My Fitness Favorites that aren't Hokas or Lululemon
No hate to those brands! These are just alternatives if they’re not for you. I own buttery soft Lululemon leggings that I love for lounging around the house or running errands. I have owned Hokas, but I found that my feet did hurt more after one use. While this certainly isn’t enough time to really know if they were the right shoes for me, research shows us that 1. running shoes should be comfortable from the moment you try them on - you should not have to ‘break them in,’ and 2. Hokas have been shown to be correlated with increased foot pain both in those with and without a prior history of foot pain.
So, I’m providing some alternatives in case you’ve had a similar experience!
Please note that this post contains affiliate links. All that means is that, if you purchase a product through the links below, I might get a very small percentage of the price at no extra cost to you! Thank you for continuing to support my blog and allowing me to bring you this content.
I think these options could be great for anyone, but they’ve been especially wonderful for me as a big girl training for her first half marathon.
You can find all these items and more at my Amazon Storefront.
1. AONIJIE hydration vest
Get it here: Hydration vest
2. Asics GT-2000 10 running shoes
I sized up half a size and got the ‘wide’ width option.
Get them here: Asics shoes
3. Owala water bottle
The 24 oz option is perfect for at home or on the go!
Get it here: Owala water bottle
4. Garmin Forerunner 55
There are 3 color options, I got the white one! Get yours here: Garmin running watch
5. Beats Studio3 headphones
They’ve been great while working out or just working at home, they’re noise cancelling, and super comfortable during my long runs. I was worried that they would move around or bounce too much while running, but they’ve stayed put no matter what my speed.
I’m no Usain Bolt, but during the occasional sprint, I’ve found that these headphones have been perfect.
The only thing to note is that the noise-cancelling feature works really well. This is great when you’re trying to remain focused and put in work, but please be mindful when out and about for safety reasons.
Get yours here: Beats headphones
6. Nike Run Club app
Coach Bennett is the man. I may or may not also be cursing him out in my head as I’m totally winded running through my neighborhood. Love him, though.
Download the app here: NRC app
7. Slow af run club book by martinus evans
A new release, I’m really enjoying reading this book! I have followed Martinus’ account, @300poundsandrunning, on Instagram for a while and he is such an inspiration for me as a big runner with even bigger goals!
Get your copy here: Slow AF Run Club
9. theragun mini (2nd generation)
I used to be skeptical, but this has become a regular presence in my recovery routine.
Get it in desert rose: Theragun
10. old navy leggings
The ratings speak for themselves!
Get your legging on: High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8-length leggings with side pocket
11. sisiaipu claw clips
I got these for the aesthetic color options, and I only tried them during my workout when I couldn’t find a hair tie, but now I prefer them to anything elastic! I wear them during my runs, when dancing, and pretty much all day long.
Get your 6-piece set here: Claw clips
12. @emilyabbate, @300poundsandrunning, @iamlshauntay, and @notyouraveragerunner on instagram
Not products, but such lovely daily inspirations for me as someone who has been in and out of the fitness world over the last several years. They post about fitness, self-love, accepting who you are and where you are in life, and they motivate me to be better while also practicing active gratitude each and every day.
13. GYMSHARK exercise top
The color. The breathability. The fit. Chef’s kiss.
My absolute favorite workout and lifestyle top right now. Get yours here: Gymshark long sleeve top
14. Airpods
I’ve used the 1st and 2nd generation Apple AirPods, and they’ve been probably the easiest to maneuver with during my workouts. I prefer these over the ‘Pro’ versions because they’re easier to get in and out of my ears while I have my hijab on.
Here’s a link! Apple Airpods (2nd Gen)
