It’s a new year! Are you looking to hit the gym to make some headway on resolutions? First things first, whether you are a beginner, or a two-a-day workout fanatic, you don’t want to show up empty handed at the gym. Worse, you don’t want to show up with your hands and pockets stuffed full of the things you don’t really need.
A high-end gym bag isn’t necessary (a backpack will work just fine), but you do need something to hold the essentials and make your life a little easier — no extra trips back and forth between home, work and the gym. And if you can leave it overnight in a locker at the gym, it’ll enable you to show up empty handed but still have everything you need to get you through a workout — and to get you out the door not smelling unpleasant.
So what are the nine most essential items for gym-goers? Let’s take a look inside a well-stocked bag.
1. Water
Being hydrated and staying hydrated is very important to your health and performance levels during workouts. Your body is made up of 70% water and it will not function at peak performance if you are not hydrated. Water also transports nutrients that are essential for energy and recovery, and removes waste and toxins from the body. Water is also essential to help regulate your body’s temperature. I recommend using a BPA-free refillable water bottle. It’ll save you a few bucks and it’s best for the environment.
2. Music
There’s no better motivator than a great playlist. Create a few new playlists every weekend and store them on your mp3 player. Cook up a hardcore mix, a cardio mix, an all-time-favorite mix, a cooldown mix, a stretch mix, and anything else you can think up. It’s a great way to add a little zip to your day and make your workouts fun. It’s also a great idea to download audio books or podcasts to listen to as you do cardio.
3. Footwear
Whether you’re going to the gym before or after work, or just getting out of the house for a quick workout, you don’t want to worry about showing up only to realize you’re still wearing work boots or wingtips. Keep a pair of workout shoes in your bag at all times and you won’t have to double back to your home to take a second whack at getting prepared — or decide to park yourself on the couch because it’s already too much hassle.
A good pair of cross-training shoes will suit your needs no matter what you do. Whether you decide to lift weights, run on the track, get on the stationary bike, or play a game of basketball or racquetball, cross-trainers won’t let you down.
You’ll also want to pack a pair of flip-flops so you won’t have to stand directly on the locker room floor when you shower or change clothes. Forget your flip-flops and you’re asking for a bad case of fungal infection in the form of athlete’s foot.
3. Journal
A workout journal is a great way to track your progress, and an ideal place to jot down goals, ideas and new exercises. You can also have a page of motivating quotes for days that you need a mini pep talk.
4. Fuel
Many fitness clubs offer snacks, and even cafes, but if you do not have the proper fuel in tow, you might take in some extra calories and spend unnecessary money. Keep a large zip-lock bag full of gym snacks, such as nutrition bards, in case you need a quick pre or post-workout calorie infusion.
5. Toiletries
A great line of attack for the gym is hygiene, hygiene, hygiene. We all want to smell fresh and clean after a great workout, especially if we have somewhere important to go. Try a clear, natural deodorant to stay dry and battle unwanted odor and minimizes streaks on your clothes. Also, keep you gym bag stocked with mini bottles filled with your regular skincare, hair care, and body care products, if you plan on showering at the gym.
6. Antibacterial Wipes
When there’s no time to shower after a workout, blot the sweat with a clean towel and then do a mini wipe-down with the antibacterial wipes. Of course, you’ll want to follow up with a fresh coat of deodorant.
7. Plastic Bag
Tossing your used and sweaty clothes in your gym bag after a workout is not only unhygienic, but it can also cause a foul smell to develop in your bag. This is why it’s important to have a re-sealable plastic bag where you can place your workout clothes. Sealing the plastic bags will ensure that the odor is prevented from spreading. This is particularly important if you work out at the gym in the morning before heading to work.
8. Two Towels
It’s important to have two towels: one to use during your workouts on the machines and a clean one to wipe your face and body post-workout. If you sweat a fair amount during your workout, invest in a microfiber towel. It stays dry to the touch and helps draw sweat from the hair and skin to keep you comfortable.
9. Coconut Water
Coconut water is by far a top recommendation for a postworkout drink. It’s 100% natural, contains more electrolytes than most sports drinks, has almost 15 times more potassium than a banana, is high in fiber (2.6 g in 8 oz), helps to balance pH levels, is low in calories and is fat free. Enough said.
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