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We’ve all been there: You get to the gym, open your bag, and realize you forgot a workout necessity like your gym shoes or a water bottle. That’s why we created the ultimate gym bag checklist. Knowing what should be in a gym bag takes the guesswork and stress out of packing for the gym — and you’ll never forget your sneakers again.
We’ll cover:
- What to pack in a gym bag
- Gym accessories that help you get the most of your time in the gym
- The ultimate gym bag checklist for a stress-free workout
Gym bag essentials for a stress-free workout
We provide all the equipment you need to reach your fitness goals, but these items are essential when it comes to what to bring to the gym.
Gym bag essentials: Clothes
First, let’s talk about workout gear to keep in your gym bag.
Breathable clothes
If you’re hitting the gym, the odds you’ll sweat are high. Pack breathable, sweat-wicking clothes that you feel comfortable moving in, such as:
- T-shirt
- Tank top
- Sports bra
- Leggings
- Shorts
- Sweats
- Socks
Gym shoes
A good pair of gym shoes not only prevents injury, but also improves your performance. Double check that your sneakers are packed before you head out.
Pump cover
A pump cover, a sweatshirt or T-shirt that covers the temporary muscle growth you may experience during a workout, increases blood flow and helps your muscles stay warm to prevent injury.
Related: Does Working Out in a Hoodie Increase Weight Loss? You Might Be Surprised
Hair binder
If you have long hair, bring a hair tie, headband, or sweatband to keep your hair out of your face and out of the equipment.
Gym bag essentials: Gear
Aside from workout gear, keeping your gym bag packed with these equipment and accessories can help you get the most of your workout.
Key fob
You can’t work out if you can’t get into the gym. Make sure your key fob or smartphone — if you have a digital key — are on your gym bag checklist.
Water bottle
Don’t forget your water bottle. Staying hydrated keeps your body functioning properly, increases your energy levels, and can help you reach your fitness goals faster.
Related: Myth-Busting: How Much Water Should I rink a Day?
Lifting accessories
We provide all the essential lifting equipment, but if you like to use lifting accessories like belts, chalk, or gloves, don’t forget to bring them in your gym bag.
Yoga mat
Use a yoga mat to do warm-up stretches, cooldowns, or floor exercises. Some gyms provide yoga mats, but you can bring your own if you prefer.
Sweat towels
Wiping down the equipment with sweat towels is a courtesy to others. Make sure you have a towel packed and use the sanitary wipes provided in the gym.
Smartwatch or heart rate monitor
Bring a smartwatch or heart rate monitor to track your calories burned or do heart rate training.
Notebook
If you prefer pen and paper to smartwatches, plan and track your workouts with a notebook to set fitness goals, stay motivated, and see your progress.
Related: 4 Benefits of Tracking Your Workouts
Other gym essentials
Is there still room in your bag? Here are some extra gym bag essentials that may come in handy:
- Lock: If you prefer to keep things locked up, or if your gym doesn’t have locks on its lockers, keep your bag safe and secure with your own lock.
- Pre- and post-workout snacks: Nutrition gives you energy for your workouts and fuels post-workout recovery. Try one of our Coach-approved pre-workout or post-workout snacks.
- Headphones: Tune out and lock in with your favorite playlist.
- Toiletries: Bring all the essentials for freshening up after your workout: body wash, deodorant, a change of clean clothes, shower shoes, and face or body towels.
- Odor balls: Along with regular washes, odor balls will prevent your gym bag from smelling.
The last essential item is something you can’t fit in your gym bag: a commitment to yourself. Remember that we provide all the equipment you could need for an effective workout, so you don’t need to pack your bag full to see results, physical or mental. Sometimes, simply getting into the gym and moving your body is enough.
The ultimate gym bag checklist
Consider this the ultimate list of gym bag essentials. Use it to make sure your bag is packed with everything you’ll need to make the most of your workout.
More fitness tips and gym essentials
- 7 Simple Things You Can Do to Take Care of Your Mental Health
- Gym Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts of Working Out
- 8 Best Foods for Muscle Recovery (And Why Post-Workout Nutrition Matters)
Get answers to more questions like “What should I keep in my gym bag?” from our expert Coaches in the Anytime Fitness App. Download it now.
