It is almost that time of year again for new years resolutions and, going to the gym may be on your list. Preparing to go to the gym can seem daunting. You have to figure out workouts, reps and if you haven’t been in a while, it can feel intimidating.
Make your trip to the gym easier by following this guide of gym essentials to keep in your gym bag. You will be feeling confident and fit in no time!
Reusable Water Bottle
One of the top essentials for the gym is a great reusable water bottle. Did you know from using a reusable water bottle will keep 156 plastic water bottles out of landfills annually?
There are plenty of reusable water bottles on the market today so, be sure to get one that suits you best. For example, a stainless steel water bottle is a great go-to for the gym as it will keep your water ice-cold, something you’ll need after a hard workout.
Protein
Taking protein after you workout is how your body repairs and builds muscle therefore if you are working out, be sure to have your protein handy.
With the global protein powder market set to become a 30 billion dollar industry by 2027, there are already a variety of choices and custom options when it comes to choosing a protein powder that works for you.
Microfiber towel
Microfiber towels are a great addition to any gym bag. Your local gym may not offer free towels anymore due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Therefore bringing your towel will be helpful after a great workout.
Microfiber towels can carry up to seven times their weight in liquid and tend to be very lightweight and portable. Having a few extra in your gym bag is great for wiping sweat or drying off after the shower.
Lock
When going to the gym, it is essential to have a lock to keep your personal belongings safe. Some gyms have locks for sale but be sure to have a lock before your first visit to the gym.
Common locks for gymgoers are combination locks such as a three-digit combination lock. Combination locks are compact and simple to use and require no key to keep track of.
Headphones
Headphones are always handy when going to the gym. You may have a fancy pair of headphones that you use every day for your commute but, it is smart to keep an extra, less expensive pair in your gym bag just in case. This way, you will never miss listening to your favorite gym playlist.
There are many types of headphones to choose from. A great option for the gym is wireless headphones so you don’t have to worry about any cords getting in the way of your workout.
Portable Charger
Whether you are recording your workout, tracking your fitness, or listening to tunes, a portable charger is always great to have on hand. Keeping a portable charger in your gym bag will save your phone from dying.
For example, if you had a long day at work and your battery is running low, you know that you have a portable charger ready to get your phone through your workout.
Snacks
Having a protein bar or a piece of fruit is a great snack to keep in your gym bag. Ensuring you have something in your stomach before a workout will leave you with more energy and give you those calories your body needs to perform.
Sneakers
The type of activity you’ll be doing at the gym will depend on what sneakers you want to keep in your gym bag.
For example, if you are doing a group fitness class such as Zumba, or a high-intensity interval training class, you will want running sneakers. Running sneakers have more arch support and cushion that will absorb shock.
If you are mainly doing machines and weightlifting, you can go with more flat-bottomed sneakers that will maintain your balance. Storing your sneakers in a smaller bag within your gym bag will also prevent your gym bag and other essentials from getting dirty.
Extra Gym Clothes
The worst feeling is getting to the gym and realizing you forgot your sports bra or a pair of socks. Having a few extras in your gym bag will take out this annoyance and leave you thanking yourself later.
Athletic clothes are a huge market in the fashion and fitness industry. So you will be sure to find some great workout kits and essentials.
Shower Essentials
If you plan on showering at the gym, be sure to have an extra pair of small shower essentials that stay in your gym bag. This can be anything from body wash to a wide-tooth comb.
For women, it is also a great idea to pack a few extra hair ties, dry shampoo, and makeup wipes.
Keeping a neat bag of travel-sized essentials will help you stay organized so you don’t have to grab your normal body wash every time you head to the gym.
Are your Gym Essentials Packed?
Getting back into the gym doesn’t have to be daunting. As long as you are ready to go with your gym essentials, you will be back in the swing of things in no time.
Being prepared and planning will be sure to save you time and stress so you can enjoy getting those endorphins going!
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