Tonal Coach Kendall “Woody” Wood Shares Gym Bag Staples & Talks Mental Health

She can’t live without her Theragun, New Balance Sneakers, Supergoop SPF & more

Welcome to ATN’s new Q+A influencer series, where we tap ATN-loved trainers to share their current obsessions: from workouts they love to morning routines, can’t live without gear, what foods they’re eating to refuel, and more wellness musings. As athletes, we’re all pretty passionate about our specific routines, but it never gets old seeing what others in the industry are personally loving and doing.

Up this week is Kendall “Woody” Wood , a CPT who’s been a Tonal Coach since 2021. If you’re in the fitness community, you’ve no doubt heard of, if not already tried, Tonal – a smart home gym system that uses digital weights and resistance technology for strength training. The best-selling piece of equipment is pricey at around $4k, but so worth the investment. The all-in-one piece of equipment comes with a monthly membership of classes and personalized workout programs courtesy of top trainers like Woody, an East Coast native who recently returned to NYC after 7 years in LA.

Like many of you, she’s well-versed and has done everything from boxing to personal training, to group fitness. As a fitness trainer, her overall philosophy is to keep it approachable and fun. “It’s important to me to continue to humanize the experience of fitness, by not only being a source of knowledge but also just by being myself: a relatable, playful human being!”

Below Woody talks about currently training for a half marathon, the exact breakfast that keeps her full for hours, what’s in her gym bag, and how she prioritizes mental health.

P.S. Athletech readers can save $200 on a Tonal device with the code Athlete200 at checkout.

What’s your weekly workout schedule?

I’m currently training for my second half marathon, so, at present, my routine revolves around accumulating miles outdoors. It’s so important to support my running, and also my mental health, with strength training, which I do on Tonal and sometimes at the local NYSC or gym in my residential building. I’m guilty of sacrificing recovery before anything else, but mobility is a huge component and complement to my current routine, so I try to do that as often as possible.

What’s your go-to gym bag?

I’m a big Dagne Dover fan. I have a few of their products, but my most used gym bag is the Dakota Backpack . The backpack reigns supreme for me living in a big city where I’m bopping from place to place, riding CitiBikes, walking miles on miles, and usually, carrying whatever I might need for the next 8 hours of my day. It’s also made from neoprene, so it’s super durable, flexible to pack to the brim, and easy to clean. I also have the Ace Fanny Pack , which I strap on for runs, and the Landon Carryall , which is a solid weekender bag!

What five items are always in your gym bag?

1. Blistex medicated mint chapstick
2. Chomps pepperoni turkey stick
3. Trident spearmint gum
4. Hair clip
5. Secret Clinical Strength deodorant

If you had to pick, what is your go-to workout outfit?

This fit has me written all over it. These Athleta leggings are the foundation for any workout outfit. I prefer a high-waisted and snug fit; I want to feel held in and supported for whatever kind of workout I’m slated for that day. This Carbon38 bra is a personal favorite because the material is insanely soft and it lays comfortably on my skin. There’s nothing more annoying than a bra that’s so tight, you can’t wait to get it off. I love adding layers to my workout outfit, like this Aritzia zip-up that I have in many colors. They’re as easy to throw on as they are to take off, and I have an extra layer for errands post-workout. These New Balance running sneakers are some of the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever put on your feet. I went up a half size for maximum comfort while clocking miles; they’ve served me well for running and more!

Tell us about your morning routine.

This is going to make you gasp, but my morning routine involves waking myself up with a giant cup of coffee. I require at least 20 minutes with my coffee on the couch before tackling even the smallest task. After that, I take my dogs for a walk, which does wonders for my mental health. Sun on my face and fresh air have healing powers, I swear. My go-to morning skincare involves two products I recommend to all my people: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF .

What is your go-to breakfast?

I’m typically craving something savory in the morning, and I want to feel satiated for as long as possible if I’m heading to work or have a big day ahead. My usual breakfast looks like 2-3 eggs and one Al Fresco chicken sausage patty on a tortilla. Lately, I’ve been on an oatmeal kick, and my oatmeal recipe is so extra: Naked Whey chocolate protein powder, cashew butter, frozen blueberries, and Catalina Crunch dark chocolate cereal .

What are your top five pantry staples you can’t live without?

1. Vista Hermosa Flour Tortillas

The tortilla is the greatest vessel ever created! You can put anything in a tortilla, specifically Vista Hermosa flour tortillas, and it’s an instant hit. I throw it into a pan to heat up for 1-2 minutes before topping it with protein and whatever else. I always have these in the fridge.

2. Buffalo Bitchin’ Sauce

Bitchin’ Sauce is an almond-based dipping sauce that’s the perfect condiment. You can use this for your veggies, on top of your sandwich or burger, or throw some into a salad or savory cottage cheese snack. Buffalo is the best flavor!

3. Haagen Daz Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

My love for ice cream runs deep, and Haagen Daz has had my affection as of late.

4. Spindrift Half Tea Half Lemon Sparkling Wa ter

Water is great and all, but have you ever had a Spindrift? It’s the superior sparkling water with just the right amount of carbonation, and Half Tea Half Lemon is the crowned prince.

5. Nespresso Half-Caffeinated Coffee Pods and Il Caffè Espresso Pods

Neck and neck with Spindrift for my beverage of choice, coffee is my lifeblood. It also serves as a go-to pre-workout. I love making my red eye with a half-caff cup of coffee and one espresso shot added in for just the right amount of jolt.

What do you do for self-care?

I am a glutton for a good massage. I go to a local small business every two weeks for a full-body massage because my body is tired, ya know? My most frequent and cost-effective self-care practice, however, one that I swear by and encourage all my friends to take part in, is walking! There is nothing more settling for the mind and body than a long, leisurely walk outside. No walk is complete without my mom and son’s pups, Jelly and Bean, and you better believe I’m practicing self-care in style. My walking sneaker of choice is either the New Balance 530s or Nike AirMax 90s and I love a matching set from Sporty and Rich to complete this cozy athleisure moment.

Any other wellness products you can’t live without?

Theragun Mini for constant knots before my next massage. CrossRope Jump Ropes for cardio that’s not running and still kicks your ass. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones for walking, running, strength training, and pretending I’m unavailable. And Advil is an amazing product.

Best fitness advice for anyone just starting their fitness journey?

Find the activity you love and settle in. If you love the activity or the workout, you’ll keep showing up. The more you show up, the more confident and comfortable you become. The people who show up frequently alongside you are your people; they’re your accountability partners. Tap into accountability partners when life gets hectic and excuses start popping up.

Save $200 on a Tonal device with the code Athlete200 at checkout.

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