10 Gym Bag Essentials: My Checklist.

by Maritsa Harry, Certified Personal Trainer 25 July 2022

Ever dipped into your gym bag and kicked yourself for forgetting something at home? Gym day is something that takes a bit of preparation. If you are going straight from work or going first thing in the morning then you don't want to be fumbling around and tossing things into your gym bag without thought. The same effort it takes to prepare your suitcase for vacation is almost the same effort it takes to pack your gym bag. Have your gym bag essentials checklist ready. These items are a must for any gym goer.

1. Gloves

The callus on your hands is the mark of hard work at the gym but if you don't like the look of it then bringing your gloves with you is a must on any day, whether it be leg day or upper body day.

2. Booty Bands

Your warm up accessories are just as vital as the gym equipment. Booty bands make a huge difference in activating your glutes before an intense workout or even work as an extra resistance during a workout.

3. Water Bottle or Shaker

If you're like me then you're probably tired of spilling good pre-workout or any supplement because you forgot to bring a wide brimmed shaker bottle. Unless you like dry scooping (term for eating pre-workout without mixing it in water)  or the chalk dust look on your clothes then your shaker bottle is a must.

4. Foam Roller

This self-myofascial technique is vital for warming up and cooling down before and after a session. It will reduce soreness by stimulating blood circulation to the area.

5. Fitness Journal

It's important to keep track of your exercise programme and your daily routine so you can manage your progress and reach your goals. Writing down each exercise and the weight that you repped will boost your confidence and keep you mindful of the weight that you can handle for the next session.

6. Knee Bands

This isn't typically for beginners but if you are lifting heavy you may need these to protect your knee joints.

7. Headphones

The music at the gym can boost your strength and stamina but sometimes that "out of timing" song can throw you off your game. Listening to your own playlist can help you zone in and focus without distractions around you. 

8. Lifting Belt

Practice safe sets with your lifting belt. Your belt should be essential in your gym bag goodies. It can be used for an array of compound movements in particular barbell squats and deadlifts to support your core and protect your spine. 

9. Lifting Straps

Sometimes your grip can fatigue before the working muscles become exhausted and this can slow down your progress. Take your weightlifting to the next level with lifting straps.

10. Wrist Wraps

Very underrated and less common around the gym are wrist wraps. Wrist wraps can greatly increase your reps and weight range by preventing wrist injury. Use Wrist wraps to reinforce your wrists.