New Toys!

Even as someone who has enjoyed working out for twenty odd years, new stuff still helps give a little umph to my workout. I thought I'd share some things I bought while I was in the states-nothing particularly new and unheard of-but fun and helpful just the same.

First off is the new foam roller I picked up at Walmart (of all places!) for just $15.

 Most of you have heard many of us bloggers talk about Self Myofacial Tissue Release at some stage over the years, and I can not emphasize enough how awesome this is. It's something that can be done at home, at the gym, on the road..wherever. I highly recommend it to anyone that is physically active; whether you are a dancer, runner, weight lifter, body builder-you name it-this should be added to the end of your daily exercise routine. I do it every single day whether I workout with weights or run-just before my yoga stretches.
There are plenty of online outlets you can purchase one from. And there are heaps of videos and info to help you through the stretches-I've added one below.


Next up is this book on running for women.

As someone who has tried numerous times over the years to really get into running, but failed due to injury & lack of knowledge (due to laziness and not researching it!), I've been motivated by a few other bloggers like KELLY O to research it more and give it another go. Yes, even someone who's been a fitness enthusiast like me for years and years needs a kick up the bum to research something she doesn't know allot about! So, I found this great book which has given me some great tips and a good plan for improving my running technique. That along with new running shoes that I bought has really made jogging fun and less painful. I've still got a long way to go (in the book and in my running ability). But I feel this has me on the right path. If you are just starting running, or thinking about it-I highly recommend this book for getting you started on the right path too!

Last up for today is my new running shoes! I actually bought 2 different kinds-I had bought some Asics shoes (gel 1150) at the beginning of my trip as they were a good price; but I ended up seeing some Saucony for an even a better price at the end of my trip-and when I tried them on I absolutely loved them! They are the Saucony Grid Cohesion 3 running shoes.

 I really believe these are helping me to run with less pain in the hip-very airy. Love them! And they were only $50 US! If you have had pain in your body while running-it's probably got allot with your shoes-go out and get something better; it's definitely worth checking out.

That's it for today. I'll share a few other things later in the week. Get out there and get moving! And if you need a little pick me up-treat yourself to a new workout gadget!
Ciao for now!