5 IMPACTFUL things for your Health & Fitness

Here is a list of 5 simple things including products that you can use to improve your health and fitness. 

1 Foam Roller (~$20)
Use the roller at the start of a workout or you use it just about any other time to improve tissue quality.

2 TRX Suspension Trainer (~$200 full set) 
Even if you just use it for upper body pulling it is well worth it. I recommend horizontal pulling in most strength workouts. I am partial to the actual TRX brand because of their quality construction. Have fun exploring the different exercises that you can do with the TRX as well. 

3 Barefoot Shoes (Range from $45-200)
Barefoot shoes allow your feet to workout even if you are just wearing them for part of your day. As one of my favorite go-to trainers Vernon Griffith put it, I'll paraphrase, "Most shoes are sensory deprivation chambers for your feet."
My anecdote is when you put a cast on a broken limb, as I had years ago on my broken arm, the day I got my cast off, I didn't even recognize my arm with the amount of atrophy. That's what modern shoes, even athletic shoes can do. 

Walking in barefoot shoes feels really great. Integrate wearing them gradually, break it in slowly. You don't have to wear them all the time. For example, when I run, I wear traditional running shoes with most of my running done on trails. I put my barefoot shoes on right after my run. When you think of your main contact point with the earth, it's your feet. They should be strong!

4 Kettlebell or KB (Range $20-200) - $200 if you buy a few.
I love Kettlebells, it's basically a cannonball with a handle. Having a lighter one and a heavier one (in my case a 25lb and a 50lb) can allow you to load different movements. The feel good to use, even beyond that KB swing that some folks know, but that I FREQUENTLY see done, ah... wrong.
The catch therefore is that you need to take the time to learn to use them. But the cool thing is that it reminds you to get creative in your workouts with integrated movement. One of my favorite is called the "Turkish Get Up."  I'll post a video of this exercise.
Used KBs are perfectly fine. Look for a bargain!

​5 Sleep and Hydration (Arguably FREE!)
I often hear folks say, "Sleep is overrated...!"  Sorry, I disagree, in most cases. I feel for everyone who has such a full schedule especially when it comes to work commitments that leaves them with limited time. Making ends meet is a necessity. But if that scenario doesn't apply to you, be truthful with yourself and see how much sleep you need to feel pretty good. You can't workout if your body is tired. Keep in mind, there is only one thing that will cure the need for sleep. Ah and that is sleep!

Hydration, there are all kinds of electrolyte mixes and sports drinks. If you are doing more than 2 hours of fairly intense workouts then sure, a sports drink will do you well especially in the warmer weather. But otherwise I recommend WATER. Pretty simple. 

Final thoughts. So most of what I have listed is reasonably affordable. The total cost ranges from $285 to $620.
After you get a few days of good nights sleep and you are hydrated, incorporate the use of the actual products on the list. 
If you are experienced in exercise or working out, get to it. Start slowly and progress methodically. 
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If you don't have a lot of experience.
Do yourself a favor. Seek a certified, experienced, knowledgeable coach or trainer who you like and learn to use these items.
Good trainers and coaches are well worth the money you will spend to work with them. 
Certainly, feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments or are seeking to work with a trainer/coach!