What’s In My Gym Bag: Lenka Chubuklieva
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A supportive pair of trainers is essential for HIIT workouts. At Rumble, we recently launched a 40-minute circuit class, which runs on rotation every ten minutes. It’s a great way to get a workout in – plus, with four separate stations and over 600 exercises available every ten minutes, no two classes are ever the same. I’ve worn APL Techlooms for years. They provide the perfect amount of cushioning without weighing you down and look good outside of the gym, too. I also wear them on weekend runs.
Bamboo socks will keep your feet dry. If you’re investing in a good pair of trainers, it pays to think about your socks, too. Cotton socks may feel soft, but they won’t keep your feet dry on a warm day. Instead, look for socks made with bamboo as they’re more breathable. Bamboo is a sustainable choice, too – it uses 10% the amount of land as cotton to produce the same yield and is one of the fastest growing plants in the world.
Lululemon does the best sports bras. If you’re doing anything high impact, investing in a good sports bra is essential. The breast has no muscles of its own and it isn’t connected to any muscles in the body, so it moves independently from it. To provide support, prevent breast pain and limit this movement when exercising, especially when running, a well-fitting sports bra is a must. For high support, try the Lululemon Energy Bra.
Tala is my go-to for leggings. Not only is the fabric butter-soft, but everything in the range is sustainable – every fabric it uses is recycled, upcycled and natural. Try the Skinluxe leggings for high intensity workouts and the Dayflex for Pilates and yoga. Manduka is another great brand, especially if you’re into yoga.
Resistance bands are useful for travelling. I’ve had a set from Bodyism for years – it’s travelled the world with me. When buying resistance bands, look for a set that has bands in different strengths, which will enable you to get a decent workout in wherever you are. I also love a resistance tube – they’re a great way to tone, sculpt and raise the heart rate at the same time.
Skipping provides a full-body workout. If you’re looking to mix things up, you need to try it. It’s an efficient way to train with minimal space and equipment. I use a rope from Escape Fitness.
I also have an Oura ring. It’s the gold standard of fitness trackers. It counts your steps, keeps tabs on your heart rate and delivers data-rich sleep tracking. It keeps a close eye on your daily activity and automatically recognises exercise to match it up with your recovery needs. The more you use it, the more it gets to know you, and it’s certainly nudged me into better habits. As a result, I feel better, my sleep is better, and my energy is more balanced.
A massage gun is like a DIY sports massage. I use the Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 after an intense session – it works wonders on tight shoulders and legs. With a lightweight and sleek design, it fits easily in my gym bag.
I love a shower oil. Nothing beats a hot shower after a sweaty workout, but I need to be careful with the products I use as my skin can quickly feel tight and uncomfortable. L’Occitane’s Almond Shower Oil fits the bill – it transforms into a cleansing milk when it comes into contact with water and leaves my skin feeling super soft. The mini travel-size version is perfect for your gym washbag.
You’ll always find a packet of nuts in my gym bag. I try to stay away from sugar – it’s our biggest enemy – but healthy fats are a great source of energy without the crash. If I need some sugar before a workout, I’ll have a banana or an apple. Supplements are also a must – I take vitamins C and D every day, as well as NAD – an incredible anti-ageing nutrient – when I need a boost.
Cryotherapy aids recovery. It’s not exactly something I keep in my bag – but it’s an essential part of my fitness regime. Every few weeks, I head to Le Chalet Cryo – it’s the first place I go when I’m feeling run down or haven’t slept well. Just three minutes in a cryotherapy chamber has a whole host of benefits – it’ll kickstart circulation, which leads to increased metabolism, repair cellular damage to aid recovery, and reduce inflammation. For something more relaxing, I’ll head to Banya in Hoxton or Aire for its incredible thermal baths.
For more, visit Rumble-Gym.com and follow @Lenka_Bloom.
DISCLAIMER: Features published by SheerLuxe are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programme.
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