You know what they say: showing up is half the work(out) done. So make sure that when you do show up, you’re fully prepared and have everything you could possibly need to make your gym sessions as enjoyable and as stress-free as can be! We’ve put together a list of our gym bag essentials, all of which are guaranteed to help take your gymming experience to the next level.
Secure the bag
Well, let’s start off with the bag itself. The key to any good workout experience is making sure that you have a bag that is big enough to fit all of your gear and essentials, is easy to carry, and let’s be honest – it needs to look good too.
When searching for the perfect gym bag, remember to try and find one with separate wet and dry compartments (for the swimmers and gym showerers out there), adjustable straps so that it rests comfortably on your shoulder when you’re carrying it, and pockets that will give you quick access to bits and bobs like your headphones, hair ties, and your membership card.
We really like these gym bags from Lululemon, Nike, and GymShark.
Gym hair, don’t care
Let’s face it: no one leaves the gym with their hair looking fabulous. Bad hair is the sign of a good workout! If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to wash and style your hair right after burning some calories or pumping some iron, then dry shampoo is about to become your new best friend. Just a few sprays of the good stuff and your hair will look and feel great!
Our favorite post-workout dry shampoos are these ones from Ouai, Kristin Ess, and Moroccan Oil.
And if all else fails, why not pop an anti-crease Slip scrunchie into your bag. A girl can never have enough scrunchies!
Keep your hydration game strong
There are plenty more productive ways to spend that precious hour at the gym than waiting in line at the water fountain. Reusable water bottles are not only good for the planet, they’re good for your workout too. They make staying hydrated easier, and many of them can keep your water cool for up to 24 hours.
There’s a wide range of water bottles out there, but just a few of our favorites include these ones from Brita, S’well, and Hydro Cell. Or, if you’re feeling generous, you might like to add the LARQ self-cleaning bottle into your Christmas holiday stocking.
Get your head (phones) in the game
The easiest way to get in the zone at the gym? Reach for those headphones and blast your favorite tunes. Music is great for workouts. Apart from keeping us motivated, it also helps us to pace our workouts. We’re sure the gym DJs work hard to bring you the very best Spotify playlists, but nothing beats your own personal favorite little ditties. With the right headphones, you’ll also be able to keep your GOFA trainer close and hear them clearly whenever they feed you prompts to help better your workout.
Get into the groove with these Jaybird Vistas or Bose Sport Earbuds.
Don’t get hangry
Few things are more powerful than that post-workout hunger, and feeding it before you get hangry is what’s best for you (and everyone around you!). Throw a few healthy, recovery-aiding snacks into your gym bag.
A good protein bar is always a good idea. One of the best ways to help your body heal after a workout is by munching on a protein-filled delight, like these Rise Bars, RX Bars, and Barebells.
GOFA is the perfect add on to your gym bag essentials, keeping you motivated and up to date with the latest workouts and running sessions. Download Now!