tucked my credit card, metro card, cash and key into the mini pockets that crops often have. That can work, but it's not ideal. Still, if you're brand new to running and not going too far (under 5 miles), it might be the easiest thing to do.

Music!
Please do not judge my music taste on the basis of my running playlist. After all, I like ABBA, too. 
Once you begin to feel more comfortable running, you might not need music anymore to keep you going (and some people are fine running without music from the beginning!). For me, though, whenever I'm running alone I like to have a good playlist to listen to. These are some of my favorites for running.

Total: $240
I know, I know... you thought running was free!


Helpful (but not totally necessary)


Moisture-wicking tops


These are three of my favorite Lululemon tops: the Run:Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve top - $68 (great for chilly runs), the Cool Racerback tank - $42 (good for summer runs and cardio/strength classes), and the Power Y tank - $52 (perfect for yoga, pilates or barre classes).

Oiselle Big Run Long Sleeve Tee - $39
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I also really like this Oiselle long-sleeved top. It's so comfy and a great pullover for colder weather or on its own in fall or spring weather. Oiselle has some really great tops that are less expensive than Lulu and are aimed more exclusively at running, so they're a great brand to check out.

Yes, these are all under "helpful" and not necessities, but don't get me wrong, as you become more serious about running and working out I think buying these should become a necessity. However, I started running just wearing old t-shirts and it was fine. When you're running shorter distances, as you likely are as a beginning runner, I just don't think that moisture-wicking tops need to be at the top of your list. However, if you can afford a tech shirt or two, getting some fun, cute shirts can make you that much more likely to work out, so they're a good investment if you have the means.

Headbands
Sparkly Soul headband - $15 for thin, $17 for thick
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Depending on your hair type, you may or may not have flyaways that fall into your face filled with sweat while you're working out (I know, I'm turning you off to working out, sorry!). I happen to suffer from this, so I always wear a headband when running, strength training, spinning, or yoga-ing. Plus, why not add some fun color or sparkle to your workout? That's why I love Sparkly Soul headbands.


Yoga mat
YogaAccessories - $17.99
I have not tried this particular yoga mat, but I find that any basic yoga mat under $20 works fine. 
(source)
There are so many workouts you can do at home, whether by following a DVD or a youtube video or a a circuit workout put together by yours truly. Having a yoga mat at home means you never have an excuse not to sweat!

What do you think are the most basic essentials for new runners?

12 comments:

  1. HI Jen! I think your list covers the basic necessities for new exercisers. I have the same water bottle and love it! I would add a foam roller just because they are inexpensive and will make such a difference for the newbies who have really tired and sore legs. The recovery is that much faster!

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    1. Hi Ruthie! A foam roller is a great addition! I didn't even learn about them until I started training for my first half-marathon. I might actually dedicate an entire post to foam rolling and their magic!

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  2. Hi Jen! The only other addition I would add is a good run jacket/pullover since it's cold outside right now.

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    1. Good one, Hana. I'm getting one for Christmas, actually, since it's something I've been without for over a year! I was trying to come up with the most essential items for year-round since a beginning runner probably doesn't want to spend too much money quite yet. But a running jacket is essential once you run outdoors in the winter!

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  3. Well, now I know what will be on my Christmas *wish-list*!

    Helga

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    1. Haha hope it was helpful, Helga, since you were the inspiration :)

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  4. I'd say sunglasses (for those runs with the sun in your eyes) and a Yurbuds Armband. I've tried a few, and that's my favorite brand. It has enough space to hold my iPhone, my ID and some cash. (Though the waterbottle with the pouch works just as well).

    You know, as I read this, I took inventory of the running gear I've bought to date and it's kinda depressing, heh. So much money spent on running attire in the last couple of months. But also, it's so totally worth it because I feel damn good!

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    1. My workout wardrobe is definitely worth more than my regular wardrobe, if you don't count the suits and work clothing. But I wear each workout item much more than I do the regular clothing items!

      Sunglasses and a phone-holding armband are on my list of things I need to get actually. I've heard Oakley is good?

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    2. Oakley's are awesome! I used to own a few pairs but that was a long time ago. This time around, I went with a cheap $20 Ironman pair from Target. Best investment I've made so far :-)

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  5. I'm so glad changing shoes has been successful!

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    1. SO successful, thanks Jess!! I haven't had any issues since I got new shoes and made sure to roll out my feet at least every other day.

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  6. Love your list! I can't live without my Brooks Adrenlines or my Amphipod water bottle either :) Love them!

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