Just Pack It: 8 Items to Keep in Your Gym Bag

If you’re working on your fitness routine and aiming to keep things healthy and in check, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve got all the right items in your bag for the moment you’re ready to sneak a workout in. 

1. Microfiber Gym Towel

Microfiber Gym Towel

You go to the gym to stretch, work, and sweat. Microfiber gym towels are soft, convenient, and quick drying, so you’ll be ready to dry off and change to quickly get to work on time. Making sure you have one of these in your bag means you’ll never find yourself waiting to air dry or needing to use one of the less-than-ideal towels provided by your gym. Do we even know how well they clean those?

2. Protein Bars

Protein Bars

Whether it’s a pre-workout or a post-workout snack, it’s essential to ensure you don’t find yourself without a bit of sustenance to use as an excuse not to go workout. Hold yourself accountable, and always keep a protein bar or two in your bag to eat on the way down. High-protein, low-sugar bars are best so you don’t fight a sugar rush.

3. Water Bottle

Water Bottle

This is a no-brainer when it comes to necessities in your bag. Every workout junkie or athlete knows that hydration is critical when it comes to seeing progress. But, it’s essential to pick the right kind of water bottle: insulated to keep it chilled, stainless steel so it’s durable and eco-friendly, so you’re promoting a healthy world to work in.

4. Workout clothes

Workout clothes

A workout bag with clothes and gear already in it means you won’t need to run home to grab equipment before you work out. The convenience of having everything you’ll already need ready to go is one less reason for you to try to give an excuse not to go to the gym today. This should include socks, shoes, workout pants, and a shirt. Whether you grab the bag before you leave for work or leave it in your car regularly, there’s no reason you can’t squeeze in a quick lifting session.

5. Deodorant

Deodorant

Sweating is a sign of a great workout, but most of us prefer not to have the odor. Keep a deodorant stick in your bag in case you need to quickly swipe some on before or after your workout. This is a must, especially in an environment prone to resulting in unwanted odors.

6. Workout Headphones

Workout Headphones

Let’s be honest: the intensity of your workout is often directly connected to two things: your mood and your playlist. While we can’t necessarily help you with the first, finding durable, wireless, quality-sound headphones means you’ll find yourself quickly in the zone and ready to put in some work.

7. Personal Lock

Personal Lock

You shouldn’t have to worry about year gear being taken from the locker room, so keeping your own personal lock in your bag means you’ll always know your combo and can use your own locker without stressing about some public lock on a locker.

8. Mini Shampoo/Conditioner

Mini Shampoo/Conditioner

You know those little bottles of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner you always leave behind at the hotels you stay at? Next time, grab them before you go. Keep your body care items in your bag in case your workout comes before something essential. Conveniently small and usually of pretty decent quality, they’re just great to always have around.

With a well-prepared gym bag, you’ll run out of excuses not to go and get a great workout. And with this kind of preparation, you’ll notice how quickly you’re seeing results!