My New Gym Essentials

News flash I am not a gym bunny. In fact I'd go as far as saying I hate the place but I do want to tone up and generally become more health orientated so I have began hauling ass to my local gym. I have yet to ever discover the love of exercise: swimming - too wet, running - no sports bra can contain my ta-ta's (like Miley Cyrus they can't be tamed), spinning - ass cramps, boxercise - I'm already too aggressive and aerobics - this isn't the 80's and I don't look good in Lycra. Fact. I do however rock bright, spiffy sneaks like no other.

The truth is I know next to nothing about sports wear - shoes, bra's and anything else that is most likely needed to properly exercise. I tend to purchase whatever is aesthetically pleasing (I really am that deep) so the fact that my New Balance 574 sneaks happen to be the best sports shoes that have ever happened to my feet. Well as far as visiting the gym goes anyway. Although a little clunky in design (and the sizing runs a little large) they perfectly cushion and support both the foot and ankle while being lightweight, not to mention they come in a good few colour ways. Not too shabby for £40.

I have gotten over the whole too shy to shower at the gym thing and now do so - I do still wait for a cubicle because well frankly I am not a exhibitionist. I don't have a particular shower gel of choice for the gym nor shampoo - whatever needs using up gets chucked in my gym bag. I do however swear by Vaseline Spray and Go Body Moisturiser in Aloe Vera - quick, easy, smells great and more than does the job. I like that I can quickly mist it on, gently rub in, dress and leave the gym without wasting any time. Time is of the essence (I say that like I am important and have places to be...I don't) so I don't faff around with hair conditioner and rather mist in a good dose of leave in conditioner. My weapon of choice is Sachajuan Leave In Conditioner, it is super light yet hydrating and makes de-tangling all be it with a Tangle Teezer that little easier. Deodorant, dull I know but I'd rather be dull than smelly. I only use roll on's or cream formulas after reading a disturbing article. At the moment I am rather enjoying Soft & Gentle's Orange Blossom and Grapefruit Roll On. For 99p it isn't half bad and smells great!

Like most gyms the one I tend to visit relies on air conditioning to keep it cool, as a Scot my skin isn't entirely used to this and I do find that my complexion dries out and becomes tight. I have a travel sized tube of Clarins Hydraquench Cream Mask  for such skin woes. Basically this is an intensive moisturiser which is light weight yet hydrating. My dehydrated skin just laps it up and I like to think it helps protect against the now chilly Autumn winds when walking home.

And that is it. I don't wear make-up to or from the gym...I like to scare the locals.