Going to the gym is either habitual- you may be a gym aficionado, someone who spends most of their free (and otherwise) time in the gym chiseling yourself; a fitness enthusiast with serious goals, one who makes sure gym is part of their daily schedule; or a casual gym-goer, when the only time you look for your membership card is when a weekend of binging makes you dash to the gym to tone for the next round of parties. Either way, apart from intent and motivation, a lot needs to be packed and readied before hitting that grid class on time.
Before you make a mad dash and dump some random stuff in your gym bag, we have compiled a list of gym bag essentials that can help you be gym-ready any time of the week. Having a gym bag which is ready and well stocked will help you get to the gym quicker, waste less time mulling over what you left behind and make you feel prepared and confident for an hour of focusing on your wellbeing.
The latest trend has gyms becoming fancier and stocking everything from sports gear and heart rate monitors to spray deodorants; cubicles stocked with shower essentials, and even a straightener to make your life easier. But don’t worry, if you don’t belong to such a fitness center, or are a germophobe and don’t fancy using the provided gear, we have you covered.1. Gym bag:
Also, can a gym bag be a personal item?
When thinking about what to stock in the gym bag, we often forget the most important element: the gym bag itself. A carrier should be handy and spacious; compact enough to be carried easily on public transport and spacious enough to carry all your necessities. There are abundant styles and designs to suit every need. New technologies have enabled bag packs and sports bag to be designed in a way that makes them durable, breathable (you definitely want to avoid any odor), comfortable to carry and stylish!2. Membership Card
Unless your fitness center uses retina scans (highly doubtful), make sure your membership card is in your wallet, or better yet, tagged to your gym bag zipper. Since most gyms require a show of the card, and often membership cards are the first thing that people forget, it is important you keep it somewhere accessible. If you are lucky, an online app carrying your membership card’s bar code can help avoid this mishap. Regardless, membership cards are a necessity in your gym bag, at all times. 3. Gym clothes:
While it may sound extremely convenient for your gym to provide gym clothing- (imagine not having to worry about washing and restocking them), we understand if you prefer having your own customized gear. Comfortable workoutclothes catering to your style of exercise is essential. Gym clothes mainly depends on the workout of choice, but would essentially include the following:a. Gym shorts, suitable bottoms or leggings b. Breathable shirts c. Gym gloves to avoid transfer of moisture as well chafing from handling heavy weightsd. Fresh pair of sockse. Clean underwear including a sports braf. Sweat towel4. Gym shoes:
Shoes required for a grid class differ from the ones required for cross training or running. So, pairing the right shoes to the right activity can help you maintain posture, balance and prevent you from getting injuries. That being said, if you are not particularly choosy and don’t want to spend too much, there are plenty of all-purpose athletic shoes on the market. Keep your gym shoes in a separate shoe bag which will prevent germs from crossing over to other gear. Some gym bags also have a separate compartment for shoes!5. Heart rate monitor:
We place extra importance on this one. While you may not be on to track your every step and calorie burnt, it certainly does help to know that your hard work is paying off. A heart rate monitor helps you keep your fitness on track and tell you if you are in the desired training range. It can be an independent device, part of a fitness tracker or a smart watch; a heart rate monitor is a gym bag essential. We suggest you keep it in a pocket where the tracker is safefrom impact and easily accessible.6. Water bottle:
Hydration is important and having a water bottle handy can ensure that you do not lose your momentum while trying to locate the water fountain. With plenty of handy and eco-friendly designs on the market, that are stylish, a reusable water bottle is a must have gym bag necessity. 7. Gym towel:
Any place frequented by the public becomes the home ground for bacteria and germs. Apart from sanitizing each equipment before after re-use, carry your own gym towel to use for lying down on gym mats; roll up for head support, or seat cover for gym equipment. A good gym towel will be extra absorbent if it has cotton fibers. The next user will thank you for your display of hygiene and good manners. 8. Music for your ears
If you do not enjoy the peppy music in your gym, carry your mp3 player or, stock up on your phone battery to make sure you have an uninterrupted supply of music. Do not forget to pack your ear buds in your gym bag, and if they are sweat resistant, no sound will be sweeter to your ears. Go for designs that are wireless and sports resistant. 9. Personal care items
Though most gym shave showers cubicle stocked with shower necessities like shampoo and body wash, it is recommended you take your own. After a sweat packed hour, your skin and hair need to be cleansed, and replenished with moisture. a. Shampoo & Conditioner: A deep cleanse and moisturization will help eliminate the build-up of sweat on the scalp, leaving it fresh and healthy.b. Body wash & scrub to deep clean c. Skincare: It is recommended to have a skincare regime to be practiced after a workout, since pores are open and blood circulation is at its peak; best time to absorb the nutrients from your skincare products. d. Deodorant and anti-fungal spraye. Bath towelf. Comb or a hairbrushg. Hair dryer if not provided by your gym
PS. In a hurry and no time to shower? We recommend on stocking a travel size dry shampoo, and face and body wipes for a quick, refreshed look.10. Snack
Often overlooked, a pre and post gym snack are essential to give you an energy boost. A high carb bar would be good to have as a pre-workout snack for an extra oomph of energy. Whereas a high-protein bar help muscles recover from the wear and tear after a high-impact workout. Most gyms will have a gym bar where you can order up a smoothie or energy drink to help replenish. In any case, it is recommended to carry suitable snacks in your gym bag.
Is it hard to maintain a gym bag?
Though these necessities may seem to be a lot to keep track of and restock in your bag, you will be surprised at how a well-equipped gym bag can help save energy and time in the gym. Queuing up for the water fountain, second guessing shady-looking towels, or the peppy song that doesn’t fit with your beat of workout may be small annoyances and mishaps that can be avoided at the gym.
We suggest that you pack a day ahead to avoid the last-minute rush and empty the contents of the bag as soon as you reach home. Some of the articles like personal care items, membership cards, heart rate monitor and ears pods do not need to be removed every time.
Preparing a gym bag soon falls into routine and allows you to start your workout more focused. So, save yourself the frustration and pack a gym bag with all essentials and be set to go!