Some people go to the gym to socialize, whereas others go so that they can feel good about themselves for being there. Then you have those who go in with actual goals and a clear plan to reach them. If you’re one of those people, you might be looking for ways to either reach or get over a plateau. Or, you may want to see the results of your work faster.
You’d be surprised to know how much fitness accessories can help. People don’t use them just because they make them look good; they serve a purpose and could significantly improve the quality of your workouts. Let’s take a look at a few fitness accessories you should consider adding to your gym bag.
Lifting Shoes
A lot of people aren’t even aware that lifting shoes exist, but they do. Ideally, you want a shoe that is flat on the floor with minimal cushioning. This will give you a solid base when doing things like deadlifts, squats, or leg presses. World deadlift record holder Eddy Hall routinely lifts wearing chucks or barefoot. They wouldn’t be the best option for a cardio session, but they make for a perfect lifting base. So, consider buying a pair of flat shoes or shoes made for lifting, and you’ll notice a difference.
A Shaker Bottle
If you want to get the most out of your workouts, you should consider adding a pre-workout drink to your routine. It’s called a pre-workout, but you can use it throughout your session to give you more endurance and more pump. If you want to be able to stay hydrated and give your muscles all the nutrients they need to perform, you have to get yourself one or a few reliable shakers bottles.
You have to make sure they’re quality too. If you’re looking for a good one, make sure that you read reviews about best shaker bottles. You’ll be able to see which ones are more prone to leakage for instance, or which ones will allow you to carry hot and cold beverages. Other things you want to look for include internal storage, anti-slip coating, and whether you can see through the bottle to measure ingredients.
Lifting Gloves
A lot of people assume that people use lifting gloves so they don’t get calluses when lifting, and that’s partly true. But where they really help is with your grip. Your hands can get sweaty after a while, which will make it harder to have a tight grip. As you move up in weight, your grip strength may not be as good as your overall strength and will stop you from reaching your objectives. Lifting gloves will give you an optimal grip and allow you to lift more.
Lifting Belt
Lifting belts are also very important. These aren’t meant only to prevent injuries as many people think, even though they can. These actually put additional pressure on the abdominal section and act as if you had another set of abs. This will allow you to handle heavier weight on the deadlift, squat, and any exercise that puts a lot of stress on your core.
If you only add these 4 accessories to your routine, you will see a significant difference in the intensity of your workouts and how much you can perform. They are pretty affordable too, so make sure you pick them up if you’re serious about working out.
