As someone who works out regularly, I like to have my gym essentials ready to go with all the things I need for an efficient workout. I typically pack my gym bag with the clothes I need for my workouts the night before and while obviously that part changes each day (I mean, let's hope so), I have several things that remain in my bag at all times. So here’s a little look at what's in my gym bag.
Small Burner Duffel
First and foremost, can we talk about this Vooray bag though? Insert heart eyes here. I discovered this brand on Instagram and became obsessed with the pattern. So much so that I bought a smaller backpack kind of situation in the navy color as well. Besides being adorbs, it’s also super functional. I love that it has several pockets and compartments inside for anything I need. In addition to the inside pockets there is a zippered section on the outside as well as a mesh compartment to hold my water bottle. Another bonus is that there is a separate zippered area for my shoes. This keeps my dirty shoes away from my nice clean clothes. Besides all that, it's just a super cute bag.
Wireless Headphones
I used to use regular wired headphones but I was pretty much warming up for my workout by attempting to untangle them. Clearly, I was way late to the wireless headphone craze but now that I jumped on this bandwagon I am never getting off. I was always getting my dumbbells (or my arm) stuck in the wires and accidentally pulling the headphones out of my ears. No longer friends! Wireless headphones have solved 99% of my life problems. Ok not entirely but you get the point. The ones I use are from Plantronics. They fit my ears comfortably and hold their charge for 4-5 days. When I do need to plug them in they charge super quick. So even when I forget, I can get them charged for a workout in the 10-15 minutes it takes to get dressed for the gym. I've had them about a year now and they have just made my gym life so much easier. One of my favorite workout purchases for sure. You can find them at Costco as well as Amazon.
Headbands
I have a hard time getting headbands to stay in place when I workout. I have a giant head so that may be part of the issue. They are always sliding up the back of my head and popping right off. These ones from BLOM are thicker and stay put no matter what workout I’m doing. Even when I'm doing higher intensity plyo workouts or sprints they stay in place perfectly. I fold them over once so the band is a tad thinner. I'm a pretty sweaty human and they keep the sweat from pouring down my face in buckets. Since I started using them I don’t workout without one. When I am running late I sometimes will forget to grab one so I always keep a spare in my bag for emergencies. I purchase mine from Amazon.
Resistance Bands
I use an assist band for pull ups and it has been such a good investment. One of my main goals is to complete an unassisted pull up so since I’m not quite there yet, the assist band has been my BFF when I am practicing. The other resistance bands I use are a variety pack with different levels of difficulty. These babies are only 7.99 on Amazon which is awesome. I use them for banded squat walks, banded glute bridges, leg abductors or banded squats to warm up and activate my muscles for leg day. These guys are always tossed in my bag so they are readily available when needed. I am also planning on bringing these on an upcoming trip I'm going on since I won't have access to the gym. There are just so many things that you can do with them so they always come in handy.
Running Belt
When I was doing a lot of half marathons a couple of years ago I bought this running belt to stash my phone, tissues and other running essentials. It was always a lifesaver for me. As I have transitioned to more weight lifting, I still use this belt to hold my phone and key when I’m on the gym floor. I’ve never been a big fan of the arm bands that hold your phone so this running belt is my version of that. I hardly ever workout without it. I even bring it on hikes or wear it under my clothes when traveling to carry my ID, money and things of that nature. Bonus use!
Toiletries Bag
I like to make sure I keep a stash of freshening up type of products in my gym bag. It's in my bag at all times and I make sure to check it from time to time so that it is well stocked. I have found myself at the gym after forgetting to put on deodorant that morning and there’s nothing worse than trying to lift weights and feeling like you’re afraid to lift your arms. I may or may not be speaking from personal experience. So a deodorant stick is definitely in my bag. Other things I keep in my bag are body spray, lotion, face wipes, lip balm, gum/mints, hair ties and an emergency stash of “That Time of the Month” items. Always be prepared ladies! Also, I don't understand where all my hair ties end up. Of everything in that little bag it's the hair ties I'm constantly restocking. Where is this abyss they fall into??!
Fitbit
Ok this is kind of cheating because it’s on me and not technically in my bag but I don’t leave home without it. I love love love my blaze. Besides tracking all my steps, I use it to record all my workouts including calories burned and heart rate. And really, if you worked out without your FitBit, does it even count?
I also keep an extra pair of socks in my bag because for some reason, when I forget an article of clothing to throw in my bag, it’s always socks. Another thing always in my bag is a fresh towel. No one likes a sweaty human (me) leaving their mark all over the equipment.
And that's all folks. Those are my gym bag workout essentials without which, my gym experience would feel incomplete. I'm sure you have some of your own gym bag necessities and I would love to hear what they are!
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