Merianne's Favorite Things - 2015

​It’s that time of the year again!  Merianne’s Favorite Fitness Things 2015! Tried and true, here is my list of favorites for 2015 if you are looking for that something special for your loved ones!

Personal Training, Group Fitness or Nutrition Counseling by Yours Truly!  Available in Any $ Amount.
My favorite of the favorites you know!  Every dollar spent with me can be used for Group Fitness like TRX and Weight Classes, Personal Training, Life Coaching or Nutrition Counseling.  Gift certificates are available and can be applied to any services offered.  Grab a friend and get yours today!
 
Powerhouse Clarkston Gym Membership - $25-$40/month
Okay, yes I may be a little biased, but I am also very thrifty and know a good deal when I see one.  This is a newer gym in the area.  It’s larger then the strip mall gyms, but not so large that you have to pay for a huge building.  It has 24-hour access and all GroupEx classes are FREE!  Oh, and one of the Group Ex instructors there is a true sweetheart!  J  While you have your occasional “gym rat” there, all in all, it’s a place where everyone knows your name!  It’s the gym for the neighborhood, by the neighborhood.   Tell them Merianne sent you!
 
Spin Shoes - $60-$200, and styles are even more diverse. 
I love me a spin class, but clip shoes MAKE the class a totally different workout then you would normally get with your regular athletic shoes.  SPD type shoes fit on most (if not all) spin bikes.  Don’t forget to ask for the clips that attach to the bottom.  They are a couple extra bucks – but money well spent!
 
The Fitbit Surge – $199.99
This bad boy has been bragged about by many people I see in the fitness setting.  It tracks just about anything you are doing – except for that piece of pumpkin pie you sneak (Yes!).  And you can even receive text messages on it!  It tracks your work in a spin class (where other fitbits that you wear on your wrist don’t.).  Tracking your workouts is a great way to stay focused!
 
The Fitbit Zip –$40-60
This little guy is perfect to keep that nagging voice in your head to “Just Keep Moving!”  It tracks your steps for the day and, when synced with the smartphone app, you can use it for so much more.  Not quite as fancy as the Surge, but this too, tracks your indoor exercises very well.  And you can team up with other Fitbit users for that hint of competition.
 
A Fancy Water Bottle - $15 - $25. 
I am serious.  Drink…water.  But you have to like what you are drinking it out of.  I have become a water bottle snob.  I don’t mess around with cheap, yucky ones.  Also, I need a straw so when I am on the treadmill, spin bike or driving, I can just sip and go!  This cool one featured is the Aqua Zinger.  You can actually put fruit in the bottom, grind it up and infuse your water all day with natural flavor instead of drinking sugary drinks.  And it has a straw!  Cool!
 
Yep, A Fanny Pack –$17-$35. 
Hey! Don’t knock it until you try it.  We all have our phone, money, etc to carry.  Why not carry it in a fanny pack!  They are so much cooler than the big bags once sported at Disney World in 1980.  They are now referred to as “running belts.”  They hold things snug to your body so they don’t bounce around as you sprint through your races.  Lots of different styles to choose from, but Stashbandz and SportifyMe are two brands that I have seen.  No judging.
 
Brooks Joyride Running Mittens –$30-$40. 
From the fine days of putting socks on my hands for warmth, I have finally found running mittens that do just as good of a job!  I have never understood gloves.  They separate your fingers and your fingers can’t stay warm.  So then you buy a econo size box of those hand warmer things on top of the gloves that should keep your hands warm.  Mittens are so much better.  This brand by Brooks have a mesh palm to vent any extra warmth after you get moving.  Love them!
 
Adventure Park Tickets – $39 per person. 
Go do something fun that scares you a little – or if you are like me, A lot!  Look, if you buy the tickets now, you will be more inclined to going when the season opens.  They may even have some deals on the off-season!  Grab a friend!
 
Wireless Headphones – $50-$200. 
I dreamt of the day where I my run didn’t end in a wrestling match between me and the wire of my headphones.  It’s here!  While a little pricey, totally worth it!  This is one of those splurges that I would never buy myself, but would really appreciate if Mr. Colletti bought for me.