A great workout starts before you even leave the house. Packing the right gym bag separates a successful session from a frustrating one.

Essentials:

1. Change of clothes

Instead of having to go back home in sweaty, workout clothes, keep a pair of simple clothes in your bag and change into them after finishing up at the gym.

2. Shoes

Instead of having to put your shoes in every single day, get a dedicated pair just for the gym. Leave them in your bag so you won't forget about them. You can also put a few pairs of socks in the bag.

3. Water bottle

Drink 10-20 oz before workout, 8oz during warmup, 7-10 oz every 10-20 minutes during workout, and 8 oz 30 minutes after workout.

4. Supplements (BCAAs and DOMs)

You can take these supplements for nutrition but do so only after consulting with your doctor.

5. Towel

Keep a small absorbent towel to clean up frequently used gym equipment.

Personal Accessories:

• Personal hygiene products
• Deodorants
• Headbands
• Foam rollers
• Lacrosse balls

Gym Accessories

In case you are lifting weights, then these accessories are a must.

• Straps
• Belts
• Gloves
• Resistance bands

Gadgets:

• Trackers
• Headphones/earphones
• Chargers
• Smart watch

Snacks:

• Pre-workout snacks - energy bar, banana, nuts, protein powder/shakes
• Post-workout snacks

Some Dos and Don'ts of Carrying Gym Bag Essentials:

1. Choose the bag size according to your needs. If you are carrying everything from clothes to shoes and accessories, then a big duffel bag is best for you. Otherwise, a standard backpack can also do.
2. Compartmentalize your bag. Throw the dirty clothes at the bottom, use the side mesh for small accessories, and zippers for important items like membership cards, wallets, and earphones.
3. Keep sweaty clothes away from clean, dry items. Seal them in a zip-lock bag to prevent odors and make laundry items easily identifiable.

Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar