8 Things You Should Bring With You to the Gym: A Checklist for Success

Many people spend time and money on the newest fitness clothes, workout shoes, and water bottles, but they don’t always stop to think about what they need for their workout seriously.

But actually…

A successful workout requires preparing yourself by packing everything you might need into an organized, accessible bag or backpack. We’ll highlight some of the crucial things that every person should bring to the gym.

Pre and Post-Workout Snacks and Supplements

Pre-workout snacks and supplements can give you energy for your workout. Post-workout snacks provide the protein and carbohydrates your body uses to recover. It’s handy to keep a stash of healthy pre and post-workout snacks in your gym bag.

Some good options for pre-workout snacks are bananas, apples, oranges, protein bars (if you’re not sensitive to sugar), and peanut butter on crackers. Good post-workout options include milk or almond milk with fruit like strawberries or blueberries, low-fat yogurt with fresh berries, almonds, or quinoa salad.

Some people also pack pre and post-workout supplements, especially for weight-lifting sessions. Food comes first, and the evidence for many supplement claims is mixed.

The FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness before they are sold, so check the label and ask your doctor if you take medication or have a health condition. You can check out this useful link if you’re looking for supplements for your workout sessions.

Water Bottle or Hydration Pack

Your gym bag will not be complete without a large water bottle or hydration pack. It’s essential to stay hydrated during a workout because the body loses fluids through sweat. The more you sweat, the more water your body needs to replenish itself and prevent dehydration.

Dehydration can cause thirst, headache, muscle cramps, and dizziness, all of which are bad news in the middle of your workout.

Appropriate Workout Shoes

It’s essential to have the right shoes when you’re working out. You don’t want to be wearing too tight and constricting sneakers or ones that offer no support. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to foot and ankle injuries, as well as impact your overall body alignment. A trainer or a specialty shoe store can help you choose shoes that suit your activity and your feet.

Comfortable Clothing

When you’re at the gym, it’s essential to be comfortable, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time there. Make sure that the clothes you wear won’t chafe or restrict movement. For example, don’t choose leggings that are too tight or wear baggy sweats.

Go for moisture-wicking clothes that pull sweat away from your skin, so you don’t get too cold. While some training centers provide training clothes for members, others require that you carry yours when coming for training. You should confirm this before signing up for membership if you’ll have difficulty finding your clothes for training.

Remember Your Towel

A clean towel lets you dry off and wipe down equipment after you use it. Carrying your towel from home also keeps you from the risk of skin infections that can spread through shared towels and equipment.

Deodorants

Deodorants help control the bacteria that cause body odor, and antiperspirants reduce sweating. A hard workout increases perspiration, so applying one before you train can help you stay fresh. It will also make it easier to transition into your duties after the workout.

Wipes

While gyms have showers to freshen up and change into better clothes, sometimes sparing the time needed for freshening up is always a challenge. With wipes, you can quickly cleanse your body of sweat and bacteria without having to take a full shower. Wipes can also help you clean areas that are difficult to reach or see, such as the back of your neck. Pack enough of these in your gym bag to make sure you’re clean before and after your workout.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen matters most if you train outdoors or walk or bike to the gym. Ultraviolet rays can harm your skin and raise your risk of skin cancer.

It’s important to remember to observe all safety and personal distance rules while in the gym to help keep yourself and other gym users safe. In addition, carrying these items to the gym helps minimize the likelihood of breaching personal space and other safety measures in place.

Sources

• FDA 101: Dietary Supplements, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Dehydration, MedlinePlus