7 items you must have in your gym bag

Your gym bag should be your fitness “bag of tricks.” Although every gym bag is unique, and will probably reflect the fitness goals and personality of the person who carries it, every bag should have a few essentials. These fitness must-haves are perfect for anyone and any goal.

These should be your gym bag essential

1 Gym Clothes

Without good training clothes, your workout is probably going to be less than satisfactory. So, if you hit the gym after work, remember to pack some breathable, well-fitted clothing. There’s nothing worse than unpacking your gym bag in the locker room and realizing you’ve forgotten shorts!

2. Reliable shoes

It is important to find the right shoes for your type of training – whether a boxer, runner, cyclist or lifter. Sufficient support can contribute to stability and alleviate pressure on your back and knees.

If you’re an advanced lifter, you may prefer lifting shoes to traditional cross-trainers or running shoes. Whatever choice you make, make sure it provides the support you need for the type of training you will do. Box jumps or running in sandals would turn out even worse than it would look.

3 Water Bottle

A gym bag isn’t complete unless it contains a quality water bottle. You can use it for your all of your refreshment needs. It can hold your pre- and intra-workout supplements, water, or shake up your post-workout protein/carb combo.

4. Music and earphones

Training to music is a personal preference. Some people enjoy the silence, while others find that music motivates them. Train to the music you like, and create a personalised playlist suited to your routine. Your headphones and earphones should fit comfortably and be light.

5 . Towel

Sweating is normal—especially in the gym! But nobody wants to sit in your sweat. Bring a towel to wipe down the equipment after you finish using it, or simply to keep your sweat to yourself.

6.Workout Log

A workout log is absolutely essential to consistent progress. Use your workout journal to record sets, reps, weights, and rest. You need to know how much you lifted in past workouts to lift more in future workouts. A gym log is an essential tool for anyone trying to build their best self. Be sure to track every session!

7. Timer Or Monitor

Finally, if you want to keep real-time tabs on your progress every step of the way, keep a quality heart rate monitor in your gym bag. You can use this during cardio and lifting sessions to monitor your heartbeat and stay in the desired zone. Some heart rate monitors will even give estimations of total calories burned, so if fat loss is a primary goal, give them a look.

Tips courtesy of BodyBuilding.com