Things that helped me get started:
Smart Phone: obviously almost everyone today has one...BUT do they have their favorite jamz and/or podcast queued up and ready to go? If you don't, this could be a game changer for you!!! I LOVE listening to music or a podcast while I work out. I have amazon music as a prime member which is great. It's almost limitless in how one can customize their playlists. I also love to listen to Jocko Willink's podcast while I workout. Especially on the stressful days, there's just nothing like getting my music/podcast going, putting my headphones on, and getting in the zone in my own little world. It's great for blocking out the world.
Head Phones: Ok...this one is a bigger deal than you might think. I used to wear earbuds...however I recently changed to some over the ear headphones and LOVE them. Earbuds never stay in my ears well when I'm running. I always seem to jar them out, plus I have a little bit of cauliflower ear on my right side from wrestling when I was in high school that changed the shape of my ear a little bit. There are tons of great options on the market. Just know, I don't go to the gym without my headphones!
A JOURNAL: something to WRITE down your workouts, the warm up, the lifts you do, the weights you do those lifts at, and HOW IT FELT!! This is so key in building habits in the gym that lead to sustainable results! I don't go to the weight room without my journal! I helps me keep track of my progress and make adjustments in weight/reps. It always feels good to put a little check mark beside that lift when I'm done with it!
Water Source: a solid nalgene bottle or something similar is great for helping you stay hydrated in between sets. I hated having to continuously walk over to the water fountain when I needed a sip! Sometimes if you leave your equipment unattended people jump in and change the weights. Having water within one-arm's reach is a must! It also makes it a ton easier to track how much water you're drinking during the day. Everyone should at least drink 96 ounces (three 32 ounce nalgenes) a day!!!
Attire: nothing helps you get motivated more to go the gym like INVESTING in new threads! You're going to feel more obligated to go if you purchase those $100 shoes, $20 shorts, and $20 shirts! It helps you feel good if you look the part! I go sleeveless shirts and shorts. I can't stand the constricting feeling of sleeves when I've lifting. It hurts my focus. I take old t-shirts and just cut off the sleeves! Boom, problem solved. I recently started wearing short-shorts for runs for the same reason. It makes a huge difference!
There you have it. The 5 essential must-haves to get off your rear and get to the gym!!
