You would have liked to go to the gym, but the only free time was during your lunch break and you didn't have your bag with you; on other occasions you have arrived at the gym, but you have noticed that you have forgotten your pants. These little setbacks shouldn't stop you from exercising. By carefully packing your gym bag, hopefully you can eliminate such problems and make the most of your time spent exercising.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare the Bag
Step 1. Buy a bag of the right size
When choosing a gym bag, you need to make sure it is large enough; choose models with several spacious compartments, so you can store clothes in one sector, shoes in another separate pocket and food in a third space. If you can find a bag with smaller zippered compartments, that's even better, because you can keep several items separate and organize the bag better.
Step 2. Get some plastic bags
Take a few to store various items. This detail is very important, especially if you don't have a bag with many separate pockets. It is good practice to divide the various elements, to prevent them from getting dirty or contaminating each other.
- Get a large bag to put your shoes in. It is not recommended that sweat-soiled sneakers come into contact with clothing. Consider purchasing a specific sack for athletic footwear; this solution keeps bad smells and germs at bay, saving the rest of the bag from the stench of dirty and sweaty feet.
- Buy smaller zip lock bags to store your toiletries and underwear. You can put the panties in a bag to keep them clean and then put the dirty ones back in the bag after changing.
- Plastic bags are also useful for holding ice in case you get injured.
Step 3. Start filling the bag from bottom to top
First put your shoes on the bottom or in a dedicated compartment. Put all items in the smaller pockets; afterwards, add your toiletries, towels and clothes to the top to prevent them from getting wet in case detergents spill out of the containers. Put electronic or reading devices above everything else.
Step 4. Prepare the bag the night before
The mornings are hectic and chaotic; it may happen that you do not wake up in time, linger too long in the shower, burn your breakfast or temporarily deactivate the alarm three times in a row. When the days start like this, the last thing you think about is the gym bag. Free your morning routine from this commitment by preparing the bag the night before.
Leave the bag near the door, briefcase, shoes, keys, or coat. This "trick" saves you the risk of mistakenly leaving the house by leaving your gym equipment on the bedroom floor
Step 5. Leave an "emergency" bag in the car
Keep a spare in the trunk of your car for those days when you forget the "official bag" at home. In this second container, store only the essential clothing, a t-shirt or tank top, a pair of shorts and old sneakers, socks and cheap earphones; by doing so, you don't have to give up physical exercise.
Part 2 of 2: Prepare the Essentials
Step 1. Choose quality workout clothing
T-shirt and shorts are two indispensable items you need to have in your bag; check that they are made of breathable material and that they adapt well to your body. Evaluate the exercises you are going to do during the training session: you must avoid the hipster pants slipping as you bend down to do squats or the shirt falling on your face when you bend forward for a yoga position. Choose quality and practicality instead of fashion.
- Decide if you prefer to wear a tank top or short-sleeved T-shirt paired with gym shorts, long pants or tights; look doesn't matter as long as you prioritize your workout routine.
- During the cold months, pack a tracksuit (pants and jacket) in your bag; this is a very important step, especially if you plan to leave the gym still wearing the clothes you used for training.
- It's a good idea to keep some extra underwear, especially if you come straight back to the office after the gym. You certainly don't want to wear a nice clean suit over your sweaty underwear.
- Women should pack a sports bra in case they wear the regular one outside the gym.
Step 2. Bring your sneakers with you
It is essential to have a good pair of specific training footwear; most people who go to gyms wear running or training ones. If you do weightlifting at an advanced level, you should get specific footwear; no matter what model you wear, remember to put them in your bag. You wouldn't get great results trying to run on the treadmill in high heels or loafers.
- Don't forget the socks. Working out without socks is disgusting and can be painful. Make sure you always have a pair of socks in your bag, even if you've been wearing them to the gym. You never know when they start slipping towards your shoes, when they become wet or unusable for some reason; these represent an indispensable garment to put in the gym bag.
- Make sure you add flip flops. They are absolutely necessary if you plan to shower in the gym after training. You should never walk barefoot on the shower floor; wear this type of slippers instead to protect yourself from bacteria and fungi.
Step 3. Put some rubber bands or hair bands in your bag
Women need to use them to keep their hair away from their face while exercising; men with short hair can use headbands, to prevent sweat and hair from falling on the face.
Step 4. Prepare all necessary bathroom products
If you go to the gym during your lunch break or before going to work, you need to make sure that the bag has everything you need to freshen up and look professional for the rest of the day. Here's what you should have with you:
- Deodorant and possibly a type of perfume or cologne; just be careful not to overdo these products, especially if you haven't taken a full shower.
- Shower gel; if you are a boy, you can use a unique product such as body cleanser and shampoo.
- Face cleanser or wet wipes to get rid of sweat from your face; you should also have a moisturizer and a toner or astringent.
- Shaving foam and razor; guys should only wear them if they plan to shave at the gym.
- Dry shampoo; it's really handy if you don't have time to wash, dry and style your hair before going back to work.
Step 5. Keep a towel handy
It is always a good habit to have one during training, because gyms do not always provide them for free and, although they are washed, they are not always spotless. Make sure you always have your own towel to dry your face or clean machines before using them.
Step 6. Remember the water bottle
Hydration is a vital factor when exercising; bring a water bottle that you can refill whenever necessary. You need to avoid running out of fluids or having to overpay for a bottle of water at the gym.
Step 7. Pack some snacks
Choose healthy snacks to charge up with energy before or after training; opt for nuts, apples or protein bars. Alternatively, you can take some healthy fruit juices, bananas, or energy bars.
Step 8. Don't forget electronic devices
No physical activity is complete without some music; then put the earphones in your bag to connect to the smartphone on which you have saved your favorite playlist. If you have an iPod or iPod shuffle, store it in the gym bag.
You can also take a heart rate monitor, a device to monitor your workout, or other equipment with you
Step 9. Add sanitizer
Gyms can be a germ-friendly environment, as people share equipment and sweat! Try to reduce exposure to pathogens by bringing alcoholic hand sanitizer with you to disinfect them after training.
An alternative to sanitizing is represented by wet wipes with alcohol. You can use them to clean your hands and, more importantly, to scrub machines and dumbbells before touching them. These products offer an additional advantage: if the package opens inside the bag, the contents do not dirty everything else as it happens with the sanitizing gel
Step 10. Don't neglect the first aid items
It is not uncommon for minor injuries to occur in the gym. Blisters, cuts, and other abrasions can prevent you from using machines, holding dumbbells, or doing push-ups. Be prepared for these contingencies by bringing some plasters and small bandages with you.
