Working out is so important to me, so making sure I have everything I need when I go to the gym is just as important. Below, I’m going to share some essentials that I take specifically for my workouts and items that I pack for after. I like to workout early in the morning before work because the gym isn’t as busy then, and I get really energized for the day ahead by working up a good sweat. The gym I go to has showers, so I’m able to get ready for work there without having to go all the way home to get ready.

Start out with a great, functional gym/duffel bag. I have this one that I found on Amazon that has smaller pockets inside and on the sides to keep me organized as well as a shoe compartment so I can keep those separate from everything else. It also has a space between the handles where I can strap my yoga mat for the mornings I go to class.

For workout:

I make sure I have a pair of headphones or earbuds. The pair I take with me I actually just came across them while looking for movies at Walmart; they are Blackweb Bluetooth earbuds that I found for $15 and the sound is great. They have different sizes of the silicone that goes in your ear to choose from and the cuff around your ear can be adjusted to fit you comfortably without them falling off. I’ve worn them at the gym as well as when I go running and love them. They have 2 versions of them, I have the one that has a wire that wraps around the head and they have recently made a wireless version.

Next, I make sure to bring a headband to keep my hair back and a hair tie to keep it off of my neck. I’ll usually put my hair in a low bun while working out. The headbands I try to look for are ones that are moisture wicking to keep my hair from getting too wet. Additionally, I like for it to have a no-slip grip so that I am not constantly moving my headband back in place as I move around.

For some of my warm ups, I use resistance bands. They typically come in sets with a few different strength levels to choose from depending on what you’re using them for or if you’ve worked up from a lighter level to a heavier one. The set I have came in a little pouch so I just leave it in by duffel bag so that I don’t forget it when I’m getting ready to head to the gym.

If I am doing weight training that day, I will grab my workout gloves. I like them to help me grip a little better and to prevent callouses on my hands. There are so many different styles of gloves, so it would be best to try a few on to see what is comfortable for you. I found a really nice pair at TJ Maxx after trying on about 10 different pairs before finding the ones that best suited me. I keep these in my gym bag as well so that I don’t forget them.

I mentioned before that I attend yoga classes at my gym, so I definitely need my mat on those days. Like the gloves, there are also so many different styles, fabrics, thicknesses, etc. for yoga mats so it is all personal preference. I have a couple of different mats that I use depending on what class I will be going to that day. I will also take a towel with me if I am doing a hot yoga class.

After Workout:

I have a small travel case that I put all of my toiletries that I’ll need after my workout. Usually, I’ll pack a travel sized body wash and body scrubber, deodorant, lotion, these great water activated face cleansing cloths by Olay, facial moisturizer and occasionally makeup depending on if I feel like doing it that morning. Also, don’t forget your flip flops for the shower.

Of course make sure you have your clothes for work, including all undergarments. (That would be a little awkward forgetting something like that.) I also make sure I have anything I may need for my hair that day, I’ll usually keep all of those items in a small bag so that it’s all together instead of thrown all over my duffel bag and it ends up being hard to find something.

Making sure to eat after a workout is important, so I make sure to pack some snacks for afterwards. If I have time when I am done getting ready, I sometimes will stop by Heights Nutrition for a protein shake and energizing tea. They literally have the best protein shakes I’ve ever had. And I definitely make sure I bring water, for my workout and after. I love my Corkcicle water bottle because not only is it cute, it also keeps my water cool throughout the day. I don’t like really cold water, but if I put it in my bottle after it’s warmed up a bit, the water will stay that cooler temperature pretty much all day without being too cold.

I hope this helps with some ideas on what to take to the gym, especially if you’re going early in the morning. Let me know what things you take with you to the gym!

xo,