Regular exercise helps us remain healthy and fit. You need to bring some essential things in your gym bag if you are planning to visit a gym actually to start exercising. You can’t simply take a towel and a water bottle with you when you go to the gym. When you are finished with your workout sessions or right before your workout session, you will need several other things.
Trust us; we were all thinking about taking the extra juices, nail files, and old equipment to the gym, but honestly, who’s going to use it? It is all about keeping it simple when it comes to packing for the gym.
What type of Gym bag should you carry?
Consider whether the bag fits your needs before you take the time to pack your gym bag. Lugging a bag that’s too large doesn’t make sense, or trying to cram everything into a bag that’s too small. If needed, the right-sized gym bag can hold all the items you need and be mobile enough to carry public transport (like the bus or metro).
If you plan to shower at the gym, Try getting a bag of separate wet and dry compartments (including one for your mobile phone or music player). The strap should be flexible and, without cutting in, rest comfortably on your shoulder. Finally, to avoid mildew and musty odors, opt for washable and breathable bags.
Here are 9 essential things to carry in your gym bag:
1. Gym shoes
There is nothing worse than going to the gym and realizing that your shoes have been forgotten to pack. Seriously, how are you supposed to get there with no shoes through a spin class? Make the harsh truth a thing of the past when assembling your gym bag by always packing your shoes first. Don’t ever forget your socks! Several gyms charge you a lot for these things, so make sure to bring your own!
2. Workout clothes
Forgetting a vital piece of training gear is very frustrating. A lost pair of socks will turn an otherwise effective exercise into a formula for blisters and chafing.
Some important things to pack may include depending on your exercise:
- Clean underwear or sports bra
- Fresh pair of gym socks
- Hairband, hair tie or clip, or a cap
- Swimsuit, swim cap, and goggles
- Shorts, leggings, or sweatpants, etc.
3. Towel
A towel can be handy if you go to the gym, even if you don’t take a shower there. Not only is it hygienic to use a gym towel, but it’s good manners, too. You’re probably going to want to wipe that sweat off your face and your whole body.
Cotton towels are usually better in the gym as the fibers are highly absorbent and can dry quickly. Microfiber towels can also be convenient because they dry much quicker.
Many gyms provide members with clean towels to use, which will save you space in your bag. Some persons, however, choose to use their towels.
4. A Water Bottle
In your exercise bag, a water bottle is a must-have. Opt for a bottle of steel or copper and ditch the plastic because it’s not safe for your health. If you are particular about drinking cold water during gym sessions, you can purchase a thermos with plenty of water capacity. It is important to be hydrated during and after a workout, so make sure to keep it in your bag daily.
Bottle prices typically vary from under $10 to well over $50. If you choose a reusable plastic bottle, choose one made of non-toxic bisphenol A (BPA) plastic.
5. Headphones
Headphones are at the top of the list, and getting a perfect music playlist is fuel for your exercise, whether you’re like most people. Music is important for concentrating and keeping in the right headspace if you are doing cardio, lifting weights, or doing yoga. Motivating music and quality headphones can make the difference between a good workout and a great workout. Headphones are comfortable to leave in your gym bag. Just remember to put them right back after your workout, so you don’t forget them the next day!
6. Heart rate monitor
You don’t need a heart rate monitor to work out, but it would be good to have it. For interval training or while you are pushing yourself into the anaerobic zone, it is pretty helpful.
In all price ranges, wristband-style heart rate monitors are affordable. You can also opt for higher-end versions such as the Fitbit Charge 3, which provides functions such as a pedometer and monitoring the heart and breathing.
7. Hand Sanitiser
Fight germs with a little bottle of hand sanitizer at your side if your gym doesn’t provide disinfectant wipes for cleaning weights and machines. There are a few additional ways to protect your gym bag and gear from bacteria.
8. Items of Personal Care
Hygiene is essential, no matter your gym or chosen exercise. You also want to avoid athlete’s foot and other common locker room infections beyond freshening up after a hard workout.
A shortlist of personal care items “must-have” in your gym bag includes:
- Antifungal spray or ointment
- Blowdryer
- Body and face moisturizer
- Comb or hairbrush
- Deodorant
- Extra underwear
- Makeup and remover
- Menstrual products (tampons, pads, menstrual cups)
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower sandals or flip-flops
- Soap or body wash
- Spare contact lenses and solution
- Washcloth or scrubber
You should have a dedicated travel bag to carry all of your personal care items for the gym. In most drugstores, you can buy travel-sized portions of lotions and shampoos.
9. Don’t Forget to Pack Healthy Snacks in Your Gym Bag
A good gym workout will make you feel hungry faster than you would think. An essential gym bag includes some snacks that will keep you recharged on the go. You do not often have time for a full breakfast, but in your bag, snacks such as bananas, nuts, yogurt, etc. may help you push yourself until you can spare more time for a proper meal. Many people only stick to a bar of granola that usually holds them for an hour or more. But it would be best if you kept all the things mentioned above so that you have plenty of options to eat.
Final Thoughts
Going to the gym becomes part of your routine after working out for a while. And in that routine, it is just normal to forget some essential things when going for a workout. Therefore, in your gym bag, you should carry stuff you need to have. You may also need to customize the essential item list accordingly. With no worries, get your bag packed and jump into your workout!
