Must Have Mom Fitness Essentials to Get in the Zone

Raise your hand if working out as a mother is harder than ever? (Cue hand raise.) Being a mom and prioritizing yourself is a challenge. Finding the time to prioritize yourself is even harder. It’s time that we make a stand and take initiative to find the time and motivation to dedicate to ourselves. Let’s find time to get our workouts in, challenge ourselves and become better people for it. These must have mom fitness essentials will help you get in the zone and do what you need to do whether you’re working out at home or at the gym!

These mom fitness essentials are everything moms need to get in the zone! Check out this list of items to include in your gym bag and tips to energizing your workout! #fitnessessentialsformom #fitnessmusthaves #gymbagessentials #whatsinmygymbag

Preworkout to get you going.

I haven’t always used preworkout. In fact, there were some I tried in the past and didn’t really like. There is definitely a good chance that I didn’t use it properly though. Before starting to use a preworkout, be sure to do a little research on the ingredients and consult your doctor if you have any health concerns. Not that preworkout is dangerous, but especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have any other health conditions, it’s best to ask first!

Not familiar with preworkout?

Preworkout is a powder supplement that you mix into water and consume about 30 minutes prior to exercise. The purpose of preworkout is to give you additional energy to power through your workout and work harder.

They usually contain different vitamins, creatine, caffeine and amino acids, but vary from brand to brand. It’s important to do some research on different preworkouts before purchasing to make sure they’re using good ingredients.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve tried several different preworkouts and LOVE them. There is something about the energy and focus it gives me to get the work done!

Benefits of Preworkout

You have more energy to workout!
The different ingredients are designed to enhance athletic performance.
Caffeine, which is often used in supplements, is known to stimulate the central nervous system, enhance energy, increase metabolism and boost your mood.
Creatine is found naturally in the body and taking it as a supplement helps enhance the naturally occurring chemical compound. It aids athletes during quick energy bursts like sprints and powerlifting and HIIT workouts.
Beta-Alinine is an amino acid that is designed to help you train harder and reduce muscle muscle fatigue.
Preworkout helps you operate at peak efficiency.
Faster post workout recovery. Caffeine and creatine are both known to increase glucose and insulin levels after your workout resulting in faster recovery times and less soreness!

Workout gear that makes your feel good.

Let’s be real, having workout clothes that are both flattering and supportive is important. The clothes may actually be one of the top mom fitness essentials to get us in the zone! As moms, we want to feel good in our skin and also keep everything in place. Am I right? Things move around a bit more and if you’re a breastfeeding mama, you know just how important it is to keep the ladies in check.

I have a whole post on my favorite workout gear, most of which can be found on Amazon for under $40! I highly recommend checking these out. It’s full of high waisted leggings, flattering shorts, tops made for air flow and my favorite high impact sports bra to keep the girls in check.

As a bonus, here are a few more items that I’ve been loving since writing that post! Click the image below to take you to the product.

Wireless Earbuds

Wireless earbuds were a game changer for me. It’s all about finding the right ones for you! The good thing is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on a good pair of wireless earbud. While AirPods and Beats by Dre are excellent choices, you can find some that are less than $40.

The earbuds above are the ones I have been using since last fall. They fit in my ears great and come in an awesome carrying case that also charges your earbuds. You can throw the case in your gym bag and just remember to charge it up every couple of weeks to make sure you have battery power!

These gym bag must haves are everything mom needs to get in the zone. Get your gear together and get your workout done! #momfitnessessentials #musthavegymgear #gymbagnecessities #momfitnessgear

Something Motivational or Distracting to help you push through.

Since earbuds are on our list, we need something to listen to during out workout. Everyone is different, and finding something to listen to that motivates you or even distracts you is important!

Podcasts

You may be thinking that I’m strange for including podcasts, but I actually listen to podcasts when I run and walk.

Many, many years ago, I stopped listening to music when I ran. I enjoyed the peace and quiet and the time to think while I was running. Fast forward a few years and while I still love a good run without music, I love running while listening to podcasts. They are incredibly distracting and make my runs go so much faster! It’s also nice to learn something while I’m moving my body. Win win if you ask me!

Next time you head out for a run or walk, try listening to a podcast and see what you think! These are some of my favorite podcasts that you can listen to for free on your podcast app. True Crime and Birth Stories are my favorites, but you can find some other genres in that list as well if you’re looking for something new and engaging!

Inspiring Music

Podcasts aren’t your thing? Pull up your inspiring, get it done playlist and do some work. I highly recommend putting together a playlist of your favorite songs or queuing up your favorite artist’s station to listen to while getting your workout done.

Be sure to include songs that are upbeat and will encourage you keep moving. Slow paced songs will subconsciencly que you to perform at a slower pace.

Printed Workout or Workout Video to guide you through your workout.

Having a planned workout prepared before hitting the gym or starting your home workout is KEY! Otherwise, there’s a good chance you’ll waste a lot of time wandering around trying to figure out what to do.

If you’re planning to use several different pieces of equipment, write out your plan on what order you plan to use them. It will help you remember so you’re not walking around the gym aimlessly.

If you’re planning to do a workout with lighter weights or small pieces like kettlebells, medicine balls, dumbbells, etc., grab your equipment and set up in an area with more space. Then set your workout up so you can see it and get to it!

You can find different workouts all over the internet. If you’re looking for something fun and different, feel free to check out my free workout library with tons of workouts that require little to no equipment. That way you can get your workout done anywhere!

Water!

It may be far down on my list, but water may be on of my top mom fitness essentials. I don’t think I can stress enough how important water is in your fitness routine! If you’re looking for something that will help fuel your body and keep you going, water is key. I realize it has no calories or caffeine, but water keeps you energized by keeping you hydrated.

Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased alertness among other things. By drinking water before, during and after your workout, you’re giving your body what it needs to keep going and feel good. If that isn’t something to get you in the zone, I don’t know what is!

You know what makes drinking water even easier? A super cute water bottle. It may seem silly, but having water around you all the time encourages you to drink more. Here are some of my favorites from Amazon. I personally love a good 30oz stainless steel tumbler that I can refill a few times a day!

What’s in my gym bag?

So in case you’re wondering, these are the items that live in my gym bag!

I always have a water bottle and my preworkout. I usually drink my preworkout on the way to the gym so it has time to start working!

For the most part, I head to the gym in my workout gear, but for days that I have to change when I get there, I keep spare leggings, sports bra and tank top. Since our gym has a pool, I keep a one piece bathing suit that I can either swim laps in or play with the kids should be choose to swim that day!

I also keep my wireless headphone in to be able to sync up to my phone for music or podcasts. I love that this set has a case that charges them, so I don’t have to plug it in to recharge but once a month!

Lastly, I always have my workouts on hand. Sometimes I print them out, sometimes I write one up and sometimes they’re just on my phone for reference. The key is that I ALWAYS have a plan so I don’t waste my time at the gym. I’m a busy mom and I don’t have time to waste!