Every other day at the gym we forget something at home and we feel utterly uncomfortable while we work out because we think that something’s missing.
Most gyms have the basics covered, but there are a lot of things that you need to take care of, so you can train in peace.
Even if you are in a hurry, make sure that you have everything you need and things you might need in the gym.
You can go through the list below and see what you are missing out on in the early cranky mornings when everything is going wrong and you feel like you are out of time.
1. Gym Bag
First things first, you need to get a stylish and sturdy gym bag that can hold all your stuff together.
It will lighten your load and you’ll be able to feel comfortable that all your essentials are safe and with you.
See if the bag is weather-resistant so you can carry it even in rain. Make sure that you choose the right one, so everything fits rather than is stuffed together.
2. Gym Clothes
You would love the idea of going out for a brunch or coffee after working out. But you wouldn’t want to go in the same sweaty gym suit, now would you.
So keep a pair of extra T-shirts or tank tops that would be your savior after a quick shower and then going out.
3. Towel
This is a no-brainer. Sweat in your eyes means irritation and crankiness.
So, to avoid that, you need to keep a clean towel with you that would absorb your workout sweat. Go for a microfiber towel as it absorbs sweat quickly and would keep you fresh.
Read also: Tips for Returning to the Gym After the Holidays!
4. Workout Journal
You should always measure your progress. Keep a small journal where you track your reps, your diet plans, and since you need to balance your workouts with your diet, keep entries of how many calories you had and how your nutrient needs matter according to your workout.
5. Lip Balm
Intense workouts are sure to make your lips dry. Now you can’t borrow a lip balm (obviously) so you need to get a good moisturizing lip balm and keep it with you in your gym bag and apply it before and after a workout to keep your lips soft and not parched.
6. Water Bottle
Since we were talking about parched lips, you would always feel the need to drink water and hydrate yourself. Always keep a double insulated water bottle that you can refill and bring to the gym daily. Plus, it’s hygienic to have your own water bottle.
7. Dry or Normal Shampoo
Pharmaceutical companies are so cool when it comes to design. You can easily find a small bottle of dry or normal shampoo that would fit in your bag without making it heavy. And it is always better to have a shampoo that you can use after the gym if you are going out afterward.
8. Nutrition Bars
This will help you regain your strength while fulfilling the munching craving. You can find tons of energy-filled protein bars or energy bars that won’t add to your weight, instead, they would increase your energy and make you avoid getting anything unhealthy right after a workout.
9. Deodorant
Avoid the stinky sweat. Always. Keep a bottle of your favorite deodorant to keep you fresh and odor-free. Add this to the list of an extra T-Shirt or a tank top and after you dry off with that quick shower, you are good to go.
10. Gym Straps
If you are doing weight training, then lifting gym straps is very important. They make your grip stronger by supporting your wrists and making your intense workouts a bit easier to tolerate.
11. Heart Rate Monitor
You can make the most out of your gym time by wearing a heart rate monitor during your workout. You can track your heart accurately and it would be easier to track your weight loss or cardiovascular benefits. You will also know when you have reached your limit or if you are training too hard.
12. Flip-flops
Usually, if you are wearing flip-flops it looks very casual and cool. But you need them for the gym too! they are very easy to carry and will help you in the gym shower while keeping you away from foot infections that are very common in athletes.
13. Wet Wipes
The best part about baby wipes is that not only will they take care of your skin after a workout, but they will also help you dry off the sweat on your face if you are wearing makeup.
They are versatile. From cleaning the gym equipment to cleaning your shoes if you are going out after a workout, they will help you in all ways.
14. Hair-ties
You can’t possibly feel comfortable working out if you have your hair down. Gather them up in a bun or a ponytail while you are working out and you’ll feel light as a feather.
Plus, if the one that you are wearing breaks, not having a spare one would annoy the living lights out of you.
15. Weight Lifting Gloves
While they are a personal choice, we suggest that weight lifting gloves are a must-have if you do intense workouts or HIIT. They improve your grip on the weights while absorbing sweat moisture.
Secondly, your hands get sweaty if they are lifting, and imagine dropping heavyweight over your body because of sweaty hands. So yes, this also comes on our list as the best gym set must-have.
Hit the GYM Jack!
Now that you are all set to pack your bag and head to the gym, make sure that you don’t forget your keys or wallet as well.
Reaching your gym and realizing you left something at home, can be very frustrating. That’s why we made the list for you. Enjoy your workout!
About The Author:
Anna Richard is a 25-year-old sports journalist based in the UK. She loves watching MMA and boxing when she is not writing for various websites and blogs on sports, fitness, and nutrition. She is a metalhead and works out to tracks by Ozzy Osbourne, Pantera, AC/DC, and Slayer.
