Gym Bag Essentials for “Anywhere” Summer Workouts

This post is sponsored by adidas, however all comments, opinions and enthusiasm remain my own.

I live for summer workouts, the weather is beautiful, my schedule is looser and the opportunity for adventure is virtually unlimited. That’s why I always keep my gym bag packed and stowed in the car, ready to accommodate my every workout whim – whether that be hitting the trail for a run, taking on the turf for an impromptu boot camp, jumping in the lake for a paddle board session or any other fitness fun I can dream up.

What's in my gym bag (adidas) - thefitfork.com

Take a peek to find out what’s actually inside my workout bag including all of my gym bag essentials for anywhere summer workouts:

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Scorpion Yoga Practice and #AugustaActive Giveaway

I can’t pretend to be an expert at the Scorpion pose (vrschikasana) or even yoga in general, but I’ve been working on this particular move for a year now and it’s come a long way. The funny thing about yoga is that you DO have to practice – experienced yogis make everything look so easy, but it’s really hard work. Some of the simplest moves sill elude me — my hamstrings and hip flexors are in a chronic state of tightness and often don’t want to cooperate!  Can you believe that some can people can even arch enough to rest feet on the head – WOW!  Scorpion Yoga Pose - TheFitfork.com I like to call the Scorpion my “killer” party trick and I’ll #stopdropandyoga one whenever the mood stikes – however sometimes, it’s hard to find a photographer (I think I have mortified and scarred my kids for life).  Augusta Active Workout Wear - TheFitFork.com Anyway, it’s easiest to do yoga or any other type of fitness activity when you are properly attired and feel cute (or manly, I suppose if you’re a guy). I recently was sent athletic gear (Action Color Block Capri and Jazzy Open Back Tank) along with a Cruise Duffle gym bag from Augusta Sportswear to try out – so cute and flattering in black with pink accents. Not only is this fitness sportswear stylish, but also comfortable for my day at the gym followed by a little yoga practice. I was also mightily impressed with the amount of gear that the gym bag held. I probably take way too much stuff on my outings including my blogging camera, a couple extra workout outfits, toiletries and recovery snacks – but I’m always prepared!   Augusta Active Prize Pack guy augusta sportsYou could win some of this Augusta Sportswear workout wear for yourself! Enter the giveaway for an “Active Kit” – just look at all the cool loot you could win!  To be clear, one guy winner receives the MALE kit and one woman winner receives the FEMALE kit. I love how Augusta doesn’t forget about keeping the guys in our lives geared up for performance and looking good!  Some other notes on the contest:  The giveaway begins on January 12th and ends on January 19th 2015. The giveaway is open to US residents only. Styles/colors of the giveaway items may vary based on availability.   This post and giveaway for gym clothes and athletic gear is sponsored by Augusta Sportswear. All editorial comments and opinions are my own.

What is your favorite yoga pose? a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mint Melon Smoothie Recipe + Apera Review

mint cataloupe smoothie

This Melon Mint Smoothie may be one of my favorites yet – it definitely ranks in the top three! The key to the refreshing minty-melon taste is to use really, really ripe cantaloupe and the freshest mint you can find. It was really my frugalness that was the basis for this protein smoothie; you see, I had an entire cantaloupe get over ripe on the counter because of a too-busy-to-cut-it-up week. It was a little mushy, so rather than throw it away (the horror!), I cut it up in cubes and dry-packed for the freezer.  My thought was I could throw a few chunks in whatever smoothie I was whipping up for the day, and the frozen melon would help with the smooth frozen consistency – I never expected the melon taste to come through so strong! The perfect way to cool on a warm spring day here in Austin!

mint smoothie

Mint Melon Smoothie Recipe

  • 10 ounces almond milk
  • 1/3 cup (approx. 1 scoop) vanilla or unflavored protein powder
  • 1 cup frozen cantaloupe or honeydew chunks
  • 10 fresh mint leaves

Place all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth. Serves 1.

aspera active pack

I also wanted to share a quick review of an awesome backpack sent to me by Apera Bags. There are a lot of gym bags out there, but what I love about the Apera Bags is that they are protected on the inside and out with an antimicrobial finish – not that my stuff stinks or anything (jeeze), but it’s just reassuring to know my bag has these germ-fighting superpowers!  There are pockets and pouches galore, all with various functions – to hold shoes, water bottles, a change of clothes, wet towel, etc.

gym backpack

The particular Apera Bag I picked is called the Active Pack and it is perfect for both work and play (there is a padded area where you could stash a laptop or tablet).  Of course, I wanted to get the hot pink color, but knew that my husband wouldn’t help carry the load on or weekend hikes if I didn’t choose a “manly” color.  And actually, I’m happy with the black color, it will go with all my gym and running fashions and won’t end up looking scuffed up in a few months. But, now I’m fighting with my husband over who gets to use it and when!