In an effort to stick to your New Year’s resolution of getting into shape you joined a gym and you are ready to start hitting it hard. Have you thought about what to put into your gym bag? It seems trivial but having a properly stocked gym bag can not only enhance but save your workout. Let me tell you – there is nothing worse then getting the gym and realizing you don’t have sneakers or a sports bra or some other item that is key to exercise. And let’s face any chance to bow out of an exercise session is just the beginning of the end. There are plenty of obvious things that you need to bring to gym to workout but here is a list of essentials to help set you up for success:
Gym Bag Must-Haves
- Music Player – iPod, Sony Walkman, MP3 Player – Music is a key to keeping up your momentum when working out.
- Terry Cloth towel – this is to clean off machines or to wipe your own sweat off your body. (Please use two separate towels for this unless you get one of these – Safe Side Towel !)
- Water – either a disposable or reusable water bottle is absolutely necessary for every exercise session. CamelBack makes a great Reusable bottle.
- Extra set of workout clothes – top, bottom, socks and under garments. This way if you forget them one time you won’t be forced to skip the session.
- Toiletries – if you plan to shower at the gym be sure to bring shampoo/conditioner, body wash, and a towel.
- Extra Hair ties – if you use a ponytail holder, clip, headband or bandana have at least two extras in your bag at all time
- Flip-flops/Sandals – if you are going to walk around in the locker room, never ever go shoeless! Adidas makes a great flip flop for use in the shower.
- Bag – your bag should be just big enough to fit your essentials in. A good one will have lots of compartments to keep things separate and easy to find.
“Optional” Gym Bag Essentials
- Gloves – any type of gloves suited to what you are doing – boxing gloves for bag work, lifting gloves for weight work, etc.
- Workout Journal – use this to keep track of your progress as well as your vitals. FitBook By Fitlosophy
- Keyed or Combo Lock – you don’t want to have to lug your gear all over the gym, so if your gym doesn’t provide locks for the lockers bring your own.
- Hair brush – just in case.
- Make-up essential – do not put your whole makeup kit in there just a tube of lipstick and a tube of mascara just in case you have to run some place after your workout.
- Energy or Meal-Replacement Bar – something to boost your energy level prior to workout.
Keep Your Bag Stocked and Clean
Assign yourself a time, one a week, to restock your gym bag. It is also important to keep your items clean and in good working order. And as I mentioned before you don’t want something as simple as not having a hair ties give you just that little bit of a reason to skip the gym.
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I’ve started listening to books while I work out! I get really involved in the story and the time passes quickly! Better than music!
That is a great tip, Tara! I may have to try that one. I am often have a book with me on the elliptical but listening would be much easier! Thanks for sharing.