7 Gym bag essentials to upgrade your fitness game

Fitness is just like any other discipline—let's say, cooking. You might be the most skilled chef in town, but if you’re lacking the most basic utensils, what's the point? And even with the basics, like pots and pans, wouldn't having other utensils boost your game? Exactly. You most likely already have your usuals in your gym bag, but they may not be enough to elevate you to the next stage of your fitness journey. 

Perhaps this seems like a boring reminder to fit your gym clothes in your bag—and you’re not wrong—but we really want you to give that gym bag an upgrade by recommending items that will take your exercises to the next level. For instance, in the kitchen, you’ve got gloves that protect your hands from hot pans; essentials like wrist wraps serve a similar purpose as wrist protection, which supports your wrists while you lift weights. Relax; there’s more and we’ve got you covered.

From weightlifting accessories to first aid kits, here’s a comprehensive list of gym bag essentials you need to help you unlock your fitness potential:

Weightlifting Accessories

Are you an absolute beginner with the barbell or an Olympic weightlifter? It doesn’t matter, as long as you have these fantastic accessories that enhance your lifts and make them more professional: straps for pull-ups and weightlifting, exercise gloves, weightlifting belts, weight collars, barbell collars, dip belts, gym chalk, and other weightlifting accessories. 

On the plus side, some of these serve a protective function for your skin and joints, protecting them from the excess friction that accompanies weightlifting. These are absolute must haves for anyone who wants to completely turn around their fitness, especially in the area of weight training. 

Workout Apparel

You obviously won’t be wearing a tuxedo to the gym (because normal people won’t do that, right?), but even your workout wear needs to be as perfect as possible to help you attain your workout goals. Dump the casual jogging vests and go for moisture wicking tops that absorb all that sweat, leaving your body cool and dry throughout your workout. 

Moisture wicking fabrics such as polyester and polypropylene create a “capillary action,” which makes the sweat stick to their surface and move to the upper surface of your top, after which they evaporate into the air and create that cooling effect on your skin. Are they worth buying? The choice is yours- would you rather exercise in soggy clothes or have a moisture-free and more enjoyable workout experience?

Also, remember to add breathable socks and a suitable pair of athletic shoes that are perfect for the workouts you intend to do.

Energy Supplements

Workouts demand a lot of calories, so before you get into action, it’s best that you keep some energy boosters handy. To serve this purpose, there’s a variety of products that come in many forms, such as:

• Pre-workouts that serve as energy boosters.
• Protein supplements (protein powders, bars, drinks, and protein snacks) that are good for muscle growth and recovery.
• Creatine provides a stable supply of ATP (the form of energy your body uses), which also enhances muscle mass and strength.
• BCAA’s (branched chain amino acids-leucine, isoleucine, and valine) reduce the breakdown of protein and preserve your muscle glycogen.
• Post-workout supplements that help with repair, recovery and growth

Personal Care Items

Personal hygiene is non-negotiable. Rather than returning home with stinky workout pits or scruffy hair, it’s better to have a mini kit containing a few things—or a million things—that make it easier for you to freshen up or have a pseudo fresh-up before returning home. Some gyms offer showers but you might be uncomfortable using them, so you may want to include body wipes to quickly rid yourself of workout dirt.

That being said, you’ll obviously need a gym towel and it's not just to wipe your body. The gym equipment is also used by people who sweat, and if you’re sensitive to these kinds of things, you definitely want to be wiping anything that has been used by someone else. 

Also, you can include deodorants, because they’ll keep your pits dry and fresh for as long as they can. Other items are hair combs and brushes, shampoos and conditioners, facial cleansers, etc. Go to town with your personal care items and ensure that you have everything you need to feel refreshed throughout. 

Hydration Essentials

Although we’ve recommended moisture wicking tops, we never said you wouldn’t sweat a river. Even if you don’t sweat (which is extremely unlikely), you still lose water in your breath in the form of water vapor, something called insensible water loss. To prevent dehydration, always go with a water bottle, preferably the reusable kind so you don’t have to keep buying plastic bottles.

The ideal water bottles are the ones that last long, are insulated to maintain your preferred temperature, have a fitting lid, and can accommodate sufficient water so you don’t have to refill them too many times a day.

Extra Wears

Emergencies could meet you at the gym, and you don’t want to be caught off guard. Having an extra pair of everything you wear, especially underwear, could save you from discomfort and embarrassment in case such unplanned emergencies arise.

First Aid Kit

Accidents could happen at the gym, and it is important to have your own little management kit ready. This should contain OTC pain relievers, anti-allergens, methylated spirit and cotton wool, bandages, and other specific medication that has been prescribed for you.