Favorite Things: Exercise Edition

Well, we may need to just pause for a moment to acknowledge that I am using the words "favorite" and "exercise" in the same sentence.  Quick!  Someone bring me some creamy jalapeno dip to bring balance to the force.

Believe it or not, my life has become more fitness-oriented in the past year (including but not limited to the P90X workout program, becoming a ZUMBA® fitness instructor, and losing about 20 lbs), and as a result I have some very favorite items that I wanted to share with you.

Bloch Wave Sneaker

There are a lot of good shoes out there for dance fitness, but this one is my fave.  The shoes are super light-weight, supportive, and boast a "spin spot" for ease of turning.  My legs don't feel weighed down during a work-out, and I don't have to worry about my foot sticking to the floor and injuring my ankle or knee.  The "spin spot" even works on carpet, which means I can practice my moves at home in front of the TV if I want to (and I usually do).  I have had good luck with Bloch brand shoes before-my character shoes for theater are Bloch brand and I love them-so I was excited to find that they made a shoe that I could use in class.  Several dance stores in my area carry the shoes, but I ordered them from my favorite supplier, Discount Dance.  If you ever need dance clothes, check this site first.  They always have great prices! One last thing-this particular shoe runs about 1 size larger than your street shoe size.

Jelly Belly Sport Beans

My friend Amanda is an avid runner who is training for the NYC marathon in November while also rehearsing for the revival production of Annie on Broadway.  Seriously, she is super-woman.  She knows a lot about nutrition, fitness and keeping a body running at top-performance even in the most hectic of schedules.  She turned me on to sport beans as a way to replenish electrolytes and grab quick energy before, during and after a work-out.  An entire pack is only 100 calories, and for me these little beans do the same work as a bottle of Gatorade, with considerably less junk being put into my body.  If I am on a day of multiple, back-to-back workouts, or just feeling really wiped, I will eat 3-4 beans about 30 minutes before I exercise.  The important thing to know is that you must drink A LOT of water with them as they can make your stomach feel a little strange at first.  Amanda recommends the lemon-lime flavor, while I am an assorted mix girl.  I found these at HEB in the health food section, but they can also be ordered online.

Tupperware Large Eco Water Bottle

I tend to sweat a lot (those who have danced with me know this may be the understatement of the millennium).  As a result I have to have plenty of water with me during a work-out.  I don't like having to lug multiple water bottles to class, so finding bottles that hold 1 L of water each is huge.  Made by Tupperware, the bottles are high-quality and eco friendly, with a wide mouth and easy screw top lid.  Love them!

Chilly Pad Cooling Towel

This is another gem of a suggestion from Amanda, a fellow soldier in the fight against excessive sweat.  This little item has saved me!  I wet the towel before a workout and then use it to wipe away sweat while exercising.  Even though the towel is damp, it successfully removes every last drop of perspiration and leaves me feeling cool.  I don't understand the science.  All I know is that I have never loved a towel so much.  I got mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond, but you can find them at sporting goods stores, Amazon, or online at the Frogg Toggs website.

Feel free to chime in with your favorite exercise item or the snack you ate ironically while reading a post about fitness (like I do when watching The Biggest Loser).