The following are my list of the best fitness investments money and time can buy. Consider investing in all 8 of them for the best fitness experience.
Progress Measuring Tools
Investing in good progress measuring tools is going to be imperative if you want any chance of success. Unfortunately, most of us only own a scale. What does a scale measure? It measures the force of gravity on the body. Why do we need to know that? Is that a 180lb person standing on the scale, or is it a 180 pound bag of sand? The scale can’t tell the difference. It’s worthless unless you’re trying to calculate your body fat mass. However, you can’t do that unless you own a pair of body fat calipers. Buy a pair. While you’re at it, pick up a small tape measure too. That $10 investment will save you a lot of frustration and keep you motivated as you track real progress.
Healthy Food
This should be #1 on the list, but the list is in no particular order. Food is the fuel and nourishment that your body uses for all things fitness. You want to get stronger? Healthy food is the answer. You want to put on muscle? Healthy food is the answer. You want to lose weight? Healthy food is the answer. Healthy food makes you healthy. You don’t have to go and buy organic, but at least stick to whole foods. It’s no more expensive than all that processed crap in the stores, and you have the added benefit of investing in your future health. Stick to the perimeter of the grocery stores, and you should be good to go.
Food Scale
I still use a food scale to this day. Don’t want to measure your food you say? Every successful dieter has measured their food in some form or fashion. Whether it was with a food scale or a measuring cup, food has been measured. Know what you’re putting into your body and how much. Eventually, you’ll be able to eye your portion sizes. After doing this as long as I have been, you’ll be able to tell people the macronutrient breakdown of nearly any food – quite a convenient skill to have.
Blender
I love my blender. I use it every single day. I make my post workout protein shakes with it, and I couldn’t be happier than when I’m drinking my frozen banana berry protein smoothie. The meal is cheap. The meal is easy. The meal tastes great. The meal is quick to prepare. I’m all about saving time in the kitchen, and nutritious shakes is just one way to do it. Pick a good quality blender. If you use them as much as I do, you’ll be going through them fairly quickly.
Education
If you’re reading this blog post right now, you’re on the right track. Invest your time and energy in learning about proper diet and exercise. Knowledge is power. If you’re mindlessly following people’s advice, you have some work to do. You should be questioning everything you read. Play devil’s advocate. Then, make an educated decision on what to do next. I’ve spent thousands of hours reading other people’s work. I learn something new everyday. Do you?
Good Workout Equipment
Whether you work out at home, or you have a gym membership, make sure you buy yourself quality workout equipment. Most of the stuff sold in stores have a short lifespan. Spend a little extra money for something that will last. There’s nothing worse than working out on a flimsy piece of equipment. My power rack will last me my entire life. If you’re going to buy a Bow Flex or Shake Weight, don’t go complaining when the thing breaks. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to gym equipment. The less moving parts the better. Forget about cables and pulleys or any other gimmick. You’re a weight lifter. Lift solid weight – whether it’s a weight set, or it’s your own body weight.
Health Checkup
Getting a health checkup has the potential to give you the biggest bang for your buck. You can’t put a price on good health. Most insurance plans cover a wellness exam at no cost to you. If you’re not taking advantage of them – you should be. Bad blood work can be a strong motivator to get in shape. It’s not just the outside of your body that matters.
Excuse Equalizer
This is nifty little tool. It keeps you from talking yourself out of workouts. It keeps you from binging late at night. It keeps you consistent in the gym. The great thing is that the excuse equalizer is free. Invest your time in getting rid of excuses. We all know why you can’t do something. Equalize each excuse with a reason for why you should. Don’t let excuses hold you back anymore!
About Coach Calorie
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