Jill’s Fitness Faves

With Fayette Woman heading up a team at World Gym for their “I Lost it at the Gym” promotion (Yay, ladies!), I thought it might be a good time to share some of my favorite, tried and true, fitness products.

Smart Water – I got turned on to Smart Water last year after a bout with a nasty stomach virus.  I didn’t eat or drink for two to three days causing dehydration.  I had been diagnosed as having premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) by a cardiologist a few years ago and the lack of fluids was aggravating it.  My doctor recommended that I drink Gatorade or some other sports drink to get some electrolytes back into my system.  When I told her I didn’t like flavored drinks, she suggested I try Smart Water, which is purified water enhanced with electrolytes.  It looks and tastes just like plain tap water.  No, wait – I think it actually tastes better, which is what got me hooked.  I now like to bring a bottle with me to cycle class.  (Please note: I am in no way suggesting that Smart Water will cure heart problems.  If you suspect you have a heart condition, see a cardiologist!)  You can find Smart Water on the bottled water aisle at your local grocery store.

eSoles – I suffer from plantar fasciitis, which is a painful inflamation of the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot.  (Gee – this almost 40 year-old body seems to have all kinds of issues!)  I bought a pair of Bontrager cycle shoes back a month or two ago and they came with eSoles custom inserts.  They feel so good, I wish I could wear them all day.  Then I discovered that eSoles inserts are available online.  They are a bit pricey – around $80 a pair – but well worth the investment.

Shock Absorber Bra - Made in the U.K., the Shock Absorber bra is, in one word, amazing.  My best friend, who is a runner, turned me on to them.  Like many women, I need LOTS of support.  The Shock Absorber bra offers support, comfort, and style.  If you visit their website, you can use their “bounce-ometer” to determine your size based on cup size and level of activity.  I’m here to tell you – the Shock Absorber bra has helped me take my workout to a whole new level.  You can purchase Shock Absorber bras online in the U.S. through several websites.  I order mine from www.freshpair.com

Update: I’ve doubled the time I can hold the plank position – 30 seconds!  For the first time I can do knee lifts on the roman chair.  I don’t particularly like the roman chair, but I’m telling you – woman to woman – this is an exercise that will strengthen those muscles that were stretched and pulled during pregnancy and childbirth.

I love, love, love indoor cycling!  I was just telling James today that I’m at the point where I am able to push myself harder when I think I’ve reached my point of exhaustion – about 40 minutes into class.  It’s like I go into this weird mental state.  I can only describe it as having tunnel vision.  Maybe it’s the endorphin rush, I don’t know.  But it’s an awesome place to be.

Follow my series: Fit Fab and (Not Quite) 40, here at Fayette Woman.