In order to prioritize your physical health and well-being, it’s not enough to just go for a light walk in the park. In order to experience the best results, you need to develop the mindset of someone who trains. Whether you train in the gym, at the tennis court, or at the pool, there are essential items you’ll want to invest in when you work out often. In order to get started, add the following essentials to your arsenal.

1. Headphones

When you’re in the trenches of an intense workout, one of the most impactful ways to get through the workout is a great playlist. A great playlist will help you improve your performance due to the motivating, heart-pumping tunes. It’s not uncommon for people to perform significantly better with music than they would if they were working out in silence.

When you’re in a public setting where other people are working out, the most polite way to listen to a playlist is through your headphones. Invest in a set of headphones that’s wireless so that you can move as you’d like to. Wires tend to become cumbersome when you’re in the zone. It’s also wise to invest in a set of headphones that’ll protect your eardrums as well.

2. Sneakers

Supportive sneakers are important when you’re performing any type of exercise. If you’re running, you’ll need a different shoe than you’d need if you were using the leg press machine. Consider the type of workouts you usually do. Then, invest in a shoe that supports your body well. Don’t just purchase a sneaker because it’s currently trending as the most stylish option. Instead, consider the insoles, the orthotics, and other elements that can help you perform at your best.

3. Water Bottle

Hydration is paramount. When you’re well-hydrated, you’ll naturally perform better. Always keep a water bottle within arm’s reach. A dry mouth or dry throat feels uncomfortably impossible to push past. By taking a few sips at a time, you can help to hydrate yourself and stay comfortable without getting a few stomach cramps. If you love to drop a hydration tablet or pre-workout mixture into your water bottle, invest in a 40 oz tumbler with a handle. Ultimately, you’ll want a high-quality water bottle that is easy to clean, carry and use.

4. Comfortable Workout Apparel

While there are plenty of athleisure lines in the marketplace, not all of them are created equal. It’s not uncommon to purchase a pair of leggings and realize that they’re see-through. Alternatively, you might invest in a pair of spandex shorts and realize that the waistband constantly rolls down when you’re trying to exercise.

When it’s time to work out, you shouldn’t need to fidget with your clothes. They should be able to stick to your body well and support you as you move. Do your research in order to review various athletic lines to find out which brands offer breathable, supportive material.

If you’re going to be working out and really cold weather, consider investing in thin layers that can keep you warm without weighing you down. If you’re an avid swimmer, get swim gear that helps you to move through the water better. These seemingly small details really matter when you’re trying to experience peak performances during your workouts.

5. Fitness Tracker

It’s common for people to exercise with a goal in mind. Whether the goal is to experience less stress or to lose weight, people usually have something in the back of their minds that they’d like to achieve as a result of their workouts. One of the best ways to keep track of your experiences is with the fitness tracker.

A lot of fitness watches are very popular. There are lots of trackers you can consider. A fitness tracker helps to point out data like your heart rate when you work out at a certain speed. It can measure how many calories you’ve burned. It’s a tool to help you understand more about how you perform during workouts because it provides hard data. Data doesn’t lie.

Conclusion

You also want to consider the elements around you when you’re working out. If you’re going to be exercising in the middle of the day, always wear sunscreen. If you’re an avid swimmer, your essentials will differ from somebody who tends to lift weights in the gym. Still, these five essentials universally matter, and they are worth the investment.