One of the ways to get fit and live a healthy lifestyle is to go to the gym. Well, in the ideal world, people would have plenty of time to go to the gym. However, in reality, most people only squeeze in their workout schedules into their busy days. It can be before going to work, after going to work, or in between classes for students.
If you’re one of these people who see to it that they go to the gym even just for an hour or two a day in spite of their busy schedules, then it means that you also often travel with your gym bag with all your gym essentials. Sometimes, packing your gym bag can be a daunting task, and it can be confusing as well. There are times when you’re not sure what are the things you really need to take, which leads to bringing too many items.
Packing your gym bag doesn’t need to be confusing. You don’t need to bring extra juices, nail files, and other additional things when going to the gym, which aren’t really needed. When it comes to packing, you just need to keep it simple. If it’s your first time to go to the gym, or you just want to simplify the things you bring to the gym, you’re in the right place. Today, we are going to give you tips on the things to pack in the best gym bags.
The Best Gym Bags
Before we go to the things to bring, let us first talk about gym bags. Today, there are diverse offerings when it comes to gym bags. In fact, most of them are not just for the gym anymore. Therefore, before you buy a gym bag, you also need to consider the possible uses and frequency of need. You also need to decide whether the bag will fit with your lifestyle and as well as with what you’re looking for.
If it’s your first time to go to the gym and you are considering a gym bag, here are some of the things you should look into, to be able to pick the best one.
Material
The material of the gym bag you will choose depends on your personal style or preference. Gym bags are made with different materials. There are leather, canvas, and nylon gym bags available in stores. But keep in mind that the price of the bag will also be affected mostly by the material used.
There are canvas gym bags that you can also use in the summer as beach bags. You can also go for a leather gym bag if you want a durable one. However, leather might be too heavy if you have a lot to carry. You can also opt for nylon bags if you are looking for a simple, waterproof, and durable gym bag.
Design
Another thing you might want to consider is the design of your gym bag. Gym bags come in different designs for each specific activity. You can find gym bags for yoga, running, CrossFit, and Pilates, to name a few. When choosing the design, some of the things you need to consider are the weight it needs to hold and the best way you like to carry your bag. It’s because there are gym bags that can be strapped across your body like a messenger bag, and there are also tote gym bags.
Aside from those, you also need to decide on the size. There are small handheld duffels and bigger gym bags that you can also use when you travel. But if you only want to use it when going to the gym, a medium-sized gym bag might work well for you.
Straps
You also need to decide what kind of straps and handles of gym bags you are comfortable with. This is important, especially if you will be carrying your gym bag around with you to work, school, and other places, so that it will still be comfortable to carry.
A lot of people prefer gym bags with two handles at the top. But some want a single longer strap so that they can sling the gym bag over one shoulder. Some are also more comfortable with backpack style gym bags, especially when carrying lots of items. The choice of straps will depend on your comfort and preference.
Things to Pack in Your Gym Bag
After finding the best gym bag for you, it’s time to know the items you need to stash in your gym bag. To avoid over-packing or maybe forgetting important gym essentials, here are some of the things we can recommend that you need to pack in your gym bag.
Tumbler or Water Bottle
One of the most important things you should not forget to bring to the gym is a bottle of water. You can also just bring an empty tumbler or reusable bottle that you can refill when you reach the gym. You just need to make sure that you are always able to hydrate.
Clothing
When packing your gym bag, you can prepare for a week’s worth of workout clothes, instead of just one. It means that you can pack multiple items such as shirts, underwear, and socks. Here are some of the pieces of clothing you can include in your gym bag:
- Gym Shorts: There are gyms that have a dress code. Therefore, it’s safe that you have a simple pair of basketball, cross-training, or running shorts packed in your bag. Gym shorts should be breathable, fast-drying, and lightweight.
- T-Shirts: You can pack at least three to five t-shirts in your gym bag. Simple cotton shirts will do fine, as long as you are comfortable wearing them. Pack enough shirts because they tend to get dirty the fastest when working out.
- Underwear: It is also essential to pack some underwear in your gym bag, especially if you will be working out midday and head back to the office instead of going home after. For men, it is ideal for packing fitted boxer briefs or trunks, especially of your workout routine includes lots of cardio exercises.
- Socks: Socks are also important to bring, and you can pack more than one pair as well. They do not take much space in your gym bag, so why not bring plenty? When working out, cushioned athletic socks are recommended because they are more comfortable. Ill-fitting socks can cause blisters to your feet, especially when you spend lots of time on the treadmill.
- Gym Shoes: It is also essential to wear proper footwear when going to the gym. Therefore, you need to pack the right shoes in your gym bag. You can pack a decent pair of running or cross-training shoes as they are more comfortable when working out.
Small Towel
Don’t forget to pack a small towel in your gym bag. It will be useful when you need to wipe sweat from your eyes. You can also use it to wipe down gym equipment after using them.
Headphones
If you like listening to music or watching videos while you exercise, then you might also want to pack your headphones in your gym bag. Wireless headphones will work best, especially when your workout involves lots of movements. Having something to listen to is one way to motivate yourself to stay at the gym for quite some time.
Snacks
You might also want to pack some snacks in your gym bag. You can bring some protein bars that can help replenish your energy levels and maximize your gains as well. It is essential to bring snacks to the gym, especially when you need to rush somewhere after your workout and won’t have the time to eat a full meal.
Lock
If you have a big gym bag, it will be too large to fit in complimentary smaller lockers that most gyms provide. Therefore, you also need to bring a lock to be able to stash your gym bag in the bigger lockers. It is also a way to ensure that your items are secured.
Large Towel
You need to pack a large towel in your gym bag if you want to take a shower after working out, or if your gym session includes swimming.
Flip-Flops
If you will be using the shower or pool in the gym, it is important to pack a pair of flipflops. This will make your feet safe from acquiring athlete’s foot or foot fungus in the gym. You can also wear them after your gym session if you do not want to put on your gym shoes again after showering.
Dopp Kit
Don’t forget to pack your Dopp kit or toiletry bag. This kit should include all your shower essentials such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, cotton buds, soap, hair wax, deodorant, and hair products you need after showering. It’s great if you can find travel-size versions of your favorite brands to save space in your gym bag.
Laundry Bag
Lastly, pack a laundry bag as well. This is essential so that the clean clothes in your gym bag won’t be contaminated by your dirty laundry.
These are the things we can recommend to pack in the best gym bags. All of these things are important and useful in the gym. We hope the items and tips we shared will be able to help you find the best gym bag and pack the essential items in it for your upcoming gym session.