Gym Bag Essentials Every Fitness Junkie Needs

Women join gyms for many reasons such as toning up and getting fit, to lose weight, and to generally feel better all around. Your reason to go to the gym is completely your own, but you want to make sure you’re prepared when you do. It’s important that all of your gym bag essentials get into the car, so you can enjoy your workout and easily clean up before your day officially begins.  

What are the top gym essentials every woman needs in her gym bag? Let’s go over the list.

Gym Clothing Essentials

Workout Top

Pack a shirt that you can move in and preferably one that’s sweat resistant (like a dri-fit top). You want to be comfortable in the top you have on, and pick the right one for the workout you’ll be doing that day.

A t-shirt, for example, may be better suited if you plan on playing basketball at the gym. A more fitted top might be better if you’re at a spin class since loose-fitting clothing is generally discouraged when using the spin bikes.

Shorts or Sweats

When picking out your bottoms, grab ones that are suited for the weather. Just like workout tops, you’ll want to dress in what’s most comfortable for your workout.

Shorts might be a good call on leg day since you can squat and lunge easily. Pants are ideal for yoga, dancing, and doing reps on the fitness machines. However, it’s all up to you of course.

Socks

Don’t ruin your shoes by exercising without socks. Always pack a pair of clean socks in your gym bag.

Running Shoes

Running shoes and sneakers are the most recommended shoes for working out. Other types of shoes can cause injury, which is why gyms make running shoes and sneakers a requirement for all members.

A lightweight shoe can help improve your workout and agility.  

Sports Bra

A regular bra is uncomfortable to wear at the gym. Make a sports bra part of your gym bag essentials.

Baseball Cap

Some women like to wear baseball caps while working out and others don’t. Add one to your gym bag if you prefer a hat!

Change of Clothes

Do you hit the gym in the mornings? Bring a new outfit to change into after your workout. Items to remember include the following:

• Top
• Bottom
• Bra
• Belt
• Shoes
• Underwear
• Socks or tights

Gym Gear Essentials

Gym Bag

Now this one should be a no-brainer. Your gym bag will help transport all of your gym bag essentials to and from the locker room. Get one that has a lot of space and pockets for maximum storage.

Towel

A towel to wipe off the sweat from your face is a huge help at the gym. Having a premium fitness towel is essential for women to have in the cardio, strength training, classes, and free weights area of the gym.  

Yoga Mat

Whether you take yoga classes every other day or just need to do a bit of light stretching, a yoga mat can do wonders for your balance, posture, and flexibility!

Bathing Suit

Swimming tones your whole body. Pack a bathing suit if you plan to swim laps at the pool or just relax your muscles in the hot tub. If you do swim, throw swimming goggles in your bag as well.

Gym Toiletry Essentials

Shampoo and Conditioner

Bring a travel-size bottle of shampoo and conditioner with you to the gym. You sweat 27 ounces of fluid on average in an hour of working out. If you go to the gym in the morning, you’ll likely need to wash your hair.  

Body Wash

Body wash will do you some good after a hard workout. It’ll help get the grime and sweat off your body, so you can go about the rest of your day.

Razor

If you need to shave, pack a razor in your gym bag.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

You’ll only need to bring this if you plan on going to the gym before work. If you brush your teeth at home, you can remove this from your gym bag checklist.

Deodorant

Deodorant is definitely needed when it comes to packing your gym essentials. Apply generously before and after a workout.

Brush

A brush makes the list because you’ll need to brush through the knots after you’ve showered. A small one won’t take up much space in a gym bag.

Hair Ties

Have you ever worked out without a hair tie? It’s the absolute worst. Hair bouncing all over the place can make it hard to concentrate on your activity.

Make sure that hair ties end up in your gym bag. Place a couple in the bag in case you lose your go-to hair tie.

Feminine Products

Keep feminine products in your bag at all times, just in case.

Makeup

Put your makeup kit in your gym bag, if you workout early or have plans afterward. You can also keep it in your purse if you’re limited on space.

Extra Gym Bag Essentials

Water Bottle

So you don’t become dehydrated, it’s recommended you should drink on average 2 liters of water before, during, and after a workout. Everybody is different, but it’s a good rule of thumb to follow.

Other factors that go into your water intake include age, gender, height, weight, workout intensity, and time of exercise.

Don’t forget your water bottle. You’ll be making many trips to the water fountain if you do.

Pre-Workout Supplements

If you’re into it, pre-workout can give you a boost in endurance for a better workout. Put some in your bag before going to the gym, but make sure you take it right before exercising for the best effect.

Music and Headphones

Music can push you through tough physical training. Be courteous to others and wear headphones while listening to music.

Plastic Bag for Wet Clothes

Try not to get the inside of your gym bag wet. Instead, put your wet bathing suit or sweaty gym clothes in a plastic bag to keep your regular bag from smelling.

Activity Tracking Device

Be sure to grab your activity tracking device, so you can monitor your heart rate, steps, and burned calories.

Gym Membership Card

If you forget this, you can’t work out. See if your gym or fitness center has a smaller one for your key chain or an app you can use to check in (and sign up for Zumba!).

Lock for Locker

A lock is great for securing your belongings while working out. Lock the gym lock on your bag so you never forget it. Just make sure you have the key or know the code.

Reviewing Your Gym Bag Checklist

Whatever your reason for hitting the gym, you want to make sure that all of your gym bag essentials make it to your workouts.

A water-resistant bag is good to have since you’re dealing with sweaty gym clothes. It should be big, but not too big as it needs to fit inside a gym locker.

The towel you bring is very important. Look for towels that are absorbent, odorless, resistant to bacteria, and portable. Contact us to learn more about the best towel to take to the gym.