How many times have you hit snooze on the alarm you set an hour early to get up for a morning workout to only end up running late instead? What about skipping that last weight training set or cutting your cardio session in half or saying "I workout extra hard tomorrow"? We can all use a little motivation when it comes to exercise! 

My passion for health and fitness is my lifestyle so many people think I participate in various types of physical activities, but to be honest....I am a GYM RAT. I love to lift weights and perform my own versions of circuit training while listening to up beat music. You are probably thinking I pretty much spend all my free time working out but the truth is, I am just like you....I need motivation and accountability too! So you can only imagine my excitement when I met Vince & Athena, Founders/Creators of The Sox Box; fashionable/functional knee high socks that talk to you when you can't! Yes....socks with motivational words to remind you WHY you are training, pushing you to maximize your workout efforts! I   had to have not just one pair, but three that read: BEAUTY/BEAST, BARBELL/BABE, STRONG/MAMMA! I wear mine when I perform plyometric or circuit training workouts. Not only are these socks cute, matching my gym clothes; but comfortable with extra cushioning for the bottom my feet and not too tight so the circulation in my legs is not cut off. Check out The Sox Box collection and find a pair that fits your personality color and spirit! In honor of the service men and women who sacrifice their lives in the name of freedom and justice, The Sox Box pledges is a lifetime donation of 20% of all Sox Box profits to the Independence Fund, a non-profit group that directly supports the wounded service members fighting the global war on terror. 

Win a 3 Pairs of The Sox Box Knee High Socks!

How to Enter:
Leave a comment below with two motivational words that you would want on a pair of Sox Box socks to inspire you to give your workout all you got! (REQUIRED)

Bonus Entries:

1. Follow @GetFitSanDiego on Twitter
2. Follow @TheSoxBox on Twitter
3. Follow @GetFitSanDiego Instagram & Share the Giveaway Image 
4. Sign-Up for the Get Fit E-Newsletter.
   
5. Tweet this as many times as you’d like. Click the Tweet button below, copy and paste this: Knee high socks that talk to you when you can't @TheSoxBox! #WIN a pair that motivates you from @GetFitSanDiego! http://bit.ly/12nvS5N
6. Subscribe to Get Fit San Diego via RSS.
7. Pin this to Pinterest.
   

This giveaway will end on Mon 3/11/13 at 12pm PST. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on Monday 3/11/13 at 2pm PST. The more entries you have, the higher your chances of winning. Good Luck!

How many of you out there keep a gym bag in your car or office? Up until now, I was guilty of not even owning a gym bag. I know HARD to imagine "Me the FITness Queen NOT Owning a Gym Bag"! As long time member of 24 Hour Fitness, I was molded to the "in & out" routine, wearing my gym gear to the gym, powering through my workout, then home to shower for the day. 

I recently joined the The Sporting Club at Aventine in the UTC area of La Jolla and quickly learned that having a gym bag with ALL the right essentials is a MUST! Typically one goes to the gym to workout and sweat, right? With amenities like spa services, suana, jacuzzi, pool for swimming laps or to just relax in a cabana, juice bar and cafe, a locker room the size of my house; one could spend hours enjoying themselves. So my search was on to find the right gym bag for myself and load it up with goodies! 

I chose the Lavendar Sport Tote from FitMark an exclusive brand of bags for fitness enthusiast. I absolutely LOVE my new gym bag; fashionably stylish with a compartment for everything you would need for a trip to the gym, even a laundry bag with anti-microbial protection for those sweaty gym clothes. A few of my favorite features this bag has to offer are the fit-hydrate™ pocket with insulated liner for your sports bottle and the soft lined pocket with categorized sections for your phone, keys and valuables. FitMark has a bag that is right for everyone's specific needs and style. Shop NOW to receive 10% OFF with code GETFITSD at checkout.

Now on to the important stuff, what to fill that gym bag with. Here is my personal list of items that accompany me on my trips to the gym:

Pre-Workout Essentials:

• Gym Towel from Towelmate - Yes, a gym towel with pocket in fun colors that tells you what side is to be used on the gym equipment and skin for whipping off that sweat.
• Water Bottle - Staying hydrated during a workout is very important.
• Running or Workout Shoes - Be sure to wear shoes that are comfortable and geared toward your fitness activity of choice. Don't hesitate to spend a little extra on your kicks or visit a shoe fitting experts like Road Runner Sports.
• Socks
• Sports Bra
• Workout Shorts or Pants
• Tank Top or T-Shirt
• Bathing Suit
• Weight Lifting Gloves (to protect my girly hands)
• iPod, iPhone, iPad or Music Device of Choice
• Headphones

Post-Workout Essentials:

• Change of Clothes
• Flip Flops for Showering
• Deodorant (travel size)
• Lotion (travel size)
• Tooth Paste and Tooth Brush (travel size)
• Face Wash and Make Up Bag (travel size)
• Hair Brush, Hair Tie and Hair Clip
• Body Wash and Loofah (travel size)
• Post-Workout Protein Shake, Protein Bar and a bag of nuts (to snack on)

Fitness and Fashion are my Passion! I was recently invited to attend an Indoor Cycling Class inside Neiman Marcus at Fashion Valley Mall (organized by On Demand Workout), led by Corey Spangler, Owner of The Rush Indoor Cycling Studio located in Birdrock. How could I possibly turn down the opportunity to do an hour of intense cardio while looking at the latest Fitness Fashion Trends?! Hello comfortable, stylish clothes! Neiman Marcus recently launched their NEW Active Wear Department "NM On-the-Go" featuring some of the top designer active wear brands. The collections featured in the new NM On-the-Go are selective, seasonal, trendy, comfortable and surprisingly affordable.

Yes....I was capable of participating in the fabulous spin class while browsing the racks with my eye! The event was a blast from the fabulous class from The Rush (my favorite place to get my weekly cardio) to the mimosa I was handed at the end of my workout, which I had to pass on. Ladies, next time you are at Fashion Valley Mall I encourage you to take a peek inside Neiman Marcus! Lastly, I STRONGLY recommend each and everyone of you take an Indoor Cycling Class at The Rush! Mention Get Fit SD for a FREE Introductory Ride!

Fitness, Fashion, Raffle Prizes, Shopping all equal a FABULOUS Girls Night Out at Road Runner Sports! Road Runner Sports started locally here in San Diego back in 1983 and has grown to be the "World's Largest Running & Walking Store". From their large selection of Brand Name active shoes, active apparel, active/fitness accessories and fitness equipment, you are sure to find what you need when it comes to fitness and exercise. You can head into one of their various Super Stores or order online from the comfort of your home. Road Runner Sports employees are experts in their area from Sports Bra Fittings to finding the right kind of shoes that works with your running style or your daily performance workouts/exercise. Road Runner Sports rewards you for shopping with their VIP Member Club Program with bonus savings and invites to special events. Road Runner Sports also offers great FREE fitness events within the San Diego Community, be sure to check the Get Fit San Diego Community Events Calendar. Shop NOW and SAVE 10% on your order!