Going to exercise and having all the right basic gym bag essentials sets you up for a successful experience. The challenge is, when there is so much to choose from, what should you focus on?
Firstly, make sure you have the best bag for gym gear so you have space for the things you will need. It’s easier to be organised a gym bag with compartments for different items like shoes and bottles.
It’s true that just preparing your gym bag can put you in a positive mindset so that you feel prepared and comfortable. Follow these practical tips so that knowing what to take to the gym will not be a problem.
Gym Bag Essentials When Going to the Gym
If you are a beginner to the gym, and even if you’re not, then establishing some good habits around your preparation helps make your experience better.
These following basic gym bag essentials list everything that you need and save you time:
1. Start at the Beginning
Ensuring that you have a gym-exclusive bag is essential.
When you use a different sports backpack every day or carry your things in any old bag it’s harder to develop the gym going habit.
You may find that you have lost something important because it’s in a different bag or you might be denied access to a part of the gym because you’ve forgotten a necessary item.
Choose an appropriate backpack that is the right size, and better with several compartments or pockets to make it easier for you to organize.
A good example of this would be the Canway Sports Gym Bag. Keep used things separate and other items clean.
2. The Most Basic Essential
Let’s talk about water bottles and other drinks.
This is a basic item, especially for when you’re working out, that is part of our list of gym bag essentials.
We all know that maintaining our fluid intake is extremely important for all exercise in general.
Hydration is important for your overall health, and helps you perform at your best levels. That is why it is important to have a drink before, during and after exercise.
The key to the best water bottles for your gym bag is its size, reusability and its capacity to keep the water cool for a prolonged period of time.
Vacuum insulated, stainless steel bottles that clean easily are among the best. Just like the HidrateSpark option.
If you have the proper bag then you can put the bottle in the dedicated side pouch to save space and avoid spills.
Outside of water bottles, other drinks such as sport drinks and protein shakes can be included depending on your schedule.
If you are working out for a long time, sports drinks are perfect to restore electrolytes. Likewise, protein shakes are important to help the body start repairing the muscles as soon as possible.
3. What Accessories Count as Gym Bag Essentials?
These are the items for your workout in the gym that are normally not provided. Just because one gym has the equipment does not automatically mean that other gym will have it as well.
Gym Towel
A gym towel should be one of the first essentials to pack in your gym bag. This is not the same as the towel that you will use in the showers later.
Instead, this is a smaller towel that helps clean the sweat produced from the workout, both of yourself and the equipment you use.
Nobody wants to use equipment that is dripping from someone else’s sweat, especially now after COVID has impacted so many, so do the right thing and have a towel on hand to clean up.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are another accessory that is usually necessary for people working out in the gym.
Use them for warm-up exercises to activate the muscles and prepare them for the upcoming workout.
In addition, incorporate them into many exercises to increase difficulty.
Some of the best you will find available are the rogue resistance bands due to their high quality.
Foam Roller
The other accessory you may want in your bag is a foam roller.
Foam rollers are perfect for reducing of lactic acid build up in the muscles to promote faster healing. That is why they are perfect for before and after sessions, however most gyms should already have some there.
You can bring other accessories if you wish but these are generally the main three.
Headphones
The accessory that many people include in gym bag essentials would be headphones.
While they aren’t exactly necessary, they are highly recommended and widely used by most people at the gym.
They will keep you motivated and focused on your workout instead of the sounds around you.
These are often the go-to for the best gadgets to use in the gym.
4. A Gym Bag Essential: Keeping it Hygienic
To make the list we’ve included fresh clothes and hygienic items.
Sweat is an obvious result after a hard workout, so it is important to shower to freshen up and keep your skin healthy.
Since most gyms have change rooms with a shower you should take advantage of it.
Remember to include things like a fresh towel, a clean change of clothes, deodorant and the general shower products like shampoo and soap.
You may also have sliders or sandals to walk between the shower and your locker so your feet are protected.
Put all the smaller items in a small travel bag that will fit in your gym bag if you have one, as it is easier to keep things organised.
5. The Post-Workout
Lastly, but certainly not least, it’s good to think about a healthy snack option for post-workout.
Sometimes you just need something to fuel your body after an intense workout.
Maybe it’s an energy bar, or a piece of fruit and a protein shake.
And, if you’re not really after a snack, plan some healthy low-carb options for you to eat when you’re done.
Great options to help start the recovery process after a workout.
Make Your Own List of Gym Bag Essentials and Be Prepared
Basically, you’ll need the same things every time you go to the gym. The planning for gym gear or workout clothes is part of getting you organised, so to save time and make sure you don’t forget anything.
Make a gym bag checklist of ‘basics’ and another with useful accessories to take to the gym that you only use occasionally.
Ensure you prepare your bag the night before to avoid missing stuff when rushing to the gym.
Once you have this in place you can have your bag ready in minutes, ready for a great session at the gym!