Are you heading to the gym again in the morning? Have you organised your gym bag ahead of time? Not only does packing your gym bag the night before help you stay organised, but it also keeps you motivated to keep going to the gym.
But, have you ever stopped to consider that you have everything that you should do? We have a few things in mind that you should pack into your gym bag the next time you get ready for your next workout.
A fresh set of clothes
It goes without saying that after a hefty workout, you want to leave the gym feeling fresh and ready to take on the day. One way you can do that is by packing a fresh set of clothes. Whether you’re leaving the gym to go straight to work or whether you’re going to get back home to get the kids ready for school, showering and wearing clean clothes from the gym is a no-brainer.
The next time you pack your gym bag, either make sure you have casual clothes to change into or your work outfit so you can get straight into the office without a hitch.
Headphones
One of the keys to any great workout is a good pair of headphones. Sure many modern gyms have some great music tracks playing in the background, but if you really want to get motivated playing your own music is always going to help you the most. There are plenty of headphones on the market from tiny earbuds that go straight into your ears or larger, over-the-ear style headphones. Some people prefer wired headphones while other people can’t get enough of wireless ones. Whichever ones you choose, be sure to get that music cranking for an intense and fun workout.
Dry shampoo
If you really don’t have the time to have a shower at the gym before heading out, dry shampoo is your new best friend. Dry shampoo can help soak up excess oils and sweat from your workout, but it can also help add extra texture and volume to the roots of your hair. Dry shampoo is a great alternative to a complete shower and will help your hair look fresh in an instant.
Sneakers
If you’re not wearing your workout shoes to the gym, make sure you pack them into your gym bag. There is nothing worse than getting to the gym and realising you’ve left your shoes back home. Unfortunately, your thongs are not going to cut it whilst you’re on the treadmill. If you can wear your sneakers to the gym, great. If not make sure you pack them!
Deodorant
There’s nothing worse than bumping into someone that’s just been to the gym and you can still smell the sweat from their Zumba class. Deodorant is not just a pre-workout ritual. Using deodorant before, (sometimes during) and after a workout will help you smelling fresh the whole time. Also, choosing a lightly scented deodorant is going to help you and the people working out around you. Some people are quite sensitive to strong perfumes so it’s always good to choose a deodorant that is not too strong smelling. There are also a number of natural deodorants on the market that don’t utilise certain chemicals but can still help keep you smelling fabulous.
A compact towel
You may find that you need to bring a couple of towels with you; one for the shower and one for your workout. Either way, there are a number of towels on the market they can be quite compact and rolled up to fit even the smallest of gym bags. Using a towel during your workout will help keep equipment hygienic as well as stop any sweat from getting in the way of your work out.
A healthy snack
After your workout, you don’t want to undo your hard work by snacking on something that is not healthy. Depending on your workout and your health, you may need a snack that is both nutritious and high in protein. Protein is an excellent nutrient to eat after a workout to help with muscle repair and help in the recovery process. You may opt for a small serving of almonds, hummus and sliced pita bread or even, popcorn with a sprinkle of whey protein powder on top (just add it to your popcorn after it is popped and give it a good shake to mix it up!). All these options have good levels of protein and carbohydrates to help you recover after a workout.
Rehydration
Staying hydrated after a workout is very important for your health, especially in the warmer months. Bringing along a reusable bottle with water can help you both during your workout and after your workout to ensure you stay hydrated. You may also opt for add-ins to your water such as electrolyte powders and vitamin powders. Depending on your personal needs, some of these powders may be just what you need to get your electrolyte levels up, as well as give your vitamin and mineral levels a boost.
Whatever you choose to bring with you to the gym, these essential items will help you to enjoy your workouts each day and help you to feel more prepared. No longer will you be worried about smelling not-so-great or not getting enough nutrition or hydration after a workout. A well-prepared gym bag means a well-prepared workout ahead.