The 16 Products You Should Always Keep In Your Gym Bag
Whether you go to the gym at your apartment complex or one as nice as Equinox, one thing remains true—you're absolutely killing it!
Keeping your body active, healthy and moving is so important and great to start at a young age. Not only does working out tone you up and make you look good, but it also makes you feel good. If you're just getting into your fitness journey or you've been at it for years, we have a few suggestions about what should go into your gym bag. Not even sure where to begin? Look below for the 16 products that you should always keep in your gym bag.
1. A Fresh Towel
If your gym doesn't provide towels, it's absolutely essential to bring your own. And for some people, you might even consider bringing two—one to wipe the sweat off your face and body, and another to wipe the machines you're using.
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2. Gym Clothes
Perhaps the most obvious thing to keep in your gym bag is a set of gym clothes—that is unless you're already dressed! If not, though, be sure to at least pack leggings, a sports bra, socks and underwear.
3. Running Shoes
Another obvious but necessary item on this list is running shoes, again, unless you're already wearing them. Make sure they're comfy, fit right and don't leave you with blisters. Also, bonus points if they match your outfit!
4. Headphones
We can't survive without headphones at the gym. Not only is it a sign to tell everyone else you're taking your workout seriously and to not talk to you, but it makes the time go by so much faster, too. From upbeat playlists to your favorite podcasts, there's plenty to listen to.
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5. Water Bottle
Most gyms should have water fountains around the area, meaning you should be able to fill up your water bottle anytime. We suggest packing a reusable water bottle in your gym bag, just make sure to wash it a few times a week at home!
6. Lip Balm
Dry and chapped lips are super uncomfortable, and if you're sweating a lot, your lips are bound to get irritated. That's why we think you should keep some spare lip balm in your gym bag!
7. Feminine Products
Even though periods are supposed to stay on schedule, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans up her sleeve. Keep extra feminine products in your bag to avoid any future messes—you'll thank us later!
8. Deodorant
Deodorant should come as another obvious gym bag essential, so make sure you don't forget to pack some. We're big fans of aluminum-free deodorants, and while it can take some time for your body to get used to them, we think it's well worth it.
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9. Shower Products
If your gym has a locker and shower situation, we definitely think you should take advantage of it! Make sure to keep all your shower essentials in your bag if your gym doesn't already provide them. Pack shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a razor.
10. Bath Towel
Some gyms provide bath towels, but if yours doesn't, keep a clean one in your gym bag to use after rinsing off. It doesn't need to be nice or fancy, just something that can get you dry!
11. Flip-Flops
If you're showering at the gym, you absolutely need to bring flip-flops with you. Walking around barefoot in a public bathroom and locker area is all sorts of nasty.
12. Brush or Comb
A brush or comb is also another important product to bring to the gym, especially if you've showered. Tackling those tangled strands shouldn't wait until you get home because it will just get worse as time goes on.
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13. Change of Clothes
After getting all clean and showering, you're going to want to put on some comfy clothes. If you're just going straight home, we suggest putting on sweats and a tee. There's no need to wear real pants like jeans! And as for the shoes, you can just wear your flip-flops.
14. Protein Bar
If you've burned a lot of calories at the gym, you need to replenish your body as soon as possible. By keeping a protein bar in your bag, you'll have no excuses!
15. Weightlifting Gloves (Optional)
An optional item we recommend keeping in your gym bag is a pair of weightlifting gloves. Even if you aren't lifting the heaviest of weights, these protect your hands from building callouses, something a lot of people (especially women) don't want.
16. Fitness Tracker (Optional)
Another optional item we suggest packing in your bag is a fitness tracker of some sort. These can be bought for as little as $30 on Amazon and will seriously change your fitness game. From looking at your heart rate to steps taken and calories burned, there's tons of useful info to look at.
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Need some fitness tips? Look HERE for our tips and tricks to stepping up your fitness game in the New Year.