Imagine this: You’re on your way to the gym and realize that you forgot your gym shoes and water bottle. It’s too late to turn around; otherwise, you’ll be late for your small group training session. This article will help you avoid that mistake.
Packing your gym bag intentionally sets you up for a good workout. This list includes the 5 essentials to bring (and a bonus) to every training session you attend. Or you could always ask one of your trainers if they have an extra pair of socks.
Table of Contents
1. Appropriate Gym Clothes & Shoes
You’re going to the gym to sweat, so make sure you wear clothes that you can sweat in comfortably. It’s not easy to do squats in jeans or pushups in a skirt. Your workout clothes should be breathable, moisture-wicking, and form-fitting. Female-identifying gym-goers should invest in a supportive sports bra.
Now, let’s talk about what’s on your feet. You want a good pair of sneakers suited for whichever kind of training you’re doing. And a pair of socks! It’s an icky feeling to have sweaty bare feet in your gym shoes, which can lead to chafing and blisters.
2. Heart Rate Monitor
This isn’t a necessity like appropriate gym clothes, but we think monitoring your heart rate is super helpful for tracking progress. Once you better understand your resting heart rate and max heart rate, you can aim for specific levels during high-intensity workouts for optimal results.
There are plenty of smartwatches and fitness trackers you can wear on your wrist throughout the day and overnight to track overall health data. With this data, you can sign-up for our Fitness AutoPilot (Beta) and learn which aspects of your fitness could be tweaked so you can see improved results.
3. Reusable Water Bottle
Really, this should be in the #1 spot because hydration is key. When you sweat a lot, you lose body fluid and risk becoming dehydrated. And being dehydrated during a workout won’t get you very far. You could feel sluggish, fatigued, or achy.
Fill your water bottle at the tap or water fountain in the gym as often as you need. Take sips of water during your workout and drink plenty of water after and throughout the remainder of your day.
4. Post-Workout Snack
You’re putting in the hard work to train and strengthen, so you should put the same effort into your nutrition. Make that hard work mean something. Having a high-protein snack after your training session is an easy way to aid your muscles in their recovery process.
Not sure what to choose? It can be as simple as a protein bar, but always read the label to ensure you’re not ingesting something harmful to your dietary needs. We can also help you choose the right foods. Nutrition coaching is included in our all-in-one program, providing you with customized eating plans according to your body composition and weight or muscle goals.
5. Personal Products
Are you going back to work, dropping the kids off, or heading out for dinner after your training session? You’ll want to keep some of your favourite personal products in your gym bag so you can be ready to tackle the next task on your to-do list.
We recommend writing a list, so you don’t forget what you need after the gym. Some items you might want to pack include:
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush or comb
- Blowdryer
- Moisturizer
- Clean change of clothes
- Extra pair of socks
- Pair of non-gym shoes
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash
- Towel
- Makeup
- Sandals for the gym shower
If your gym has shower facilities, it may have some products available. But it’s a good idea to bring your own just in case.
Bonus: A Positive Mindset
Self-motivation is hard. We completely understand. Some days you truly don’t feel like it. But guess what? Once you start exercising, the endorphins start flowing, and you start feeling energized and happy.
So if you don’t feel like going to the gym, try to remember that your workout will improve your mood, and you won’t regret it. And if you need some support, the accountability component of our all-in-one program is made for you.
What Did We Learn?
It would be simple if you could head to the gym without planning what you need, but being prepared and bringing the appropriate items will set you up for success.
Before heading to your workout, ensure you have proper fitness gear, a heart rate monitor, a reusable water bottle, a high-protein snack, and your personal products if you have plans after your sweat session. And tap into your positive mindset and bring that, too.
Our premium trainers are well-versed in cultivating a positive mindset when it comes to fitness — and life in general. We’re here to chat about your fitness goals and help you unearth the strength you didn’t know you had. Get in touch with us today!
