Packing the gym bag can be demanding if you are a gym newbie. In fact, deciding what to pack and leave behind can be very challenging, even for regular gym goers.
Well, one way to tackle this is to pack everything you can get your hands on, just to be sure. But that can only bog you down during your commute and make you feel clumsy.
You can also pack hastily and risk leaving some important gym accessories at home. This is quite frustrating, isn’t it?
That’s why having a checklist of must-have gym essentials is important. This can help you save time and have a relaxed workout experience. Planning can go a long way in keeping your head cool and organized for a rigorous gym session.
But, what are these gym essentials we are talking about?
Don’t worry. In this blog, we will put an end to these questions. After putting a lot of thought into this, we have come up with the following list of gym essentials you should definitely have in your kit.
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Gym Essentials You Must Have in Your Kit
1. Reusable Water Bottle
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The number one rule of a gym workout is to stay hydrated. It helps your body retain its precious electrolytes and maintain its core temperature. But, it is easier said than done. In fact, most fitness enthusiasts drink less water than they should. We are too busy to sip water throughout the day, most importantly during a workout session.
That’s why a leakproof, reusable water bottle is a must-have in your gym kit. It is a solid reminder to hydrate yourself regularly between exercises. When you buy one, don’t go for the plastic ones. Stay environment-friendly and get a glass or stainless steel reusable water bottle. But, if you want to buy a plastic water bottle, go for a non-toxic, BPA-free plastic.
2. Sweat Proof Earbuds
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A nice pair of earphones is a must-have for gymgoers. Fitness veterans will vouch for the fact that a thumping and uplifting music track can take your workout experience to the next level.
Never make the mistake of leaving your headphones at home during a gym session. But remember that your regular pair of headphones will not cut it. Instead, wear sweatproof earbuds that sit comfortably in your ear canals throughout an intense workout session.
For example, these sports earphones from Bose are IPX4 sweatproof and will not fall off your ears, no matter how rigorous your exercise is. Besides, you can easily answer calls, adjust the volume, and play the next song with smart touch gestures.
3. Protein Shaker
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If you are into strength training, you’ll definitely need a good dose of a pre-workout smoothie or a post-workout protein shake. A good quality shake can help you power through an intense weight-lifting session and recover as fast as possible. But some of us may forget to bring a protein shaker to the gym and miss out on all the benefits of a good quality shake.
To avoid this, always keep a spare protein shaker in your gym bag in addition to your regular one. You can buy a good quality BPA-free shaker for a reasonable price from BlenderBottle.
The wire whisk at the bottom of these shakers ensures that your protein powder is whipped to the right consistency. The millimeters and ounces markings on the shaker help you achieve the right thickness. Moreover, these BlenderBottle shakers are leak-proof and dishwasher-safe.
4. Microfiber Towel
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Sweating is a natural part of any workout session. In fact, it is a sign of fat burning that every gym goer is proud of. However, that doesn’t mean you must stay sweaty throughout the day. Sweat is a good breeding ground for nasty bacteria that produce foul odors. Prolonged wearing of sweaty clothes can lead to body odor, skin rashes, and infections in some extreme cases. That is why it is important to clean yourself dry every once in a while between exercises.
But you might think,” Isn’t a normal towel enough for that”?
No, because normal towels usually don’t absorb all the sweat adequately. They can become dirty very quickly and require frequent cleaning. That is why we recommend you buy a good quality antibacterial microfiber gym towel. These can help you stay dry, cool, and odor free by absorbing all your sweat in a matter of seconds. The microfibre towels from Acteon have silver ions embedded in them, which help fight the odor-causing bacteria in your sweaty skin.
Hang them around your neck and shoulder, and pat dry occasionally for a pleasant, non-sticky gym session.
5. Massage Balls
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This is another must-have gym essential that is the least talked about. Use a massage ball to warm up tense muscles and relieve pain from specific areas. This should be part of your pre-workout routine. If you are sore after an intense workout, you can use this to relax by targeting a specific muscle.
These massage balls from Posture Magic can help increase blood flow, relax sore muscles, and relieve tension throughout the body. Using these, you can target muscle groups prone to tissue damage, like the glutes, calves, hamstrings, and neck muscles. This kit also fits nicely into your gym bag because of its compact size.
6. Gym Sneakers
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This is an obvious gym essential, but many newbies may not know that different exercises require specialized shoes. But generally, a good pair of sturdy sneakers with a good grip is essential for any kind of exercise. If you plan to hit the treadmill and cardio, choose firm-soled sneakers that smoothly absorb all the impact and shock without hurting your feet.
This pair of sneakers from Reebok is an all-rounder. It has lightweight cushioning on the sole, ensuring that your feet don’t bear the brunt of heavy-duty running. The rubber high-grip outsole ensures that your feet stay firmly on the ground, even during heavy-duty weight lifting. The high-quality rubber gives it amazing durability, even with rough use.
7. Grip Gloves
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A good set of grip gloves is a must-have in your gym kit if you are planning to lift weights. Otherwise, your palms may become sweaty, and you may start losing grip on your weights mid-exercise. This not only interferes with your reps but is also outright risky.
This pair of Atercel gloves provide a good grip without compromising breathability and stretchability. They distribute the weight evenly on your wrists, reducing their strain. Use them for a discomfort-free weight-lifting experience.
8. Snacks or Protein Bars
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Gym sessions can take a heavy toll on your body’s energy reserves. If you feel exhausted, you can grab a quick bite of an energy bar to replenish your energy levels instantly. Having at least a few energy or protein bars in your gym bag is always recommended because you may never know when you might need them.
9. Native Deodorant
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Just because this is the last entry on this list of gym essentials doesn’t mean it is less important in any manner. Even light to moderate workouts can make anyone sweat heavily. Without a deodorant, you’ll give off a strong smell of BO right after a workout session, even if you are squeaky clean. That’s why it is always important to have deodorant ready in your gym bag.
If you are concerned about the strong antiperspirant chemicals in a clinical-strength deodorant, you can use a light organic deodorant on your skin. This aluminum-free deodorant from Native is made from 100% natural ingredients and is very mild on your skin. Besides, it is free from phthalate, parabens, and other harmful chemicals. Needless to say, they never test on animals. So, pick your favorite scent already.
Workout clothes
You might need to bring gym clothes to the gym if you typically go there right after leaving the workplace or another place of employment.
Wet wipes
Wet wipes are a lifesaver because we sweat a lot while exercising, and they will scent badly. Wet wipes typically have a pleasant fragrance, so using them will make you feel good until you get home and take a hot shower.
The Gym Kit for a Perfect Workout
These are the 9 essential things everyone should have in their gym bags. But feel free to pack more stuff if you think you need it. If your gym has showers, you can throw your favorite shampoo and body wash into the kit and some gym clothes. That way, you can be squeaky clean when you come back home from the gym. Some gyms may not have small things like skipping ropes, resistance bands, etc. You can also pack these in your kit if you want.
That’s all, folks. You now have a list of 9 gym essentials for your daily carry kit. With these, you will never miss out on a productive gym session. Happy shopping and getting fit.
