It can be hard to get the motivation to hit the gym, especially during big life changes. But, ensuring you have your gym bag essentials is your first step to starting a quality routine.
This has been a crazy year for me. Leaving my police job to finish renovating our house, marketing, listing, showing and selling it myself, moving to Wisconsin, staying with my in-laws temporarily, getting a new job, finding a fixer-upper in Milwaukee, moving everything again, managing subcontractors, and running Strictly Man Supply Co., I’ve been neglecting things like the gym and writing for this blog.
However, now that I’ve moved, found a house and am settling in, it’s time to get a routine and get back to work.
Part of that routine is waking up early in the morning (check out The Miracle Morning: A Sample Morning Routine to Supercharge Your Day) and getting to the gym. In order to make the most efficient use of my time, I’m going to shower and get ready for the day after my workout, before I leave the locker room.
These 12 Gym Bag Essentials Every Man Should Have will help prepare me for the gym and each upcoming day. Whether you’re looking to start a new gym routine, or have already had one for years, these essentials can help prepare you as well!
This article will focus solely on your gym bag, for what to wear to the gym, Check out 7 Tips on How Men Should Dress for the Gym.
10 Gym Bag Essentials Every Man Should Have
1. Gym Bag
In order to transport the things you need into the gym, you’re going to need a quality gym bag. You don’t need to spend a fortune here, it just needs to fit everything else you’ll need, in conjunction with fitting into the locker at your gym.
Before going out and purchasing, check out the size of the lockers you’ll be using, then try and find a bag that will accommodate what you need.
Consider gym bags that contain compartments, so you can keep dirty socks or athlete foot riddled sandal bottoms away from your toothbrush or comb.
Our Choice Gym Bag: Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0 $26.99
2. Water Bottle
Speaking of water bottles, you’ll definitely need one while working out. Walking to the fountain, waiting for someone else, then getting sprayed in the face wasn’t fun in the first grade, and it’s still not fun now.
Rather, just grab a water bottle you don’t mind using. Before buying, consider the top and how water is dispensed. Will it last? Is it fast and convenient? Will your germy gym hands have to touch the spout right before you put your lips on it?
3. Headphones
These are a must for the gym. I’ve actually gone through three different pairs recently, trying to find the right set. I tried a cheaper wireless ear bud, but it dug too far into my ear canal. I tried a second, slightly more expensive wireless ear bud, but they kept falling out of my ears.
Finally, I found a wireless set that curves around my ear, keeping it in place while doing activities. I’m convinced these are the ticket.
Our Choice Headphones: LETSCOM Bluetooth Headphones $19.98
4. Small Towel
Not all gyms have towels to use while you are working out.
Some gyms have towels that have touched the sweat of a thousand other men before you wiped your face with it.
It’s best to have your own small towel. Double points if it’s cooling!
5. Cheap Flip Flops
Avoiding itchy, burning athlete’s foot should be a priority if possible. Plus, you don’t want to give it to anyone else you live with.
Flip flops are an easy way to prevent athlete’s foot, in addition to providing some peace of mind knowing you aren’t walking in someone else’s urine.
6. 3-in-1 Body Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner
I normally wouldn’t recommend using this as your main source of cleanser. Shampoo and conditioner are meant to do completely opposite things, and a good body wash should nourish your skin as much as possible. (Check out 20 Vital Hair Care Tips for Men for more tips on how to keep your mane healthy)
When you combine all three, it’s like using fabric softener and laundry detergent together. It works okay, but not great.
However, for ease and convenience at the gym, it’s hard to beat. Just make sure you go for quality here.
7. Full Sized Towel
See #4
You’ll need your own, clean towel to dry off with after you get done showering.
Consider a fast-drying towel, and check out this article from Good Housekeeping for a for a great guide on how to choose.
8. Dopp Kit/Toiletries
Check out 19 Men’s Grooming Travel Kit Essentials. You can definitely distill this down to the bare essentials for your gym bag. Just make sure you have a quality face moisturizer, deodorant, and any hair product you might need.
If you struggle with pimples or an uneven complexion, consider throwing a tinted moisturizer or concealer into the bag as well.
Last, if you opt for a swim, remember to pack some lotion to prevent the chlorine from drying out your skin.
9. Supplements
You don’t need to go all out here. Just shoot for a quality protein post workout to ensure you’re giving your body all the nutrients it needs to heal and grow stronger.
Consider creatines or pre-workout supplements if you really get into it.
10. Clean Outfit
The last thing you want to do is put on your sweaty workout clothes after you get out of the shower.
Pack your clothes for the day into your gym bag, or something light to put on while you go home to get fully ready for the day.
11. Laundry Bag
Throw your dirty gym clothes into a laundry bag to prevent cross contamination.
You don’t want a sweaty shirt co-mingling with a clean towel or water bottle top while in your bag.
Our Choice Laundry Bag: SGT KNOTS Mesh Bag $12.99
12. Lock
More than likely, you’ll have your cell phone, wallet, and keys with you when you go into the gym.
A good lock will prevent someone from stealing your credit cards, car, and dignity.
Locks where you can set the code are a lot more convenient than the typical combination locks you used in high school, where memorizing random numbers is a necessity.
Like my computer passwords, I like using word locks that help motivate me: W-O-R-K, E-A-R-N, G-A-I-N.
I’ll take any and all positive vibes, even if it’s from a lock.
That’s it! With these 12 Gym Bag Essentials, you’ll be on your way to a productive workout and productive rest of your day. Good luck!
Check out more of our popular articles below, and thanks for reading!
-Chris
