Top 10 Items To Keep In Your Gym Bag

Keeping your gym bag with you at all times, fully packed and ready to go, is a great excuse preventer. It’s always a good idea to have your workout necessities in the trunk of your car, at your desk or somewhere that enables you to just grab and go. Even on the days when I don’t plan to work out, or I have already worked out that morning, I still have it. You never know if a coworker is going to ask if you want to go for a walk after work, or if tomorrow you’re accidentally going to sleep in past your alarm and need to rush out the door. Got to be prepared, right.
But, with that being said, sometimes I forget a crucial item – ahhh!! What, no headphones? One workout glove? So, I have compiled this list to share of crucial gym bag items that I always want to make sure I have in my bag. If you want, you can print out this list and keep it in your gym bag to double check before you zip it up.

1. Gym clothes
For this, you want to think layers. Even if you plan to just work out or go for a run in shorts and a tank top, make sure you have some pants & a jacket just in case you find yourself outside or in a situation where it is colder than expected. Even though running in colder weather can be refreshing, you definitely want to be prepared. It’s better to have and not need, than to need and not have.

2. Shoes
Technically you can train with bare feet… but having a pair of workout shoes is probably a better idea. If you are training for a race, make sure you have your running shoes. You never know if a day forecasted with rain can turn into the perfect running conditions. Heck, sometimes I keep my gym shoes & running shoes with me – can’t hurt.

3. Socks
One word, blisters. Ouch!

4. Earphones

If you’re like me, music is everything when you are training. Nothing gets me motivated & pumped up for a workout or a run like a great playlist.

5. Sports Armband
Who wants to get tangled up in headphone cords or, worse yet, have their phone fall down their training pants because they decided to tuck it in the waistband. That may or may not have happened to me before. In addition, keeping your phone in an armband can prevent it from perhaps being dropped and breaking.

6. Towel x2 (for sweat & for shower)
Gyms are full of germs, so it’s good to have a gym towel to cover the seat of equipment & wipe it down if necessary. It’s also great to have a shower towel with you in case you need to shower, of course. Maybe you find that you have 30 minutes to squeeze in a quick workout before you meet up with your friends for dinner & need to take a quick rinse post-workout.

7. Gloves
Callouses are cool & hardcore, but they hurt when they rip. It’s best to keep your hands protected with gloves when lifting weights. They also ensure a good grip should your hands start to sweat.

8. Quick snack
No time to grab a pre- or post-workout snack? An apple or a banana is a great idea to hold you over until you get to your next meal. You can even bake this Healthy Power Snack ahead of time & keep it with you.

9. Lock
Not everyone is as nice & honest as you are. Protect your things in a locker with a lock!

10. Toiletries
I love the small containers you can buy at the store: shampoo, conditioner, body wash & lotion is all you need!

Do you have a favorite item that you always keep in your gym bag? Share it in the comments.

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