I’ve spent a week trying to remember what my gym bag essentials are. I’m not necessarily new to the gym, I just haven’t been to one since 2019. I found my rhythm with at-home workouts and was content working out in my home environment. Now that I’m returning to the gym though, I need to get myself organized and ready to go.
I deep-dived through Pinterest for reminders of what I’ll need to bring to the gym. I also asked my daughter and husband to see if I was forgetting anything. This morning I hit the gym and was fully prepared. Everything I needed was in my bag and I had a killer work out.
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What Should You Pack In Your Gym Bag?
Gym Bag:
This doesn’t have to be special. It Can be a gym backpack or a gym duffle bag. I have a Puma duffle bag that I absolutely love! My favourite feature is it has a pocket for my runners. I use the shoe pocket for my outside runners so they don’t dirty up the inside of my gym bag.
Gym Shoes:
Most gyms require you to have indoor runners at their facility. This makes sense as they don’t want outside debris on their floors or machines.
Lock:
I don’t recommend bringing your bag with you onto the gym floor. Gyms can get very crowded and for whatever reason, some people will get annoyed if you bring your bag and jacket to the machines. Grab a lock, pop your jacket, old shoes, and gym bag into it, and rest easy so that they’re safe while you’re working out. This is my fav lock as you set your own code and it’s super simple to use.
Water Bottle:
You need a water bottle. You can grab a disposable water bottle, or bring a reusable one. I have this water bottle and it works great. I also keep a disposable one in my gym bag in case I run out of water. It happens sometimes, and there’s no way for me to predict when it will happen. I would rather have it and not use it, than run out and have to cut my work out short.
Wireless Ear Buds:
I make sure my iPods are charged up before I go. There is no way I am doing a workout without music. I also like the distraction so I don’t have to hear the noise around me, and for the most part, it keeps people from chatting with me.
Sweat Towel:
Not everyone needs this or will use this. I sweat easily so it’s a must for me. I have these ones. They absorb well and don’t leave behind fuzzies.
Hair Elastics:
If you have long hair this is a requirement. I have had elastics break on me so many times that I now carry them around in bulk everywhere I go.
Gym Card:
This depends on your gym and preferences. My daughter has a card thing that goes on her key chain so she never worries about it. My husband has an actual card and I have a wrist thing that I wear, we both stash ours in our bags so we don’t forget them.
Soaps/Shampoos/Soap/Deodorant:
I don’t shower at the gym so this isn’t something I bring. I time my gym time out so that I can shower at home. My daughter and husband shower at the gym though. My daughter has a cute waterproof case. She puts mini shampoo, conditioner, and soap in it. She also has a mini brush and deodorant. Add in a towel and a change of clothes and you’re good to go!
If you have any gym bag essentials you think I should add to my list, I would love to hear about them in the comment section!
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