While it’s true that exercise is a mental game to some degree, it never hurts to have the right gear to help with motivation.  Budget Buster Alert: if you’re familiar with OLL, then you know I love a good deal and low price tag. When it comes to fitness gear, I’m open to spending at a higher price point.  Quality gear can make all the difference in a workout so I’m rounding up five [5] of my tried & true picks for getting fit in the summer heat.

The Details

Sports Bra: Adidas [Similar] // Leggings: Adidas // Shoes: Brooks

Hey Y’all Mat: Target [Similar] // Buffalo Check Mat: Target // Planters: Target [Similar]

1. An excellent pair of shoes.

Not quite what Marilyn Monroe meant when she was quoted:

“Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world,”

but when it comes to running – a high quality shoe and correct fit will make all the difference.  I started off as a Nike girl, tested out Saucony during my first half marathon, ran my second half marathon in New Balance and then had my life changed by Brooks.   Y’all, I almost took a hard pass on these Brooks Ghost 10 because they didn’t delight me in color, shape or sass.  My sales associate at Fleet Feet pressed on and I’m so grateful she did.  What this shoe lacks in pink and flash, it makes up for ten fold when I hit the pavement.  I feel like I am running on a cloud.

2. Bluetooth Earbuds.

No strings attached used to be my jam in ’00, but now it’s the way I like my earbuds.  I’ve been addicted to my Beats by Dre Bluetooth earbuds since Santa delivered them two years ago.  If wires are smacking you in the face with each stride and becoming a tangled nightmare in your gym bag, treat yo’ self to some new buds.  I can’t recommend Beats by Dre enough.

3. No-Slip Head Bands.

Stray hairs are my arch nemesis, not to be dramatic or anything. The only thing more annoying than fly-a-ways is my headband slipping or falling off completely mid-workout.  I’ve tested my fair share from oversized headbands, super tight skinny bands, but my go-to is this no slip 1″ head band from Scunci.  Not too tight, not too loose and the grip won’t cause your hair to break off at the temples.

4. Sports bra.

…And any old sports bra won’t do the trick. I can’t have my chest bouncing every which way for 30 minutes and luckily my favorite sports bra [Target] keeps everything in check.  From support to price point, this bra is a winner for a larger bust and high-performance activity.

5. Jams

You know that adrenaline rush when you’re out for the night and your jam comes on?  Imagine that coming on when you’re just getting started with your work out or better yet, coming on at the end to carry you through the last mile/reps.  I use the freebie version of Spotify.  I’ve been a paid Spotify subscriber before, however, I don’t feel like I am missing much in the free version [other than creating my own playlists and no commercials].  Here are some of my favorite Spotify playlists to get you movin‘:

1. Popsugar Fitness Allie Cohen HIIT Playlist
2. Throwback Workout
3. Women’s Running Playlist 2016
4. Running Playlist 180 bpm
5. Energizing Classics

When I’m fading and trying to crank out another mile, I hope for one of my power songs to come on:

1. Confident by Demi Lovato
2. Formation by Beyonce
3. Fight Song by Rachel Patten
4. Ants Marching by Dave Matthews Band
5. Black Cat by Janet Jackson

What’s your favorite playlist and power song?  Leave a comment below to help build an Ooh La Laura playlist!

Shop the Gear: