GYM ESSENTIALS
- josephplatt1979
- Nov 23, 2021
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 10, 2022
GYM essentials
When it comes to exercises everyone has different preferences. Some prefer to do jogging which requires no gear or equipment, other than good running shoes. Others like to use hand-held weights, and still, others prefer full gym equipment for their daily workout routines. The type of equipment and gear you choose will vary depending on your individual fitness and health goals but it's important that we choose the correct equipment. Whether it's weights, jogging, HIIT or your specific workout program then you’ll need essential items to have ready or pack into your gym bag.
For anyone who goes to the gym regularly, packing gym essentials in your bag is a fairly routine procedure. But It is fairly common for people to forget important gym essentials or leave gym gear at home. You might keep a gym bag pre-packed in your car or bedroom that you can just pick up and go. Some gym-goers even have multiple bags at the ready for different types of workouts. Packing your gym bag does not have to be a confusing experience but you will need to make sure you have the correct items and save a trip back home. To prevent mishaps, here is a list of must-haves for every gym bag:
GYM BAG - Before you take the time to pack a gym bag, consider whether the bag fits your needs. It doesn't make sense to carry around a large bag or try to cram everything into a bag that is too small. The right-sized gym bag will carry all of the things you need and be mobile enough to carry on public transportation if needed. If you plan to shower at the gym, consider getting a bag with separate wet and dry compartments. The strap should be adjustable and rest comfortably on your shoulder without cutting in. CLICK HERE TO FIND THE BEST BAG
TRAINERS - Your trainers might seem like an obvious item, but it's important to keep in mind the specific type of shoe you will need for a particular workout. There are great all-purpose athletic shoes to wear to the gym, but you'll benefit from pairing the right shoe to a specific activity. There are a variety of affordable shoes designed specifically for weightlifting, cross-training, indoor rock climbing, and indoor running. Having different athletic shoes to rotate will also allow you plenty of time to dry each pair out completely between workouts, which will help you avoid unpleasant foot odors. CLICK HERE TO FIND THE BEST TRAINERS FOR YOU
GYM CLOTHES - Just like your trainers, you don’t want to be caught at the gym without proper gym attire. An easy way to remember what you’ve packed is to make a small list as you go and pin it to your bag. Don’t remember if you’ve packed something? Depending on your workout, some essential items to pack may include: Clean underwear and/or sports bra, Fresh pair of gym socks, Headgear, Swimsuit, swim cap, and goggles, and Workout top and bottoms for a gym session.
GYM SOCKS - Athletic socks protect the feet and make it possible to play for long periods. They improve your endurance during training. Sports socks give you the protection and stability to perform at your best and reduce the risk of injury. Without them everything from motion and flexibility, to accuracy and comfort would be knocked off balance.
BOTTLE - Staying hydrated is essential during workouts, so make sure to keep a bottle of water close by during your workout. Nobody likes waiting in line at the water fountain, especially after a hard fitness class or HIIT workout. A reusable water bottle makes it easier to stay hydrated. Some bottles can keep beverages cool for up to 24 hours. CLICK HERE TO FIND THE BEST BOTTLE FOR YOU
SMART WATCH - It is a good idea to get yourself a smartwatch to keep track of your calories burned, steps were taken during cardio, and heart track to help you stay fit and healthy. You can get a watch like Fitbit to track your sleep patterns, as well as your activities during the day. When you do not feel like wearing your watch, you can just toss it in your gym bag. Plus, you can use it as a GPS tracker for your runs, as a vibrating alarm, and for leading your personalised breathing sessions to decompress during the day.
HEADPHONES OR EARBUDS - Music helps some people get into the zone and pace their workout. If you don't enjoy the music at your gym, bring along your mobile phone or music player. Don't forget your earbuds and make sure that your device has enough battery life to last for your workout. You'll also want to make sure you have a way to securely carry your device and keep it dry while you exercise. The same applies to your earbuds. It often pays to buy a quality pair that is both wireless and sweat-resistant.
TOWEL - Sometimes gym towels don’t always get the job done. Always ensure that you have a clean, fresh towel after your workout by bringing your own from home. Many fitness and wellness companies make compact microfiber towels that are perfect for bringing with you on-the-go. Some gyms require you to bring a towel to the gym floor—and for good reason. Even if you don't sweat, any moisture left behind might be felt by the next person using the equipment.
RECOVERY - After all that hard work, you’ll want not only to rehydrate but replenish lost nutrients. Pack a light, protein-rich snack such as a protein bar, a bag of nuts, some rice crackers with peanut butter (in a small container), or your favorite fruit. You may wish to pack your snacks in its own small bag to have it handy.
PROTEIN SHAKER - You will need a protein shaker if you are into heavy-duty exercises like weighted squats or weightlifting to juice yourself up. A protein shaker bottle is a mandatory item to have in your gym whether you like to drink pre-workout, protein shake, or BCAAs. Plus, when doing serious workouts, you have to refuel, as soon as you can, after you finish working out to get the most out of your training program and recover properly. CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR SHAKER
LOCK - Gyms are hotspots for stealers, with gadgets, expensive types of gym equipment, high-tech clothing and money lying around everywhere. To avoid any such mishaps happening to you, get yourself a combination lock and store your gym bag in the gym locker and work out with the assurance that it will be there when you return. Though many gyms contain self-locking combination locker rooms, the tiny locks are not enough to stop someone from getting to your precious stuff. So, keep a combination locker in your bag and leave as many valuable possessions as possible at home.
DEODORANT - This one is pretty obvious, but It’s common knowledge that after a good workout, you’re going to be a little sweaty. There is nothing more embarrassing than having to go into the office right after your workout session smelling funky. So make sure to bring some deodorant so that you can freshen up.
SHOWER ESSENTIALS - For those of you who plan on a quick rinse after your workout, be sure to pack a small makeup bag full of your shower essentials. Hygiene is important no matter your gym or chosen workout. Beyond freshening up after a heavy workout, you also want to avoid athlete's foot and other common locker room infections. Personal care items include antifungal spray or ointment, Bath towel, Body and face moisturizer, hairbrush, Deodorant, Shampoo and conditioner, Shower sandals or flip-flops, Soap or body wash and a Washcloth or scrubber.
Having all of these things in your gym bag is sure to make your entire gym experience more pleasant and convenient. You will only want the best gym essentials in your bag and the best out there for me is Under Armour and NIKE. Their GYM essentials have been a part of my kit for many years and will be for years to come. You should go and take a look for yourself at what they have to offer to help meet your training needs. For more awesome workout training information and tips sign up and go to my website
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