Physical exercise is a great way to get in shape but can also be painful. As a woman, finding the time and energy for a good workout and balancing work and family responsibilities makes it hard to find time to fit in at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. The secret to an enjoyable workout is to have the right gear. If you’re a woman, some specific things make it easier to work out without feeling uncomfortable or under-prepared. As with all things, investing in quality pieces will last you through years of intense exercise, and countless washings are essential. So before buying those cheap leggings that promise to keep you dry and comfortable, consider these five must-have workout items for women.

Just the Right Sports Bra

Choosing the right sports bra can make or break your workout. If you wear a sports bra with too much give, you’ll be bouncing around in it all wrong, causing harm to your breasts and shoulders. On the other hand, if you don’t have enough support from a sports bra that’s too tight, you may experience discomfort and chafing. Avoid both problems by finding a well-fitting exercise bra that holds everything in place while still being comfortable enough to breathe. A well-fitting nude sports bra is recommended since it will not show on the clothes, yet it gives you the comfort and support necessary for your workout.

The best way to assure yourself of having this ideal situation is by investing in a good quality exercise bra that fits correctly: not too tight and not too loose—just right! A properly fitted garment will keep everything supported without feeling restrictive or uncomfortable, allowing maximum movement without compromising your comfort level (or safety).

The Perfect Gym Bag

If you’re a woman, you know what it’s like to carry around a bunch of stuff. The necessities are keys, phones, wallets, and other valuables. Then there are the workout-specific items: water bottle (preferably in an attractive holder), headphones, and music player (or at least your favorite playlist). And last but not least — those things that make our workouts more enjoyable: sweatbands or headbands for when we don’t want our hair getting damp; armbands for holding cellphones during treadmill run or elliptical sessions; face wipes to remove any makeup after workout sessions so that we can go home looking fresh-faced (not sweaty).

All this gear needs a place to live! When choosing a gym bag, you need one big enough to hold all your stuff but small enough not to weigh down on your shoulder muscles after a long day at work. Lightweight material with plenty of pockets will keep everything organized inside and make it easy to find whatever item without opening up every pocket multiple times throughout each workout session.

Outfit Your Phone with Headphones

If you want to get in a good workout, it’s essential to be able to hear your music. Wearing headphones will make the time seem shorter and more enjoyable and help you avoid any distractions that might come up during your workout.

The best way to ensure that you have headphones when you need them is to keep them on hand at all times by packing them into an easily accessible place in your gym bag or backpack. That way, when it’s time for a run or another exercise session, all you’ll have to do is pull out the headphones from within your bag before hitting the pavement or treadmill.

Any Outfit Can Be a Workout Outfit

Any outfit can be a workout outfit. You’re all set if you’ve got jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers in your closet (or even just one of those things). You don’t need to overspend on expensive workout clothes or even buy new ones if yours are getting old—you can get away with wearing what’s already in your closet without any problem. And suppose you’re pressed for time before heading out the door. In that case, there’s no need to fuss over what to wear by putting together an elaborate ensemble that involves layering and tight-fitting pants—throw on something loose-fitting and comfortable (jeans are always an easy choice) that fits well.

Conclusion

Now that you know the essentials of workouts, you can get started on your own. Just remember not to overdo it! You don’t have to do all these exercises at once, but try doing some each day and see how they affect your body.