Fitness Favorites

Ahh another list. I do love lists.

But first, Happy 2023! One day in and I've said 2022 only 14 times. Old habits die hard, right?

And really that's the point. We all have old habits we want to change. That's why we set intentions or New Years resolutions. And if I were to guess, I'd bet based on my years as a CrossFit instructor, as well as doing the same for myself every year, that most of us, want to make fitness, health and overall wellness a higher priority.

To quote Elle Woods ("Legally Blonde" for those who have no clue to my ridiculous reference), "Happy people just don’t kill their husbands. They just don’t.” So lets keep everyone alive and be our healthiest selves this year. Maybe that looks like: Less time sitting at our desks, more time at the gym, getting outside for walks, adding supplements, creating healthy dinners, practicing gratitude, or maybe its's challenging our minds to learn a new skill. Better fitness, health, and wellness should make us feel, look, and act more as our true selves. And since I have loved fitness..... since the dawn of time.... I've collected a list of things I love that promote, inspire, support that goal.

I hope this list helps you on your 2023 journey to be your best self! Whatever that looks like :)

First and most obsessed.... These leggings (I have 6 pairs). Inexpensive. Machine washable. Side pockets that fit my Iphone Plus. And they even sell fleece-lined for the winter. YES: https://amzn.to/3V4t8FY

My workouts shoes are either: https://amzn.to/3BJv7bN or https://www.zappos.com/p/inov-8-f-lite-245-blue-gum/product/9352142/color/245384

Then my favorite everyday/walking shoes (I have 3 pairs): https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/womens-primal-2?variant=18552321671226

I love these earbuds for walking, working out, running... whatever! The around the ear design lets me do crazy things like handstand push-ups and listen to music no problem. They do NOT fall out: https://amzn.to/3V3Oza9

But if you want to JAM and blast your music for all to hear, I use my husbands portable Bose speaker: https://amzn.to/3FCreqo

This one is a must too. Bought several for friends. I love my weighted vest. I have two. 12lbs and 20lbs for working out, running and walks outside: https://amzn.to/3BBA4mP

Going out for a walk? Dress warm. Long coats are a must. I miss Florida already: https://amzn.to/3PEYpxZ

And don't forget a light up vest for walks with your pups when it's dark: https://amzn.to/3PCQgdj

Insulated bottle to keep my drinks warm... or cold: https://amzn.to/3PwYtzS. The only problem is it doesn't fit in my car cup holder. So I also use this one: https://www.iceshaker.com/products/custom-36oz-shaker-bottle?colorSku=36NAVY-C

And if two mugs weren't enough... Here are 2 more liquid vessels I love and use:

Glass Water bottles are amazing if you aren't accident prone: https://amzn.to/3FDZDoK

My temperature regulated coffee mug for happiness: https://amzn.to/3FKHNk5

For more happiness- gratitude baby. I've used this journal a ton. Gratitude Journal: https://amzn.to/3uXsP53

Or get FANCY with this one. Bought it for a friend. Kind of wish I got one for myself too: https://paleomg.com/product/paleomg-good-day-journal/

Affirmation cards seem cheesy.... but I love them. I use them as bookmarks or post its around the house. They act as sweet reminders of my true best self. https://amzn.to/3VsTsda

or theses: https://amzn.to/3WmKEGI

And if those seem too sweet. Well Boo.... I got you ;) https://amzn.to/3HXQcDb

I also have been known to start my day by writing someone a Beyond Grateful card: https://amzn.to/3japjSi

OR..... do something unexpected for a co-worker, friend, family member, stranger. I loveeee buying a bunch of physical gift cards and giving them to people or texting pictures of them so they can add them to their accounts (so many times people overlook e-cards on email) https://amzn.to/3PK2iSw

Next: Have a home office? Get. A. Standing. Desk!!! It changed my life. I used to work in a call center 10+ hour days. When I started standing I felt WAY more energized. But since I wasn't going to buy a 3k standing desk for my home, this has been great for the past 2+ years: https://amzn.to/3Wu1bZo

Puzzles. Because why not do something for your brain. Or color. Bring back childhood fun: https://amzn.to/3HKqv96 or https://amzn.to/3BO7GhM (Or whatever you want. There are even some hilarious sassy ones. Spiral bound is easiest)

Food time!

Let me be 100% honest. Babies + cooking doesnt always = cooking. Soooo this happens a lot. There are healthy options to support any goal! https://about.ubereats.com/us/en/how-it-works/uber-eats-gift-card/ or https://doordash.launchgiftcards.com/

But when you are ready to cook, this gal's cookbook rocks. It makes week night dinners healthy and fast. Yeah yeah its designed for gluten-free, but its easy to change if that's not your thing. My hubby loves these recipes. And he's pro gluten: https://amzn.to/3v29L5U

We loved that cookbook so much we bought her second one too. Also awesome for fast & easy dinners: https://amzn.to/3WqgDWb

Another fast and healthy cookbook, which we use weekly: https://amzn.to/3VC2nsH and we have her second one too: https://amzn.to/3i8NbWj

We have also used Daily Harvest in the past. Quick, easy, frozen, whole foods. If you dont mind spending the $$$, do it. https://daily-harvest.com/r/RE-A9D8BED?utm_medium=marketing&utm_source=raf&utm_campaign=program&utm_content=copy

Is this useful for health, fitness and wellness? IDK. But we gave up chemically laundry soap awhile ago.... feel likes a "healthier" move. Love Dropps. Zero waste. Recyclable boxes. Clothes are clean and fresh. https://share.dropps.com/marcykopp

Ok. Favorite Healthier Snack Options:

ANYTHING by SmartSweets. I'm so obsessed that I beta test all their new products for them. Lower calories. Lower sugars. So tasty: https://amzn.to/3BLUEB4

Chocolate almonds. 100 calories. Hits my sweet tooth: https://amzn.to/3G0wvsZ

If I can't get my hands on my SIL's jerky( That's the BEST STUFF EVER) I'll grab this for a car snack: https://amzn.to/3WsZ5sw or https://amzn.to/3jjBqwg

Current favorite snack on the go: apples and almond butter. This almond butter. YUM: https://amzn.to/3G7LKPR

Ok... dont judge.... I drink cheap decaf coffee. I love it. And maybe a splash of my husband's caffeinated coffee. But here's how I fancy it up: https://amzn.to/3WJYx2c with a little: https://amzn.to/3BGRQ8A or https://amzn.to/3hGYNj4

Don't love coffee? Our NICU was obsessed with these. We bought them cases. Caffeine. 10 calories. Sweet and bubbly- https://amzn.to/3HKPBVr

Personally I'm a kombucha girl. Yum. It's a probiotic too (Walmart also sells this one): https://amzn.to/3PDow8x

Do you love NOODLES!? Or rice?! Definitely try these. 10 calories for the ENTIRE bag. It tastes like a rice noodle: https://amzn.to/3jf3PE1

Supplements:

My fav inexpensive protein powder: https://amzn.to/3W70ULV (Then don't forget a shaker bottle: https://amzn.to/3V1lonV)

Fav Tub of Collagen Peptides. I throw this in my coffee for extra protein: https://amzn.to/3Wn45Pw or https://amzn.to/3PCLL2J

Electrolytes when needed: https://amzn.to/3G8S2A9

I also have been using Crystal Light helps me drink more water during the day: https://amzn.to/3V9qsXD

Super Greens Drink: https://amzn.to/3hzWNcm or Chocolate Super Greens Drink: https://amzn.to/3FDEwTg

Some Fire Cider for winter. It's spicccccyyy: https://amzn.to/3WoUUOt

I have used both of these for sleep: Melatonin gummies: https://amzn.to/3WqPSRo And CBD Melatonin: shopbeam.com/BEAM-MARCYKOPP

Beet Root Powder for heart health. Note- it tastes exactly how you think it will taste. So you have been warned: https://amzn.to/3PvNmax

Cold and Flu season = Vitamin C with Zinc: https://amzn.to/3FDF23E

And I've heard from friends this stuff is THE best for your pooping needs (no issues myself.... thanks squatty potty. But in case I have this on file): https://amzn.to/3FAd4WO

Squatty Potty for those living under a rock for that last 10 years: https://amzn.to/3WpXkg7

Lastly, my home gym must-buys, so far:

This bench. It's not overly expensive and it changes inclines. Perfect for sit-ups, back extensions, bench press and more: https://amzn.to/3FZycqY

Small Dumbbell Rack. And I bought mine under the used tab. Nearly perfect and half the price. Do that for sure! https://amzn.to/3Wk8cM4

Dumbbells. Just remember they sell them as singles. If you want a set, buy two: https://amzn.to/3WhLGU2

My least favorite exercise for whatever reason: Kettlebells: https://amzn.to/3FvVIdr

Doorway Pull Up Bar: https://amzn.to/3YsaI4O

A Peloton Bike. We do love ours and I didnt want to like it.... Especially helpful when my motivation is low and I don't want to make up a workout: https://amzn.to/3V7bmBT

Pelton Shoes. A necessity for the bike. And they are good quality: https://amzn.to/3PvTQ9j

When it's time to stretch or do sit ups or yoga. Get a floor mat: https://amzn.to/3hvdEgk

An EASY way to get some cardio in everywhere! And work your calves too! Jump Rope: https://amzn.to/3W77qCm

Probably my favorite exercise is a box jump or a step up. Currently, using my stairs because there is no space. But the new home already has one of these: Plyo Box: https://amzn.to/3HEUlfn

I always joke that the true essence of working out is just picking stuff up and putting stuff down. So get a Slam Ball: https://amzn.to/3Yy0tfa

Then add a Wall Ball. Perfect for wall ball throws, weighted sit-ups, Russian twists, or as a bench for bench-presses: https://amzn.to/3FFPTtU

So much more I want.... but this does the job so far!

I am certain I'm missing so many MUST-HAVES. Health, fitness and wellness can mean so many things! So please add any suggestions below!!! I've never been unhappy after moving my body, feeling like a did something good for myself, or investing in my well being. So lets spread love, joy, and extra happiness this year! No better time to start than now!