It has truly sucked that I’ve had this knee injury for the past 2 months.
Leg muscles are useless without the help of hammies, quads, glutes and of course, the knee.
But that ain’t gonna to stop me from exercising. Running maybe, but not exercising. Especially when my birthday’s just round the corner! (8 shopping days, people!)
Did you know the next big muscle group after the legs is the back?
While I haven’t had my endorphin fix in a while from long distance running, I’ve been pumping iron, working on getting some definition in those shoulders and guns of mine.
My trusty personal trainer has assured me that when it comes to calorie burning, a weights workout is far more effective than a cardio session. At best, you lose 30-40 calories after a moderate paced run. However with weights, the body’s metabolism can be boosted for 36 hours post workout, meaning you’re burning more calories. Whodathunkit?
Another reason to pick up some dumbells is it’s important, particularly for women, to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis with regular weight bearing exercise. That’s the truth, y’all.
Good thing I grabbed some new gym gear from Michelle Bridge’s ONE Active range over at Big W.
Reasonably priced with fabulous vibrant colours to choose from, these tops and pants have added an element of fun and motivation to exercising lately.
Even being photo bombed won’t break my stride. Heh.
Following last week’s giveaway, I have a second $200 Big W Voucher ready to pass on to one lucky reader!
For a chance to score this week’s voucher, all you have to do is:
- Leave a comment on this post telling me: What is your essential item when working out or exercising?
- Like With Some Grace on Facebook
- Subscribe to With Some Grace by Email
Terms and conditions:
- This giveaway is only open to Australian residents
- Closing date for entries is 10pm Thursday, 22nd of August.
- The winner will be contacted via email on the following Friday.
- If the winner does not reply to my email within 24 hours, another winner will be chosen.
- Entries will be judged on merit and decision of the winner will be final.
*This is a sponsored post for Big W. As always opinions were genuine and real, as were those 17.5 kilo dumbells…
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Look at those guns!!!!
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 1411 – Donate Plasma
Oh, and my essential item during exercise is a happy and positive outlook. It helps to drive and motivate during exercise .
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 1411 – Donate Plasma
Great guns Grace and couldn’t agree more about weight training! I have sooo many pieces from Michelle Bridges Big W range. So reasonably priced. x
Check you out!! Interesting fact about the weights too. Now, I really need to get to the gym. My essential item is my hot pink running shoes. They make me run faster. Okay, so that’s a lie, I can’t run do to my non existent pelvic floor. They like, um, make me walk really fast though 🙂
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me recently posted..The day she started painting again
You’re so funny Renee. Walking is just as good my dear just don’t sneeze at the same time 🙂
Neets recently posted..Balancing Family, Fitness and Fun
The essential item to my workout sessions is ME! Unfortunately, working out & me don’t always seem to get together & the workout just happens without me.
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..They don’t make them like that any more, but they should!
Grace, you make that workout gear look gooood! My essential thing for exercise is the thoughts of how great I’ll feel after.
And, because my only exercise at the moment is walking, the beautiful beachfront to look at as I walk 🙂 xx
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..5 Good Things For You
Since I’m off running too, I’ve started doing a little weight training. It hurts – but feels great after!
Bridget recently posted..I Hate Homework
Go you! You look so fit! I love that gear from BigW too. I’m not quite the gym junkie I used to be but my favrourite gear (not strictly clothing) was my music player of the time (no iPod back then I’m pretty sure) and a towel to cover up the digital readout on the treadmill/stepper. I couldn’t stand that sinking feeling of looking at the time I’d done and be all like “what!! only two minutes!!” 😉 Happy-8-days-til-your-birthday!
natalia familia recently posted..caravan love
Must check out the exercise gear in Big W – although I suspect there’s no gear that can stop me looking like a large pink blancmange.
My essential exercise gear is a nappy and wipes. I’m not sure what it is about creche, but it makes the Little Sister go. every. single. time.
Amanda @ Cooker and a Looker recently posted..I won first prize at the Ekka + five other things you’ll never believe.
You go girl! When exercising I need a team. I’m a team sport kinda chick. Can’t do the gym. Impressed with those who do, though. 🙂
Raising Explorers recently posted..Warts and all: what it was REALLY like travelling with kids
I’ve been doing weights a nit more lately too, trying to tone up the granny arms! My biceps are pretty awesome from hauling around beer boxes at work but those triceps need some irk.
Think you need for exercising? A good bra!
EssentiallyJess recently posted..A Picture Needs a Thousand Words
My current workout routine involves lots of stair climbing in my two-storey house as I cart loads of washing and toys back to their rightful places – the six children’s rooms!
Then there’s the baby to workout the arms – lifting countless times every time I hear the ‘beat’ – her whining!
My favourite outfit to do this routine in is my trusty pink dressing gown! I wear it over my clothing around the house for added comfort and warmth. The addition of generously sized pockets means I can carry those tiny items that need constant filing!
On a serious note, I walk past my treadmill daily and would love some spectacular attire like your own for looking snazzy as I workout – even if no-one important will see me!
It’s all about how you feel!
Jody at Six Little Hearts recently posted..Wordless Wednesdays
It would definitely have to be leggings, love working out in them 😀
Nat – Home Sweet Kitchen And Garden recently posted..HOLIDAY TIME
You’re looking fab G! I’ve checked out the Michelle Bridges gear as well. It’s bang for your buck that’s for sure. Essential equipment. Deodorant.
Dee. Ohh. Door. Ant.
Stat.
Robomum recently posted..Anti Antibiotics
Essential item while working out — great rock music. Think Karnivool, Birds of Tokyo (older stuff), The Living End, Linkin Park…Helps me run faster and aim higher!
Psych Babbler recently posted..The art of making friends at almost 30
You’re an inspiration, lady! Look at you go! My “must-have” workout item would have to be me iPod – easy. I need the music – the beat – to get me moving. It gives me something to focus on, makes the time go faster, and inspires some (questionably) awesome moves by yours truly. X
Bec | Mumma Tells recently posted..Family Matters
Hahah go you Grace! I had no idea that weights burned more calories than running. This is fabulous because I hate (and severly suck at) running! My essential work out item is definitely music. Last week I got dressed for the gym, got my bag ready etc only to discover my mp3 player was broken. So I stayed at home and sulked instead. The next day I bought an apple shuffle and cursed the day I decided it was a good idea to buy a cheap knock off from Kogan and well now I have no excuses to not go to the gym…
Christine @ Cooking Crusade recently posted..Criniti’s, Parramatta
Go girl!! Ain’t nothin’ gonna keep you down!!
When I exercise I have to have cool shoes or I don’t run fast!
Kaz @ Melting Moments recently posted..Fly on by Friday Linky – Bath Time Blues
So true about weights getting the metabolism going and burning cals. If only I could get in the right mindset to get into it!! xo
Min recently posted..Bacon, Thyme & Parsnip Soup
I think having a fab exercise wear is a great motivation to get your body moving 😉 looking great Mama Grace!
Ai Sakura recently posted..Must-Read | “Today I Am” by Mies Van Hout + {International Giveaway}
Lifting weights means you can eat more chocolate. There’s an equation I can agree with.
Mumabulous recently posted..Things I Am Over
You are such a crack up Grace! I love the photos.
My essential work out item is my earphones and iphone. Music helps me forget that I am exercising and it helps me get in the zone!
Tegan recently posted..Parenting with a Mental Illness: Dorothy
An excellent sports bra is essential for me otherwise I could knock myself out or someone else close by!!! Health and safety = exercise and sports bra!
My essential item for working out is my earphones. My iPhone is all well and good but I can’t stride along to the beat of my pumpin’ music on the treadmill without my earphones!
Di @ Max The Unicorn recently posted..REVIEW: Lush Dreamwash Shower Smoothie
Those guns and buns are looking good. I’m sorry I didn’t get to catch up with you.
You are amazing for still giving it a go despite an injury.
Are you doing Blackmores ?
Trish recently posted..Wordless Wednesday ~ Just Do it – Did it !
I’m definitely not up for the Blackmore’s halfie, Trish…but might do the 8kms one? You? Would love to see you there! You could be my motivation 🙂 x
I sooo agree with Carolyn – a sports bra! Enough said! 🙂
Shelley recently posted..How To Make Your Savings Work Harder (And It’s Not As Easy As You Think!)
Oops – answering and entering – my essential workout item is good fitting running pants – you can’t run sans pants or with something that makes you look like you have a humped animal toe – I saw a few at City2Surf. Some people need a full length mirror or a tutu.
Yes, I’ve decided to always run in my tutu.
Trish recently posted..Wordless Wednesday ~ Just Do it – Did it !
What an inspiration you are! I don’t have an essential workout item, just as long as you exercise that is the main thing. With the wet weather and not being the healthiest at the moment, I do have a selection of walking DVDs which means there really is no excuse not to work out.
Mystery Case recently posted..Red Carpet Ready or just seeing RED?!
My essential item is a good sports bra. Probably seems like a boring and obvious answer to most people, but four years ago I’d never needed one! KIDS, far out man, what do they do to us?!
(No post to link. Again. Sick household. Again. AAARGH. AGAIN.)
Emily recently posted..Most things become funny with hindsight
For me it’s icy cold water. (And a well-behaved child that I take with me!)
Hard core, head tapping, booping MUSIC! It has to be fast and furious to keep me going – sometimes I’ll listen to the same track 3 times just to get my moo joo going!!! If I don’t have music, I don’t perform, I’ve even turned around halfway to the gym to get my iPod and in the past have almost cried when I got to the gym and found it was nearly DEAD – sad I know.
Go you pumping up a storm – gun guns, we love guns!!!
Em xx
Emily @ Have a laugh on me recently posted..Why we all need time at the beach – Wordless Wednesday
Oh u put me to shame grace. U have so much energy. I guess I can’t o without my hat when I run, keeps everyone fom seeing my bad hair days.
Kim@spiritedmama recently posted..French toast for kids ~ gluten free!
I can not exercise without my I pod. I’ve actually left the gym because I didn’t have it with me. I need music to help me move and the time fly by!
Marleisa recently posted..Languages and Cultures Festival
My essential item when working out or exercising is.. MOTIVATION (seriously lacking any)
Is chasing your kids a sport…
Tara@ glutenfreehart recently posted..Vegetable Soup
I am really enjoying my new found love of aqua aerobics but having a spell due to ear infection from said activity!! Ah well, anyway, thought you might like someone else in your position (kind of!) 😉
Alisha recently posted..A Weight off my mind….
Hi there! My secret weapon with exercising is drinking a lot of fluid when I go out power walking so that my bladder (after 5 kids) is so full on the way home I have to RUN!!!
I’ve ben following you on Facebook for ages, recently joined Digital Parents and thought I’d join the Flog Your Blog Friday but I can’t find the code for the button anywhere so I’m sorry I haven’t followed that rule yet. Any advice? I’ve scanned the Digital Parents site…
Great pics as always Grace! I’ve just started a Pump class, so this was good timing. I much prefer the feeling of doing weights than doing high impact cardio – although I guess a balance is ideal. My essential item for exercising? Well, you know me – a bit of Duran Duran on the ipod!
Lara @ This Charming Mum recently posted..On quitting sugar…again
I need a huge bottle of water and someone to do half the exercise for me!
I like you on facebook and subscribe by email.
Blisters are an unnecessary evil therefore I believe you can’t put a price on a properly fitting pair of sports shoes. It’s my workout essential! The “no pain, no gain” mantra is definitely not for me!
Power to you Grace!!! I can’t do a workout without my tighter tan tight padded sports bra / crop top. It stops me from hitting myself in the face, plus the lift it gives distracts people from my bulging belly. 🙂
Danya Banya recently posted..Kids in the Kitchen: Making Fruit Skewers
My essential item is comfy socks! lol just doesnt happen if there not
Liked on FB.
Already email subscribed.
My essential item when working out is my smart phone just so I can watch my favourite show while running on the treadmill.
My all time essential equipment for exercise is motivation. I have to want to exercise and then turn up for it work 🙂
Actually I love the gym and its one thing that I do miss!!
Lisa Wood recently posted..We Escaped For One Night
Although I can’t take part of your Giveaway, my most essential item for working out is shoes. They affect my back, knees and style (yo!)
Nami recently posted..Sense, Sensibility and Censorship
My essential is a fitness trainer/friend or Ryan Gosling.
Push it real good! 😉
Sunglasses. I’m an outdoor gym person. There is one nearby my home and I try and get there every day (weather permitting). It’s also next to a fenced playground so my little one can have a play whilst I work out! Winning 🙂
In addition to willingness and self motivation- When doing a strength training workout, comfortable wear and Resistance bands are a must. While on a run outdoors, weather wise wear and Socks with Toes are essential .
I haven’t done much exercising for a while but my essentials when I do are, A good sports bra that fits properly and an ankle brace!
Wendy S recently posted..C’mon deliver the letter, the sooner, the better… Part 5
My secret weapon when exercising, apart from the marvel of engineering scaffolding support that I call my sports bra (those puppies DO NOT MOVE!), is my bestie. We walk and talk. Not a stroll and roll – nope, it’s a power walk and we solve the problems of the world as we charge around the Bay Run. x
Kim-Marie recently posted..Happy Birthday Sterling & Hyde
Forget about the comfy runners and top, my essential item when working out is definitely my Ipod and good music to motivate me!
Rita recently posted..My Etsy Shop is now open!
My essential item for excercising would have to be my pram! I love to walk, it’s my favourite way to excercise. With a 15 month old who is not yet walking the only way I can excercise is to pop him in the pram head to our local lake and walk. My son loves being out in the open air. And watching things go whizzing past as I briskly walk. We then sit down and watch the ducks together and he has a snack. Best type of excercise ever!
My essential item would be a Sweat Towel! ‘Cause when I exercise, it ain’t pretty!!!
Anti-perspirant is my essential item because I sweat like a bloke and it’s not pretty!
I have to have fast music when I’m jogging otherwise I slow to a snail’s pace!
My essential item is my dog,we love to run everywhere together,and shes always with no matter what the weather.
cath recently posted..A Precious Heart Named Oscar
a good pair of shoes and water is a must when exercising
Great post! well done 🙂
My essential item is a good fitting bra, and bringing along my self confidence then the motivation.
Well done girlfriend! Your arms look amazing!!! I am a recent covert to the Michelle Bridges family (12WBT) and I love her line for Big W!
I’m off to the gym now, thanks for the inspiration! =)
Deodorant. I can’t work out if I know I pong like a hobo.
If I have to choose one it’s a great support bra that fits so well I forget it’s on and can just concentrate on my exercise whether its pilates, walking or when I’m feeling really active Zumba.
Wow you are so fit Grace! Such an inspiration to me.
My essential item while exercising is my iPod. I need my music to get me in the mood for exercising. It also makes the time goes faster. My favourite song at the moment is ‘I need to move it, move it’. So apt.
I have 2 essential items – the first is my husband (so he can keep the toddler and baby occupied, otherwise I have a 2 year old boy constantly trying to climb onto the cross-trainer, yelling ‘Me! Me!’) and as I’m currently breastfeeding, a good, supportive sports bra is a must!
My alarm clock – to make sure I get up to exercise… At 5am! (Before the family is up and the daily madness begins!)
I have to be comfortable with gear that fits, definitely no bits bobbing that shouldn’t so my Michelle Bridges Shapewear Leggings and the Lemon Spliced Tee are heaven-sent, affordable and look good!
LOVE your new gym gear. I’d have to say my bright pink Adidas shoes. Totally powers my workout, supports my ankles, but most importantly… it completes my outfit. I know exercising’s meant to make you feel good, but there’s no crime in sweating it out AND looking good right? 😉
The essential workout gear ….. can’t go past a pair of Bridget Jones big panties!! No underwear lines under the leggings. Also helpful in supporting the sport bra! Yes they go up that far. They have excellent lacky around the legs (good grip) so no chance of them turning into a G string during stretching. So much support they make you look kilos lighter – instant gym goddess.
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A small towel sprinkled with orange essential oil, it keeps me fresh and uplifted when I get a bit hot and sticky!
I like a loose fitting breathable tank so my body can breathe. Weights and running is a great combo. I do the weights anyway but now I’m inspired to run!
I have to say a selection of singlet tops in bright, fun colours! Nothing makes me feel more like getting my heart rate and my legs pumping than a fun workout outfit!!! 🙂
A friend. Otherwise I make excuses not to exercise.
Just cannot concentrate on exercising with hair flopping in my eyes… I MUST have a headband!
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