Who: Lauren Buckner, 42, Congress Heights
Does: Body by Buckner owner and fitness trainer
Approach to fitness: “I believe in training clients from the ‘inside out,’ focusing first on positive thinking and healthy habits and then creating customized workouts. I fuse dynamic workouts with elements of cardio and low-impact workouts with elements of yoga. Above all, I strive to make fitness fun and to motivate people of all abilities and ages to just move.“
The Bag
“My fitness bag is dope,” says Buckner. “It’s so stylish and bright. Tangerine is one of my favorite colors.” An added bonus—it’s made of neoprene, so it’s soft but durable.
Sporty Spice Tangerine Bag; $166; Annabel Ingall
Finger Stopwatch
“This is my favorite and most valuable item in my bag,” says Buckner. “I teach a lot of high-intensity classes and I move around a lot when I teach, so having a timer that I can wear on my finger is amazing. It doesn’t get in the way and I can keep time from any place in the room.”
SportCount Stopwatch; $33; Amazon
Water
“Hydration is important, so I try to carry water with me at all times,” says Buckner. She likes TotalFit because it’s loaded with electrolytes and minerals.
TotalFit Alkaline Premium Water; $20 for 12-pack; TotalFit
Protein Packets
Buckner always tells her clients to be prepared if hunger strikes, which is why she likes these on-the-go protein packets. Using them, she can make a shake anywhere, anytime, and she likes Arbonne because the products are plant-based and have 20 grams of protein.
Chocolate protein shake mix; $39 for 10-pack; Arbonne
Skincare
“I sweat everyday, so I have to keep my skin clean to prevent breakouts,” says Buckner. She particularly likes these Fre products because they’re targeted at women who frequently work out and sweat a lot.
The 123Fre Set; $115; Fre Skincare
Sunscreen
Buckner teaches a lot of outdoor workouts, so sun protection is a must. She likes Coola because it’s light, organic, and doesn’t leave behind white streaks when she sweats.
Prices vary; Coola Sunscreen
Essential Oils
When teaching a yoga class or leading a meditation, Buckner breaks out these oils to help her clients soothe their muscles and relax.
Serene Living Oils; prices vary; Dragon Herbs
Cards for a Free Workout
Buckner makes sure to tell everyone she meets about the workout classes she teaches. And she wants readers to check them out, too—which is why you can bring this flyer for a free class (above) to any of her workouts.
Mimi Montgomery joined Washingtonian in 2018. She’s written for The Washington Post, Garden & Gun, Outside Magazine, Washington City Paper, DCist, and PoPVille. Originally from North Carolina, she now lives in Del Ray.
