From The Straits Times    |

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Aside from your gym kit – sports bra, leggings and trainers as a minimum – there are some handy, portable fitness aides I swear by, which can help you smash out a fantastic training session anywhere, any time, and especially on holiday.

Some are more technical than others while others are pretty basic. Try incorporating a few into your lifestyle to make fitting in fitness that much easier.

 

Protein shaker bottle

Carrying a shaker rather than a regular water bottle is great because it’s versatile.

Whether you simply want to mix up some pre-workout powder for energy before your workout, keep hydrated with water while training, or fancy making a post-workout protein powder shake, it works.

My favourite at the moment is the Mini Blender shaker from MyProtein, which is perfectly handbag-sized and fully sealable to avoid spills.

 

Earphones

Music is fantastic for motivating you through a workout, so it’s a good idea to carry earphones to play your favourite tunes.

Avoid headphones. You won’t want to be sweating buckets all over your fancy new purchase or having to hold them in place while you’re trying to do press-ups.

The best choice would be a small, waterproof, wireless earbud style which stays firmly in place, such as these: AfterShokz Sportz Titanium with mic.

 

Baseball cap

Some people feel self-conscious while workout out or simply want to focus on themselves without worrying about people around them.

A baseball cap puts you into incognito mode in an instant. Plus it looks super cute, too.

This Nike AeroBill has seen me through countless workouts, I love it due to it’s breathable comfort style and quirky design.

 

Resistance loop bands

Latex resistance loop bands of around a two-inch thickness are a great tool for achieving a complete lower body workout anywhere, any time, and they pack neatly and easily into carry-on luggage.

Most of the time loop bands come in a set of several, with light, medium, and heavy resistance levels (5-15lbs), and a manual.

I take the GoFit Power Loops set, on every holiday to make sure I can get the most out of hotel room exercises like squats, leg extensions and lunges.

 

Skipping rope

Skipping is a great workout for your cardiovascular system and also for warm ups before any type of sports activity.

You can stay in shape by combining cardio-training and muscle strengthening with a skipping rope, and it’s easy to carry one around with you.

Try this Nike Weighted Rope available from Zalora.

 

Running belt

Whether you’re into jogging or hiking, running belts are brilliant.

Simply step into it like a pair of trousers, pull it up to your hips and pop your belongings in the secure compartments. They carry your phone, keys and cards while you get on with your workout.

I like the FlipBelt Zipper version which is extra safe ensuring nothing falls out and stays in place without bouncing or shifting.

 

Chalk

Many women who are new to weightlifting or gymnastics may have trouble with getting a good grip due to clammy hands.

You can help this with chalk balls or liquid chalk. It also works for rock climbing, athletics and virtually any other sport requiring a firm grip.

Liquid chalk makes less mess, you get more for your money and it won’t get all over your clothes.

This Liquid Chalk from Mypotein is great.

 

Weightlifting straps or gloves

If you really don’t want to get your hands chalky, try straps or gym gloves to help you lift weights if that’s part of your regime.

I love these gloves from sg.bodybuilding.com.

They can help you work out better when using dumbbells, barbells and kettlebells as they’ll strengthen your grip, and they’ll protect your hands from blisters, too.

 

Phone armband

If you must have your phone on you – for example if you’re training in a public space and listening to music – a phone armband is a smart purchase.

I like slinky, understated designs as an armband can be garish.

This Multifunctional Outdoor Armband is adjustable with a clear window for touch screen access to your phone, and screen protection.