Know Your Gym Bag, Use Your Gym Bag
It’s only natural to want to carry a flattering gym bag that can hold all my personal effects; a gym bag that’s not going to get in the way of my impulse to hit the gym for a refreshing workout. Regular bags are often ridge-sided and can hold my work gear; however, I need something more versatile and practical. Regular rectangular bags just waste space and are somewhat bulky.
What is a gym bag for? A gym bag is a lightweight bag used for transporting all your workout essentials to and from a fitness center. It can also double up as an overnight bag, carry-on bag, or to other places active people go with important items. By getting gym bags that are functional and attractive, you’re drawing a lot of excitement to your workouts.
With a gym bag, I have something that can comfortably hold anything and everything that I need while it remains small enough to fit into the lockers. I’m really surprised by just how many things I can fit into my gym bag and a lot of other stuff it can be used for.
The Purpose of Gym A Bag
“Gym bag” is a general term that may refer to a variety of carryalls, including a real gym bag, a duffel bag, and even a tote. Ideally, it is used for outings to the gym, bootcamp, a weekend getaway, hiking, traveling. All in all, just know that most conventional gym bags have different compartments as well as mesh pockets, which can be used to store moist articles.
Some gym-goers have their gym bags pre-packed in their car or bedroom (with its contents almost never leaving its place) so they can just grab-and-go.
Contents of a Gym Bag
So what are the must-haves for a gym bag? There is a ton, depending on how sporty or luxuriant you want to look.
Gym Membership Card
Your membership card is the chief item you need at the gym. Sadly, it’s the first thing most people forget. It can be stored in a gym bag pocket.
Gym Shoes
This is sort of a no brainer when packing your bag. It’s great to wear general-purpose athletic shoes to the gym, but you can always find a wide range of shoes crafted for cross-training, rock climbing, etc. Having more than one pair allows you to dry them out in-between workouts.
Workout Wear
There is nothing more disheartening than forgetting a piece of workout apparel. Working without a pair of socks can leave you with chafing and blisters. Important gym clothing includes a workout top, leggings, gym socks, headwear, a swimsuit, and goggles.
Gym Towel
Some gyms expect you to bring your own towel to the gym floor. The use of the gym’s towel is not only unhygienic, it’s unethical. Gym towels are made of cotton because they are highly absorbent and get dry within a short time. If you are overly concerned about bacteria, go with a hand sanitizer or antibacterial sprays.
Water Bottle
Pack a reusable water bottle. Ensure that it is made of non-toxic BPA plastic. Some water bottles can keep beverages cool throughout the day.
Music
Be sure to come along with your cellphone, Mp3 player or iPod, and earphones if you don’t enjoy the regular music at your gym. Keep them dry and secure at all times. Get sports-specific headphones that are wireless and sweat-resistant.
Personal Hygiene Effects
Never compromise on hygiene after a heavy workout. Cleanliness essentials include a bath towel, soap or body wash, shampoo and conditioner, flip-flops, makeup, underwear, deodorant, comb, body lotion, and tampons.
Energy Bars
You may want to keep some energy snacks in your gym bag for a pre- or post-workout munch. A high-carb bar is ideal if you didn’t juice up prior. High protein munchies are good for the muscles after slogging it out at the gym.
Things to consider when finding a gym bag
Ergonomy, comfort, and ease-of-use are some of the most vital things that need to be taken into account when considering a gym bag.
Quality
Eligible gym bags are made of high-quality zippers and fabrics.
Compartments
There should be a compartment for your shoe, water bottles, cellphone, deodorant, and a compartment to keep your soiled belongings away from the clean, dry ones. Let’s not forget all your important cards, snack bars, tampons, and the like.
Versatility
The bag should not only serve as a gym bag; rather it can make a good travel bag, outdoor sports bag, weekender bag, swimming bag, etc. There are some totes that are so good that they can slip into an office setting seamlessly for when you’re heading straight to work from the gym without looking out of place. We’ve even found some bags that have a zippered yoga mat holder or a foldable mat strap, not forgetting some real triple-duty convertibles that can morph from gym bag to shoulder tote to a cross-body duffel.
Style
Your gym bag should be nifty, chic, super-cool, fashionable, water-resistant, and sturdy. Yes, indeed the best gym bags offer all these perks. The smaller, the better.
Material
A good gym bag should be well-made and have a good textural feel. It shouldn’t, cringe or break easily. Some gym bags are sleek and look streamlined on the outside. It should also be water-resistant and easy-to-clean. The shoe compartment should be made breathable with ventilation holes.
Most gym bags are made of polyester, military-grade nylon (for ballistic impacts), leather, canvas, vinyl, and oxford cloth.
Exclusivity
This stands you apart from the masses as you probably don’t want to be carrying the same gym bag that half of the gym is carrying. Be bold enough to choose between several colors and designs to take a break from the basic black gym bag. Go for recognized brand names and logos.
Size
Gym bag sizes range from 30 to 60 liters on average. It should be able to hold a couple of things such as clothes, towels, shoes, cologne, and goggles (in case you get to swim after a workout). Finally, your gym bag should be easily stored in a gym locker or other storage unit.
Gender
Some bags are designated for males, females or unisex.
Store Credibility
Invest a lot of time looking for a renowned store that has the best prices and cheap shipping. Amazon and Nordstrom have some of the best gym bag deals on the planet.
Buyer Reviews
Never underestimate the power of social proof, especially if you’re shopping online. What kind of feedback are buyers leaving on the bag? Are they satisfied or displeased? Is it exactly how it was advertised? Is the product description highly detailed?
Related Questions
What are the most important gym bag features?
Shoe Compartment
A gym bag with a shoe compartment allows you to carry your shoes in it while separating them from the other items. The shoe compartment is essentially made of nylon or other non-permeable material. In addition, you may find air vents or air filters that allow your shoe to ‘breathe’ and wick away moisture and odors. Furthermore, this compartment can be used to store other things that may require extra ventilation like wet towels, dirty socks, swimwear or any other thing that must be separated before being washed.
Besides organizing your gear to be neat and tidy, compartmentalizing your shoes can protect you against infections. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want E.Coli and feces on my clothes, earphone, headwear and toiletries when I’m at the gym. These bacteria can cause illness and stomach bugs.
Shoes carry all kinds of crumbs, grime, hair, dander, and muck from the floor. Who wants yuck all over their gym gear?
Cellphone/Tablet Compartment
The gym bag also has specific areas for storing phones, iPads or other devices in order to protect your tech optimally.
Backpack Straps
Some gym bags have dedicated backpack straps with which you can easily haul the bag up the stairs or down a trail.
What are the most popular gym bags out there?
Let’s dig into the best gym bags out on the market.
Under Armour Undeniable 3.0 Duffle
This recognizable brand is making waves all over cyberspace. And with nearly 2000 reviews on Amazon; this gym bag is great for the gym. It’s made of 100% polyester and has a water-resistant finish for that heavy-duty, lifelong use.
Everest Gym Bag
This bag holds up great. So, there are no worries over rips, breaks or other mishaps. It can accommodate three bottles of varying sizes. It’s small enough to fit small lockers at the gym or at work. Overall, users find it to be a great all-round workout gym bag.
King Kong Junior Gym Bag
This gym bag has a lot of military edge to it; hence, it’s unbridled functionality. It’s designed with military-grade nylon – the toughest in the business – for the unique demands of CrossFit training and will blend well into any active lifestyle. The zippers are extremely durable can withstand the most extreme conditions.