Whether you’ve just started hitting the gym as a part of a New Year’s Resolution, or if working out has always been in your routine, there are some staple items which everyone needs in their gym bag.
Never forget anything you need again!
Towel
Seems obvious, but how many times have you walked into the changing rooms after a work-out to have a shower and realised you haven’t got anything to dry yourself with?
Owning a couple of gym towels is a good idea – when one’s in the wash be sure to quickly replace it with another in your backpack.
Swimming costume
Not essential if your gym doesn’t have a pool and spa area, but even if you don’t plan on diving in for a quick swim or ending your workout by sweating in the sauna, you might change your mind once you’re there.
It’s always good to have the option, after all. Why not wind down from your cardio with 15 minutes in the steam room?
Water bottle
Ever reached for a drink of water and realised – oh... I forgot to buy one on the way in. Time to ditch the single use plastic bottles (if you haven’t already) and get yourself a reusable. If you have it in you bag at all times you’ll never experience that thirsty moment again!
Hoodie
This isn’t essential for working out as you’ll probably be warm enough, but is definitely needed for those winter nights when you’re running across the car park and blasting the heating on to avoid the cold.
Comfort and warmth is the best way to end a sweaty gym session.
Hairbrush
Remembering to put your hairbrush in your gym bag might not be at the top of your priority list in life, so buying another to keep in there at all times will save you lots of hassle and knotty hair after you’ve showered at the gym.
Spare underwear
Even if you pack some spare socks and pants every time you set off, having another pair in tucked away at the bottom of your bag is always a good idea. There’s bound to be one day when you’re in a slight rush and forget to stuff some in there. Forward-planning means you will avoid going commando post-workout.
Post-workout snacks
Having a long shelf-life protein cookie or bar in your bag means you can beat those post-gym cravings with a nutritious snack. You’ll never have to use that vending machine that so ironically sits in reception again!
Tagged in exercise