5 Things You Must Have In Your Gym Bag

By Michele Bastos

 Imagine that you’re 10 minutes into your favorite workout when you realize that you forgot your sneakers – the agony!  

 There’s nothing worse than finding out right before your workout that you don’t have exactly what you need to excel in your workout. No worries because we’ve got you covered! Here are my top five gym bag must-haves that you want to make sure you pack in order to have the best workout you possibly can. 

Athletic shoes

Even though we want to look good at the gym, it’s essential to have good supportive sneakers – especially if you are going to be engaging in high-impact activities, such as running on the treadmill, jumping rope, or a HIIT workout. The sneakers are not only going to absorb impact but also going to help support and stabilize the ankle and knee joints.

There are different types of sneakers for each activity, including dance and cross-training, so make sure to grab the pair that is right for you and the activity that’s on your to-do list for the day. Leave the Vans at home, and grab a pair of Nikes instead. Your body will thank you, and you can still rock that gym look.

Sports bra

Gents, give us a second to cover something important here – am I right ladies? The proper sports bra can either make or break your workout. Nowadays they are labeled for low-intensity, medium-intensity, and high-intensity workouts. Made of different materials, sports bras should be breathable and lightweight.

My favorite types are the ones with a zipper in the front – no more twisting and turning or hurting ourselves just to take off a sweaty sports bra. Zip up, sweat, zip down, and voila – you’re free to breathe. You can find those at major sports and department stores. You’re welcome

Hair ties and headbands

The goal is to get the hair out of the way so you can focus on the workout. It’s plain and simple – so, you thought! Style and comfort can actually make a difference. Hair ties and headbands have evolved ladies and gents! From adjustable ties to invisible ones and all the colors and styles in between, there are so many options to choose from.

Water bottles

Hydration is not an option when it comes to health, in general, and this holds true especially before, during, and after a workout. The American Council on Exercise generally recommends drinking seven to 10 ounces of water every 10 to 20 minutes while exercising for a healthy individual. Grab a reusable BPA-free bottle and earn extra star points for helping the environment. 

Headphones

If your workout is driven by music, then you cannot forget the headphones. Luckily, at Crunch, we play the top hits, so trust us when we say that our music will keep you motivated and moving. However, if you want to cancel the noise of other gymgoers on the gym floor, then sound-canceling headphones will do that for you and more. It will help you stay focused and in rhythm with your workout.

Now if you’re going to a Group Fitness class, headphones won’t be necessary here as our instructors will curate the very best playlists in town.

Other things to consider bringing to the gym that you should always have in your bag:

• A Towel
• A combination lock just in case you misplace the keys
• Shower essentials including dry shampoo and deodorant
• Workout clothes
• An extra pair of socks

 And most importantly, don’t forget the BAG! Make sure that your bag is ideal for the type of activity you play at the gym, whether that’s extra space for boxing gloves, small mesh pockets for headbands and earbuds, a water bottle holder, or a shoe compartment. 

 Now just get to the gym and show off your awesome well-packed gym bag in the locker rooms.

Michele Bastos is a Crunch Classic Training National Master Trainer and a Crunch Corporate Group Fitness Regional Director. 

Crunch’s group fitness classes and personal trainers promote a culture of fun with no judgments. It is an environment built for all types of individuals with various goals. Find a Crunch gym near you to try our free trial membership, or join Crunch now.