One of the most essential parts of establishing a regular gym or workout routine is having the right tools with you to stay motivated. If you’re ready to become one of those fitness models you always see in your feed on your Instagram, the time has come to figure out the practical ways to actually do it. The first step is to purchase a gym bag and fill it with the right things. Below, we’ve compiled a list of all the tools, attire, and other items you need in your gym bag.
- A lock
Before you invest in any athletic gear, you might want to consider buying a combination lock to keep your belongings safe while you’re working out. It’s a small investment but one that you’ll be glad you made. Consider leaving yourself a note in your phone with the combination of your lock so you don’t forget it.
- A towel
If you work out hard enough, you’re going to sweat. It’s important to have a towel to sop up all the sweat from your workout. And if you want to practice good gym etiquette, you should also wipe down wherever you were with a sanitizer and paper towel. A towel can also let others know in your immediate area that you’re still using the equipment nearby – just don’t be an equipment hog.
- Quality socks
Going sockless is a bad idea for many reasons. For one, it could wear out your shoes more quickly and it can also create an unhealthy, bacteria-filled environment for your feet. It’s in your best interest to invest in socks like high-quality basketball socks.
Wearing socks with your gym shoes will help keep your feet from being irritated as well.
- A water bottle with water levels
Staying adequately hydrated while you work out is absolutely essential. If you get dehydrated, it can cause some serious health effects. Luckily for you, there are tons of water bottles available on the market.
For example, you can invest in a smart water bottle that’s tied to your smartphone. With a smart water bottle, you can track your hydration stats and get cues to drink more if you’re not on schedule.
If you’re more of an old-fashioned person, you can also just get a regular water bottle with a timeline and water levels so you know how much water you should have drank by certain times within the day.
You know the saying, look good, feel good? Well, there’s some actual truth behind it. The idea can be applied to your workout gear. After all, you’re not going to feel great if you’re wearing jeans while pumping iron. You’ll end up being a sweaty, uncomfortable mess. To avoid that situation, invest in sustainable active wear with moisture-wicking properties. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.
- Protein bar
There’s a very small window that occurs after you work out when your body begins the process of protein synthesis. To take advantage of that small window, make sure that you have a healthy protein bar in your gym bag to hold you over until you can eat a proper meal.
Here are some of our favorite protein bars:
- Shower wipes
Sometimes, you’re not going to have time to take a shower after working out. But you can still make the best of the situation by keeping a pack of shower wipes handy. This isn’t the same as a shower, but it’ll do in a pinch if you want to get a workout in but don’t have the time to shower or access to one.
Takeaways
Keeping a gym habit can be extremely difficult—especially if you’re dealing with competing priorities like social obligations, family obligations, and work. However, if you have a properly stocked gym bag, you might be able to enjoy a more successful gym experience. Don’t forget an adequately-sized water bottle, comfortable athletic clothes, a workout towel, good socks, a protein bar, and shower wipes. With these essentials, you’ll be one of those muscle-y fitness models before you know it. So, get out there, get those reps in and start workin’ up a sweat!
