A Good Pair of Sneakers
Having the right sneaker can affect your workout tremendously. Fitness consultant Ashley Borden says many people who do not see the results desired after working out for many months often find that they are wearing the wrong type of shoe. Working out in the wrong shoes can cause poor posture, joint pain, and injury, she points out.
What to do? “Absolutely get professionally fitted for shoes,” Borden says. “It’s very tricky to give yourself your own stride assessment.” Don’t just check out your average chain; instead, head to a store that specializes in sports footwear, like Mount Kisco Sports (5 S Moger Ave, Mount Kisco 914-666-9600; mtkiscosports.com). Tell them what exercises you do, and have them take a look at your gait. They’ll bring you a variety of shoes that fit your needs so you’re sure to get something that works. A good pair of sneakers will usually cost about $150.
A Gym Membership
There are many ways to fit daily exercise into a hectic schedule, and some people find it easier to just work out at home. Investing in a gym membership, however, can be inexpensive (the standard around here is about $40 per month), and the price may be worth it. Doctors and trainers often encourage people to work out with others for motivation, and a membership fee can help make slacking off feel like throwing away money. Additionally, most gyms include free classes, personal trainers, or at least consultations, all of which can make your workout more effective.
Measuring Cups
Staying healthy not only involves exercising daily but also includes eating right. And eating right isn’t just an issue of eating the right foods—you have to make sure you’re eating the right amounts of the right foods.
“When it comes to being aware of what you put into your body and being healthy,” says Rosa Tyo, a nurse at Hudson Valley Hospital Center, “a good measuring cup set is invaluable. I embarked on a near-two-year journey of losing one hundred pounds, and my scale and cups were my best teachers. My concept of portion size was awful.”
The Perfect Mattress
Since the average person spends about one third of his or her life sleeping, having a good mattress is very important. Not only can the right mattress help you sleep soundly and wake up re-energized, it can also help you avoid many back, neck, and spine problems that can hinder daily activities. Some people who have trouble sleeping find that a simple mattress change is all they really needed to get a full night’s sleep.
But, don’t order a mattress online; go to a store so you can actually try it out. Prices can vary, but stores such as Sears have queen-sized mattresses starting at $160, and Sleepy’s starts around $200.