Knowing gym bag essentials will set you up for stress-free workout sessions at Rising Legends!
We’ve all been in the situation when you show up to the gym and open up your bag, only to realize that you’ve forgotten pretty much everything that you need like gym shoes, shirts or your water bottle.
This is why we’ve created this article oriented around gym bag essentials, because we want everyone to be as prepared as possible when they show up for their workout sessions with our personal trainers.
Knowing exactly what should go in your gym bag will always go a very long way when you need help reducing the guesswork that goes into workout preparations—and you’ll likely never forget your gym shoes again once you have your list pinned on your fridge!
Below we’ll be covering the following topics:
- What you should back in your gym bag
- Helpful gym accessories that can boost your gym experience
- The ultimate checklist of gym bag essentials to ensure stress-free workouts
Gym Bag Essentials That You’ll Need For Every Workout Session
Although we’ll have you covered when it comes to the type of workout equipment that’ll assist you toward your fitness goals, there are several personal items that are absolutely essential when it comes to being fully prepared for your workout sessions.
Below we’ll be separating gym bag essentials into two main categories, including clothes and gear.
Essential Gym Bag Clothing
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what type of clothes should be going in your gym bag. Although you technically could exercise in just about any clothing, you’ll always be more comfortable when you bring workout-friendly clothing with you to the gym.
Here are some important workout clothing categories to keep in mind:
Breathable Clothes
If you’re going to the gym on a daily basis, then you’re more than likely sweating a lot each day. Breathable clothes are incredibly important for wicking moisture away from your skin and keeping you comfortable during intense exercises.
Some breathable clothing items that should be packed in your gym bag on a regular basis include:
- Moisture-wicking shirts
- Tank tops
- Leggings
- Sports bras
- Sweats
- Shorts
- Socks
Gym Shoes
It’s also important to always have a reliable pair of gym shoes in your gym bag, because good shoes can help you prevent injuries and boost your workout performances.
Always be sure to double-check that your gym shoes are packed in your bag before leaving home, because this is arguably the most important thing that you need for a solid workout session!
Pump Covers
Pump covers are shirts or sweatshirts that cover up the muscle growth that often occurs during intense workouts, and the main purpose of pump covers is to increase your blood flow so that your muscles stay warm.
Pump covers are an important piece of clothing for those who are exercising intensely and want to prevent injuries.
Hair Binder
Hair binders are important for people with long hair, and this includes hair ties, sweatbands or headbands.
Keeping your hair out of your face throughout the course of your workout sessions can keep you more focused on your form and intensity, and it can also decrease the likelihood of your hair getting stuck on gym equipment!
Essential Gym Bag Gear
Aside from functional workout apparel, you’re also going to need to keep your gym bag packed with helpful accessories and gear to ensure a smooth workout session.
Some of the most important gym bag gear includes:
Gym Key Fob
A lot of gyms have pretty tech-savvy access, and it’s always annoying when you make the effort to show up to the gym and then can’t get inside.
If your gym gives you a key fob, be sure that it’s a part of your gym bag checklist!
Water Bottle
It’s also incredibly important to stay hydrated during your workout sessions, and the best way to do this is by bringing your own water bottle. Although every gym has water fountains, it’ll be much more convenient to sip out of your bottle as opposed to walking to the fountain every five minutes or so.
And when you bring your own water bottle, you can also open up the door for electrolyte and other energy-boosting supplements that can enhance your workout sessions and help you reach your fitness goals much faster!
Weightlifting Accessories
We’ll always set you up with state-of-the-art lifting equipment, but there are certain lifting accessories that you might have to bring yourself—depending upon where you exercise.
Certain lifting accessories like gloves, chalk and belts aren’t always readily available at all gyms, and many weightlifting enthusiasts prefer using their own personal accessories for hygienic purposes.
If you’re the type of person who likes using their own lifting accessories, then these are must-have items for your gym bag checklist!
Yoga Mat
Yoga has become incredibly popular throughout recent years for countless reasons, but you don’t have to be a seasoned yogi to bring a mat with you to the gym. Even if your gym doesn’t offer yoga classes, you can still do all sorts of floor exercises and warm-up stretching during your workout sessions.
A lot of gyms provide yoga mats, but this is yet another piece of gym gear that most people prefer bringing on their own. So, always be sure to keep your yoga mat next to your gym bag when you know you’ll be doing a yoga class or stretching routine!
Sweat Towels
It’s common gym courtesy to wipe down equipment with a sweat towel, and it’s important to remember that not every gym will provide these types of towels for you.
If this is the case at your gym, then packing a sweat towel in your bag is undoubtedly the right thing to do. Although most gyms provide sanitary wipes at the very least, larger sweat towels are often more effective and sanitary for your fellow gym members!
Heart Rate Monitor or Smartwatch
Heart rate monitors and smartwatches are also important pieces of gym equipment, because they’ll be able to track the amount of calories that you’ve burned throughout the course of each workout session.
Burning calories is one of the main reasons why people go to the gym in the first place, so keeping an accurate track of your burned calories will keep you focused on the overall effectiveness of your sessions!
Other Gym Bag Essentials to Keep in Mind
It might seem like your gym bag will be full with everything that we’ve listed above, but it’s likely that you’ll need a little extra space for some other essentials that always come in handy.
Some other gym bag essentials include:
- Lock: If you prefer keeping your personal belongings locked up while you exercise, you’ll be better off keeping your gym bag in a locker that’s secured with your own lock.
- Workout Snacks: Nutrition coaching is something that we take very seriously at Rising Legends, and we always recommend that people prepare both pre and post-workout snacks ahead of time. Keeping these snacks handy in your bag will go a long way to guarantee that you’re properly fueled up during your workout sessions!
- Headphones: A lot of people prefer exercising with their own music, so keep your headphones in your gym bag and stay locked in while exercising to your favorite playlists!
- Toiletries: A lot of gyms have showers that people like to use after exercising, and bringing hygienic products can help you feel fully refreshed shortly after working out. Some toiletries to keep in your gym bag include deodorant, body wash, shower shoes, clean clothes, body towels, shampoo, etc.
- Odor balls: Workout enthusiasts often overlook odor balls, but they’re incredibly important when it comes to avoiding a smelly gym bag!
Reach Out to the Rising Legends Staff When You Need Help Preparing Your Gym Bag Essentials!
Simply committing to yourself and your workout consistency is always the top priority for every effective session, but it also goes a long way to be as prepared as possible. The above gym bag essentials can help improve the effectiveness of your fitness and strength training, and our team is here to help make your preparations a little easier.
The Rising Legends Academy of Fitness is a renowned workout facility based in the Nyack NY area, and we pride ourselves on being a lot more than just a gym. We’ll be sure to set you up in the program that perfectly matches your lifestyle and fitness goals, and we’re here to help you see the results that you’ve always wanted.
We look forward to seeing you at the gym!