THE DAILY DEN.: 2014

Going to the gym is an important part of my day. On a good day, an early morning weightlifting/cardio hit can leave me with a pump that will last through most of my busy work-day. I hate to break it to ya' fellas, but oversized basketball shorts, a "vintage" Kobe #8 jersey, and the basketball sneakers you also wear to mow the lawn (#grassstains) just aren't going to cut it these days. Of course, you don't need a three piece warm up suit either. For me, comfortable and functional gear reigns supreme. Since I typically make my way to the gym just before sunrise, a pair of long running pants and a fleece sweatshirt are essential, especially during those frigid Southern California winter months. Next is a well-fitted running or training shoe. While the Adidas Adistar Boost shoes pictured above have been working well for me lately, I recommend you take the time to get properly fitted by a professional at your local specialty running store (roadrunnersports.com). Lightweight, highly breathable lace-ups (like the Adistar Boosts) are the current trend, and almost every major brand out there has a variation of this type of shoe in their line-up.

Now for the "extras." A set of quality earbuds to listen to your favorite playlist (or in my case, AM talk radio). Don't forget a towel! Nobody likes the guy who leaves his nasty sweat all over the press bench!! An Alexander Wang towel is about as plush and luxurious as it gets, coming complete with its own mesh stash bag. Cover up that bed head with a fitted cap and consider yourself ready to start your day.

One last thing... If you're anything like me, looking a my phone to check the time is NOT the "norm." I wear a watch. Yes. A watch. And not a video-chatting/beam-me-up "phone on my wrist" watch. Just a regular watch. I use the term "regular" loosely by the way. Pictured here is the Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Drive Timer. Needless to say, it's not cheap. But, it is a quality sports watch that can also be worn with any suit or other formal attire on most any occasion. So, in the offshoot that you're in the market for a set of running shoes and a $4,000 + timepiece, be sure to check this one out!

- Will

1. Adidas Ultimate Base Fleece sweatshirt in black (adidas.com)

2. Adidas Adistar Boost shoes in Dark Onix (adidas.com)

3. Bose SIE2i sport headphones in blue (bose.com)

4. Christopher Raeburn aruck leather and canvas backpack (mrporter.com)

5. Adidas Response Astro Running pant in black (adidas.com)

6. New York Yankees New Era cap- Lids exclusive (lids.com)

7. Alexander Wang towel with mesh bag (alexanderwang.com)

8. Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Drive Timer (tagheuer.com)