This post is sponsored by Degree Women but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
It’s no secret that I exercise…but what you may not know is that for the past 7 years or so I’ve avoided gyms and studios like the plague. There’s just something about them that puts my anxiety into overdrive…and the ones that don’t usually do not have childcare. But for every good workout comes a pre-workout checklist that sets me up for success.
And then I found BarreCode last month and it was totally love at first sight…until I went to a class in a black tank top and raised my arms to hold my relevé…only to see those telling white streaks across my shirt from my deodorant.
I know that “no one is watching you”…but it still made me super paranoid that someone in fact was. So, I quickly looked around the class and while I didn’t see anyone looking at me (we were all doing our best to just stay upright for the next 10 seconds, y’all). I knew that I had to feel more comfortable if I planned to survive the next three weeks.
The next time I went, I tried a different deodorant…but got the same results. Which was definitely not okay with me. I also totally forgot to pack my water bottle, which sucks when you’re burning 500+ calories in just 50 minutes, because you need that hydration, and the water fountain just doesn’t cut it.
I knew I had to find a solution stat.
And being me, I needed to make sure that I came totally prepared, which is why I drafted a pre-workout checklist to follow.
My Pre-Workout Checklist
If you’re laughing to yourself right now, that’s totally okay. I’m a huge fan of checklists because they mean I don’t forget the important stuff. When I’m preparing for something (like my socks, my water bottle, and deodorant for barre class or my favorite wireless earbuds when I’m traveling).
An Insulated Waterbottle
I have an insulated water bottle that I absolutely love. I originally purchased it to use when I take a bike ride with the kids. But it’s proven to be invaluable for my workouts. It’s lightweight and keeps my water cold for hours!
Find a water bottle that is equal parts easy to transport and efficient at keeping your water at your preferred temperature, and you’re good to go.
Socks and Shoes
Sounds weird, but how many times have you gotten to the gym or an event where you really needed to be wearing a different kind of sneakers…or worse yet, socks?
I love my sticky barre socks (yes, there really is such a thing), and I keep a clean pair in my purse so that I don’t get caught off guard. For shoes, I’m lucky enough to be able to change into my socks at the studio, but if you don’t want to deal with it, they fit just fine in my running shoes.
Deodorant
Y’all. This should be a no-brainer, but for some reason, I’m the one that forgets to apply fresh deodorant (especially if I shower the night before), so having this on my checklist is super important.
After my “white lines” incidents, I started looking for an option that would keep me dry (and not smelly). I discovered Degree Women’s UltraClear Black+White Pure Clean Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant, and I figured I should give it a shot.
The deodorant claims to be anti-white marks on dark clothes and anti-yellow on light clothes, which is pretty awesome. I have been using the Dry Spray for a few weeks and it seems to hold up. No marks on my white or black clothes, which is a winner for me.
I also love that it goes on dry, so I don’t have to walk around in just a towel or tank top for 10 minutes while my deodorant dries.
And on super hot days (like yesterday), the UltraClear Black+White Pure Clean Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant really works. I was wearing mine and although my hair was a hot mess, and my makeup totally slid off my face, I didn’t stink!
Hair Ties
I am a huge fan of keeping a few hair ties on me. My favorites are the elastic ones that are tied on one end because they can make really cute “bracelets.”
By wearing them when I leave the house, in case I do forget to pull my hair up, it’s super easy to get it off my neck before I start moving and sweating.
Being active with perfectly styled hair isn’t a thing…so I’m good with a haphazard ponytail as long as it keeps me cool.
Post-Workout Spray
Not everyone has time to shower after their workout (I know I don’t!). And when your favorite grocery is literally across the parking lot, you need a quick fix.
That’s why I always pack a water spray! You can find it in my purse to spritz my face and clear out the gross on the fly. Sure, using soap and water is probably better! I know that once I get home I can hop in a shower to freshen up.
Kinesiology Tape
I broke my leg about 2 years ago. Most days it doesn’t hurt, but others I look for close parking spots for minimal walking. Having a few pre-cut strips of kinesiology tape ready has been one of the best things.
I can tape my leg if I need it, but if I don’t, no big deal.
And that’s it!
