Bags, bags, bags. We carry them everywhere. One for the office. Another for a night out on the town. One for shopping. And one for the gym. It never fails that the bag we have with us right now never has the supplies we need immediately. Knowing what to carry and when should be an Olympic sport. And speaking of sports, what are your must-haves for your gym bag?
We have come up with a list of gym essentials too, hopefully, make gym days easier for you, especially as you transition from gym rat to 9 – 5 professional within a matter of minutes. Let us help you pack the right gear and help you to avoid having to pack and re-pack the dreaded gym bag.
We're all about stocking up on the must-have essentials. It goes without saying that the first item on your list is your bag. There are thousands of options out there for you. Pick one that won't weigh you down, is easy and comfortable to carry, and has plenty of room to keep your items neat, and tidy (wrinkle free) as possible. You don't want your liquid shampoos and soaps leaking onto your work clothes.
After you've found the perfect bag, it's time to load it with those items you often don't realize you need until it's too late to go back home and pick them up.
Hair ties. Never forget the hair ties again. Put them a small baggie. Stuff them in a pocket. Find a zipped pouch and load in a bunch of hair ties. Trust us; you'll need them.
Energy bars. The last thing you want is to finally find your rhythm on the treadmill or the elliptical trainer and have your energy drained by hunger. To keep that momentum up, you have to have an on-the-go snack. They're full of much-needed protein. They now come in individual packages that make them easy to store. They're full of good-for-you ingredients and are the perfect essential to help you get through a grueling workout.
Fitness tracker. Everyone has access to a fitness tracker. You don't have to buy a fancy gadget. All you need is your phone, and you're ready to go. This will help you stay motivated during your workout. Remember you're only competing with yourself, so a fitness tracker is an excellent way to monitor your progress. Trackers will track your calories burned, your distance, your speed, and your heart rate. They're the perfect companion for the gym.
Headphones – the must-have accessory. Gyms can be loud places. The grunting, groaning, chattering can be enough to get you out of the zone. Why not wear noise-reducing headphones to keep your head in the game and force you to focus on yourself and your workout.
Water bottle. If there's anything you shouldn't forget, it's your water bottle. You have to stay hydrated during your workout. Keep it in your bag. Bonus points to you if you buy a cute one.
Shoes. You'll need them for most workouts. No matter what style you get, make sure they're comfortable, appropriate for your chosen exercises, and match all of your outfits. Why trade style for function when you can have both?
Dry shampoo. You're busy. Squeezing in a workout is hard enough. Hoping your hair will dry before an important meeting isn't a good plan. Use dry shampoo to help you freshen up and ready for the next event.
Makeup remover. How often have you forgotten that? Keep your skin clear and pores clog-free.
Headband. Tame flyaway hair. Trust us; you'll need a good headband.
Towel. Yes, your gym might offer towels but do they have moisture-wicking towels that are as fresh as any towel you have at home. Chances are they don't. Carry your own.
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