S’well bottles.

S’well is a brand that creates stylish durable water bottles, and it is the company’s mission to reduce the use of plastic bottles in the world. The bottles are made out of insulated stainless steel and keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12.

I like this brand, not only because I find the bottles fashionable, but because it is working towards bettering the environment and communities by helping charity partners. For example, the company donated money to the U.S. Fund for Unicef to help provide clean water to children around the world.

The company offers customized bottles for brands, corporations and events. For example, the company has had a success with creating custom bottles for a number of designers for their NYFW shows and backstage.

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I think S’well is a sustainable, stylish and charitable choice for a water bottle, which can be used in many situations, also in the gym. On S’wells webpage http://www.swellbottle.com you can see pictures of the bottles posted by customers on Instagram. I made a collage with some of my favorite pictures.

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Countdown.

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Ten months ago, I sent an application to become a part of Denmark’s best fitness team, Team Fisker Performance. Back then in October/November 2014, the New Comers Competition 2015 seemed so far away, but now ten months has become less than 30 days. The time has passed so fast, and 30 days will probably become one day just as quick.

With the new focus, I started working out every second day for the first month, while I was still on exchange in Vietnam. When I got back to Denmark in December, I started working out five times a week, which I have done ever since. The last couple of months also combined with some cardio. The gym has been my second home and I don’t even want to count the amount of hours I have spent in there. I like working out and use my time in the gym, and that’s what matters. I am a spontaneous person but an amazing planner too, which results in the fact that I have never missed a single workout session.

It is important to reflect upon the things you do in life, and I have been thinking much about my fitness journey lately. Just by now, I find the experience has given me a lot. I have learned important things and strengthened some of my personal skills.

Workout: When I started in November, I was new to the whole idea of doing strength training by myself. I was more the type who was attending the different classes offered by the gym, such as cross fit, HIT and other strength and dance classes. I also enjoyed outdoor running.

The past ten months has given me knowledge about how to work out, and how to do the different exercises with the right technique. Now, I finally know the name of many exercises (I found this difficult in the beginning), and which muscle groups they are targeting. I can use this knowledge and self-confidence later on when I continue to work out without a coach. Now I would feel like I actually know what I am doing with the dumbbells.

Amazing people and experiences: As I am on a fitness team, I have met so many inspiring people. The coaches have learned me so much, and my teammates are a group of cool dedicated people. Every one of them has worked hard in the gym and has improved throughout this year. I have gained an insight into the fitness world, and gotten many new experiences related to this.

Cooking: I improved my cooking skills with 100%. Before, cooking was just something I needed to get over as quick as possible so that I could eat. Now, I enjoy cooking. All this amazing food you are able to make yourself in the kitchen – It is like an amazing new world for me, and I like it! When I am not on my diet anymore, I am going to cook so much delicious food, especially dishes from India, Italy and Mexico. My all-time favourite kitchens. My friends can definitely expect some dinner invitations later this year.

Nutrition: I know a lot about food now. I know what to eat in order to get more energy and built muscles, and I know what to eat to loose fat. I have seen the importance of a healthy diet on my own body, and I am fascinated about how you can transform your body by eating differently.

Extremely good habits: By following a workout and meal plan, I have become extremely good at planning my life to make it as easy as possible for myself. I am food prepping one-two days ahead, and every evening I am preparing my breakfast so it’s ready to cook in the morning. This way it makes it easier to follow my meal plan and it results in less stress.

Self-discipline and will power: I have improved my self-discipline and will power. For example, I don’t touch the Nutella I have in my kitchen, and people can eat candy, cake etc. in front of me without me caring much. I have been to many parties and social arrangements without eating unhealthy or drinking alcohol, always bringing my own food and drinks. Sometimes it was hard to say no, but it was necessary to do so.

No matter how the competition will turn out, the process itself has taught so many things that I can take with me further in my life.

In my gym bag.

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Among clutches and handbags, my gymbag is probably the one I use the most. Let’s take a look inside.

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Inside, I have my black Adidas trainers, which I use in the gym with only one exception: Squats! When squatting, I use my Reebok Crossfit shoes because they support me much better than the trainers. There is a huge difference, I believe. I use the yellow leather straps for deadlifts. It irritates me when my hands are slipping the barbell, but I feel I can easily lift a heavier weight. Especially when it’s warm outside and the gym is hot like a sauna. Here the straps can be a help, but usually, I deadlift without the straps.

Sometimes, I bring a banan and a proteinshake with me to the gym, but mostly I just hurry home to blend it all into a well-tasting smoothie. I have protein powder in many different flavours, and my favourite flavour right now is caribbean chocolate (coconut taste) or strawberry/white chocolate. One banana, 30 gram whey, and water. Simple, but yet so tasting. I should post a picture of this soon.

I also bring my membership card (of course), a padlock, a hair band and my headphones. My set of headphones is essential when I am doing cardio. I usually powerwalk to an episode of Modern Family or Glee. It magically makes the time goes faster.

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My good old running shoes I use when I am doing cardio or powerwalking outside. I like to walk in the nature, and these shoes are often very muddy.