Workout Gear and Gym Bag Essentials

There’s no worse feeling than getting to the gym and realizing you forgot something. That is why it’s always important to have a gym bag packed and ready to go. There are certain things that you should keep in your gym bag so you’re always ready for your next workout.

Quality Workout Clothes

Yes, you can work out in that ratty old cotton college t-shirt and shorts filled with holes. However, that might not be the most comfortable thing. Certain workouts, like yoga, are best when you wear clothing with a specific fit. Other workouts where you get very sweaty will benefit from moisture-wicking clothing. If you’re wearing uncomfortable, ill-fitting clothing or something that is the wrong style for your workout, you’ll spend the entire time tugging at and adjusting your outfit. You don’t need to drop $100 on a pair of workout pants. There are plenty of places that sell cheap, quality workout clothes.

Good Shoes

If you spend money on one thing for your gym bag, make it your workout shoes. Quality shoes that are appropriate for your exercises will make your workout more comfortable, improve your performance, and keep you from getting injured. Make sure they are supportive. You can visit a specialty workout store to talk to a professional and get fitted for a shoe that works for your goals and foot type.

Water Bottle

Hydration is critical, you make sure that you always have a water bottle on you. Fill it up once you get to the gym and try to drink the entire thing within an hour or so of finishing your workout. You don’t want to be without any way to replenish fluids when working out, and taking constant trips to the water fountain is annoying and disruptive.

Deodorant

Do not be that person who is sweating up a storm with no deodorant to make you a little more pleasant to work out next to. Keep a travel-sized deodorant or antiperspirant in your bag so you never forget it.

Towel

You’re going to get sweaty at the gym. Instead of letting it run all over your face or wiping it up with your shirt, use a towel to keep yourself fresh and clean while you exercise. Replace these frequently with clean towels (read: every time) to avoid germs.

Headphones

Don’t run the risk of forgetting your headphones and having to power through your workout without your pump-up playlist. Get a pair of headphones to keep in your gym bag so you know you’ll always have them. There are lots of inexpensive options out there, including bluetooth ones that don’t have any wires.

Watch or Timer

While you’re on a machine like a treadmill or elliptical, you probably have a timer or clock right there to keep you on track. If you’re lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises, you might not have a good view of a clock. Make sure you have a watch or timer so you can easily do time-based workouts and exercises like HIIT workouts.

Germ Wipes

Hopefully your gym has wipes that you can grab to remove germs from the machine before (and after- clean up after yourself!) you get on it. However, sometimes gyms run out of wipes so make sure to keep some in your bag.

Snacks

Refueling after your workout is important for building muscle. If you aren’t going home immediately, keep protein-packed snacks in your bag that you can munch on after your workout. Packs of almonds or other nuts, protein bars, and seed-based granola can be kept in your bag and eaten on the go.