One of the greatest things we can do for our overall health and wellness (both mental and physical) is to take care of our bodies through healthy lifestyle choices, such as being active and working out. Yet, when you’re just starting, the world of fitness can seem so intimidating. Especially when many claim an “all or nothing” way of bettering one’s health. 

This blog post isn’t “all or nothing”. Today, and always, I’m encouraging a small step way of taking back our health.

One of my New Year’s resolution is to be more active. I like to go for walks, practice yoga, and do light workouts in the mornings. I aim for 15+ minutes a day of fitness, seven days a week. I have 3 pieces of workout equipment, 1 pair of workout shoes, and a killer playlist that gets the blood pumping. 

And, I’ve noticed that these are the workout essentials you need to get started on your fitness journey.

---

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the link, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. (This commission helps me run the blog and continue to bring you quality content and free downloadables!)

---

workout essentials

It’s true: you can start your fitness journey without any equipment. You just need motivation and discipline. 

To elevate your workouts, I have to recommend three crucial essentials: a yoga mat, some weights, and some resistance bands.

yoga mat

A yoga mat is what I like to call my “energy zone”. It’s where I workout and, well, do yoga. I’m a pretty bony person, so to support myself when working out, I like to opt for a thick mat. It’s 1/2″ thick and rolls up pretty big but enables me to excersice without slipping, sliding, or anything else that could cause injury.

You can find my exact mat here for $21.99.
If you’d like a thinner mat option, I recommend this one by Gaiam; it’s only 6 mm ($34.99).

weights

Weights are another must have. They bring in that extra kick to every work out. As someone who *ahem* struggles to open doors and jars, I like to use 5 pound weights. These help not only bring strength and muscle to my arms, but work great in abdominal and glute exercise. I recommend starting small (1 – 10 pounds).

These are the 5lb weights I use ($19.36). They’re also available in 1lb+.

resistance bands

The last piece of equipment I just have to recommend are resistance bands. I use these for any legs/booty excersices. They add a bit of resitence which makes me and my muscles work harder in places that simple weights can’t.

They come in 5 different resistance levels and are $12.99.

fitness fits

Listen to me when I say that the outfit you choose to workout in greatly benefits the way you feel. It brings your confidence to a whole other level. Or, perhaps working out in your pyjamas is your things which, hey, no shame. Sometimes, I roll out of bed, through a random shirt on, and get started. 

But when I get into some fitness clothes, I feel empowered. I feel like I can bench 500 pounds and run 50 miles. So, I gathered the very basics to what you need in your wardrobe.

sneakers

Shoes are so important, especially if you’re walking and running. I have a pair of Nike running shoes and I love them. They provide the right support and cushion to carry me through my walks. 

I couldn’t find the exact ones I have, but these ones are almost exact (price varies).

bottoms

I can’t recommend having (at least) one pair of pants and one pair of shorts enough. It’s a bit chilly here, so I love to put on leggings for walks and change into shorts for my at-home workouts. Plus, you don’t have to worry about doing laundry every day because no, you cannot wear the clothes you worked out in all day.

Sweats and basketball shorts are great, too! 

These are similar to the leggings I own (price varies) as Calvin Klein doesn’t sell the ones I have anymore.
The Nike running shorts are my absolute fave (price varies). I have them in two different styles, and they have a mini pocket inside the waistband, perfect for your house key or other.

tops

I love to work out in hoodies and sweaters when it’s cold and change into lightweight tees for the summer. I have these tees in two different colours ($11.43) and have a super warm secondhand Under Armour hoodie, which I found the exact match online, here (price varies).

Side note: These sports bras are amazing and made of cotton (price varies)!

Other things to add based on weather: baseball hat, beanie, gloves, etc.

energy fuel: a spotify playlist

I am constantly listening to music and working out is no different. I love songs that I can sing along to and that get me in the mood to work out. And not just that. The right music really makes me feel empowered to not only start but finish.

The right music is key to a good workout. I grabbed 25 songs (1 hour + 33 minutes) from my many workout playlists to create the ultimate Spotify playlist for all of you. Give a preview listen below with ~30 second samples, or open in Spotify to listen in full.

energy fuel by jade madison
25 songs; 1 hr 33 min

Psst! You might also like: how to practice mindfulness: journaling, meditating, + yoga.

So, there you have it. Must have workout essentials to conquer your health and get you moving! 

I also want to give a reminder to listen to your body and do what you can in reference to your abilites. Don’t feel pressured by social media to look or be a certain way. Fitness should be enjoyable and for self. Don’t stress over what others are doing. Focus on you. You’ve got this!

What are your workout essentials? Let me know in the comments below.

Peace!