This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Alphalete but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
One thing about me is that I’m always prepared, and as a girly balancing two jobs, I’m notorious for rolling up anywhere with an absurd amount of bags. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see me heading out of The Everygirl office dangerously close to tipping over with my gym bag on my left arm and my office tote on my right. By the time I finally clock in at Equinox, I’ve practically completed a full upper-body workout just from hauling them up, down, and around the streets of Chicago.
My gym bag usually holds the title for the heaviest of them all, but for good reason: I’m carrying the workout essentials that help me teach and lift to the best of my ability. While I’ll forever stand behind the fact that you don’t need anything fancy to get a good workout in, I have found that upgrading my gym gear has made me feel that much more confident during my workouts. Here are the six essentials I always carry that have absolutely changed the game for me:
Alphalete
I’ve tried a LOT of activewear in my day and for function and aesthetics, Alphalete's Amplify Contour Set is my top pick. It's comfortable, cute AF, and so easy to throw on. I can show up confidently and give my best to my class or workout without fixating on how my activewear feels whenever I'm wearing this set.
The soft stretchy fabric of these leggings lets you move freely, and the supportive waistband is super flattering. The sports bra holds up during high-intensity cardio and makes for a great mirror selfie. Plus, I'm digging their new color options that are perfect for fall!
Use code ALPHALETE10 for 10% off (and if you're a first-time customer, use code ALPHAPROS15 for 15% off)!
7 colors available
Amazon
If you want to grow your glutes (and who doesn’t), hip thrusts are the golden ticket. But loading up a bar with no cushion… I’m not about it. Barbell pads help you lift heavy
without killing your hips. I love that this one is extra cushy and is made of vegan leather.
Amazon
Have you ever been lifting and thought, “I think I could go heavier here, but I can’t hold a bigger weight”? If so, let me introduce you to wrist straps. As a leg-dominant girl with tiny hands, these are a must. I throw these bad boys on, wrap them around the weights, and I can live up to my lower body potential without worrying about a weight-dropping catastrophe.
Nike
I practically live in Nike's Metcon Frees (so much so that I'm wearing them as I write this). I have rotated through four pairs of them already, and I buy a new pair without hesitation every single time. If you’re looking for a shoe that can take you from a lift to a yoga class, these versatile sneakers are the move. While lightweight and flexible enough to jump around in, they also offer extra support at the midpoint and heel that you need in the weight room. Plus, they come in multiple colors with a design you’ll want to wear inside and outside of the gym.
Chomps
I know myself, and I can’t bring my best when I’m hangry. I reach for these Chomps sticks when I'm in desperate need for a high-protein snack after a workout or a pick-me-up between classes. While I rock with a good protein bar, sometimes I want something with a little less sweetness or artificial sugar and these do the trick every time. With 10 grams of protein per serving, they are a great filling option that is easy to toss in your bag.
Batiste
This is a MUST for any girl on the go. I simply don’t have the time to do a full wash every time I sweat with my class schedule, so this saves me on the days I’m running to the office or out to meet friends. I’ve tried a ton of brands and I come back to this one every time because it's just that good.
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Alphalete but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
