Gym Bag Essentials

Here lately I have a new obsession, the gym! I love the positive atmosphere, trying new workout routines and of course you can't beat the $20 a month tanning! Of course within my first week of visiting the gym I found myself needing a few things! If you are new to the gym or are thinking about joining, here are a few gym bag essentials!

Headbands: Whether you are tanning or running on the treadmill every girl needs their hair to be out of their face! These no slip workout headbands keep all of your hair back while also adding a hint of color to your workout outfit.

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Deodorant wipes: The first time I used these I received them in my Birchbox or Ipsy bag. The small wipes are the same size as the hand sanitizer wipes at restaurant. The wipes keep you fresh and prevent perspiration!

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Of course you will need a gym bag to carry all of your belongings in. Isn't this one from VS absolutely beautiful? I am a bag lady so I am in much need of this one!

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Do I really need to say anymore about these towels? They speak for themselves!!

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I always have a fear of leaving something out in public. My keys, purse, billfold etc...well this little accessory keeps everything in the same spot. I recently started drinking water so having a cute fashionable cup present makes it a little easier.

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For me drowning out the rest of the world while I workout works best. I am able to get into my groove and get to burning calories! Who doesn't love to rock out?!?

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The most comfortable clothing item on the planet is yoga pants. So working out in them is even better. They don't stick to you or rise up. They are perfect. I'm not a sports kinda gal so I stick to anything that feels just like pajamas :)

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Last but not least not all of us prefer the IPhone. This means not not liking Apple products. That would be me. So as "plugged" in as I am I need something to store my Android phone/music into. This is where the armband comes into play. You can run, walk and even lift weights with it connected to you.

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What's in your gym bag?

Kicking My Phobia To The Curb

There are a few things in my life that I've always wanted to do but have never done. I make up an excuse or psyche myself out of accomplishing my goal over silly reasons. As of Monday night, one of my goals has crept out from the shadows and saw the light.
I am now a member of Planet Fitness!

I never saw it coming but with motivation from my friends and family I figured "why not?" This all kind of goes back to my We Bought A Zoo post. I needed those twenty seconds of courage!

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If the weather cooperates and all goes as planned I will be stepping into the gym for the first time in almost five years, maybe even longer.

I've already taken baby steps to improve my health. Making dinners at home, buying more fruits and veggies, drinking fewer lattes and gasp I may start adding water to my diet.

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The major point in all of this is my phobia. It's more of a social thing. One on one I'm fine. Get me in a room of five or more and I freak out. This is the girl who won't walk into a gas station alone much less a gym. The thought of it gives me goosebumps. I feel like everyone will stare and judge. Something inside of me wants to scream.

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Questions run through my mind as I'm sure this is common with all new gym members:
How do I or will I use the gym equipment?
How do I calm myself down to really enjoy this experience?
Are there others that feel like I do?

The list continues from there....

I'm really hoping with this recent movement in my life that this social awkwardness will fade. I'm hoping to meet new friends, gain more confidence, tone my body and take that leap of faith that I've avoided for far too long.

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Are you a new gym member? Have you experienced this phobia? How did you overcome these feelings? What's the best thing you have gained from the gym experience?