Gear up and get ready to workout!

Whether you're heading to the gym or working out at home it's always good to be prepared! Many of us have made our way to the gym or started a workout only to realize we may have forgotten something we didn't even know we needed or that simply escaped our mind. This may sometimes lead us to get distracted or even discouraged before or during our workout. Distractions and discouragement are the downfall of consistency and progress. Here is a list of the 10 necessary things to bring with you, whether you're a gym vet or taking your first steps towards a fitter, happier lifestyle. MFTG = Mainly for the gym

1. Gym bag (MFTG)

Shocker right! I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes while saying "obviously" but not everyone realizes how necessary a gym bag is. Many of the things to follow in this list will actually be stored in your bag until needed. There are many bags one could use, for posture I would HIGHLY recommend a backpack as the two straps will distribute the weight across your back, preventing unnecessary discomfort. Explore various bag types as some contain extra pockets and features such as storage for your shoes, without mixing in with the rest of your bag's contents (i.e. food and clothes).

2. Water Bottle

Staying hydrated during and after a workout is one of the most important things for you to do and so having a water bottle that keeps your water oh so refreshingly cool, is ideal! One of the most frustrating things to have to do is run/speed walk to the nearest water fountain (which in some cases may be at the other end of the gym or your house) between each set. I would also suggest having a dedicated water bottle and not using your protein shaker, this is just more hygienic and prevents taking a sip of water that may not be ideally tasting. (Although you should be washing your protein shaker after every use!)

3. Hand towel

Hand towels are the perfect size to carry with you through your workout. If you're working out right, you're more than likely sweating up a storm and this can make it hard to focus if it's streaming down your face or you're finding your grip is sliding all over the place. An on hand towel (see what I did there) can easily fix this and also be more sanitary than using a friend's or the gym's towels. Be sure to wash it after each workout, so if you aren't doing laundry daily, you may want to have a few of these at home and at the ready.

4. Towel (MFTG)

Why both a hand towel and a normal towel? One of the best things to do after a workout is take a shower, most gyms have showers you can use and it's a good idea to wash all that sweat off, especially if you're heading to work or out afterwards. In this case a larger towel will be more helpful than a hand towel, as well as more hygienic.

5. Flip flops + soap = shower kit (MFTG)

These two I'm putting together as your "shower kit". During my experience as both a gym goer and trainer there have been many interesting shower stories that have made me uneasy about using gym showers, from athlete's foot to urine filled soap bottles. Use flip flops while showering for some peace of mind that you're not going to get some sort of fungal infection and bringing your own soap and shampoos is probably smart if your gym doesn't have locked in dispensers, you also may have sensitive skin and prefer to use your own products, remember it is important to shower after a workout so try not to avoid it even just a rinse is better than nothing.

6. Change of clothes (MFTG)

No-one wants to put on sweaty clothes after they've just showered. Having an extra set of clothes in your bag is great for maintaining that fresh feeling after your shower and also saves you time on having to go home and change if you have to be somewhere following your workout. Some people come to the gym in regular clothes and change into their training gear, in that case your change of clothes would simply be your training outfit.

7. Training shoes

If you can afford having a dedicated pair of training shoes then I suggest doing so. Keeping your training shoes in your bag and only using them while working out prevents excessive wear n tear that they would get from regular use, this will also save you a few bucks in the long run. Odor eliminators would be a good idea for when these are in your bag, don't forget to let them breath too as they will be sweaty after workouts.

8. Headphones

Nothing throws me off of my workout more than getting into a set and some song comes on over the sound system that doesn't inspire me to push myself or there's someone who wants to have a full on conversation. Therefore headphones and your favorite gym playlist will be the ultimate key to keep you in the zone, motivated and riding those beats to new PRs (Personal Records) and progressions.

9. Lock (MFTG)

Many gyms have lockers in their changing rooms for the public to use however not all gyms provide locks or a locking system to keep your items safe and wont take responsibility for your things getting stolen. Combination locks are probably the best as keeping track of a key can be a pain or make it difficult to get your things back if you do lose it. Using a locker is ideal, you don't want to be lugging your things around the gym and in most cases the gym probably wont let you either.

10. Workout Program

Hitting the gym is great and can make the world of a difference in your day but it's not simply enough to go. To hit your goals and insure you're making the most of your workouts a program is necessary, you don't want to be wasting your time trying to figure out what you're doing for that days' exercises. Keep your program in your bag if it's not on your phone and be sure to always use it, you'll get the best results if you do so.

11. Sanitizer (MFTG)

Barring a global pandemic for the moment. Sanitizer is good to have on you as not everyone is conscious or courteous enough to wipe down equipment after they have used it. Weather its a bottle of hand sanitizer or some sanitizing wipes, feel free to clean your gear before and after use. Many gyms will have sanitizing wipe dispensers or spray bottles so this is a major one, but for your own piece of mind it'll be good to have just in case!

12. Medication (MTFG but good to have nearby)

For individuals who have medical problems and require medication, it is always a good idea to have some at the ready in case of an emergency. you may not want to bring your entire medication cabinet to the gym with you or next to you at home, but a little pre-made kit is always good to have on the side. Be sure to label them clearly in case someone else has to fetch them for you if for some reason you're incapacitated.

Now that you're all prepared for your workout, you can take comfort in knowing you have everything you need and can put all your focus into your exercise routine. It's a good idea to prep your gym bag the night before so that it's all ready for you to just grab and go the next day, without having to pack it in the moment and potentially leaving something you would have needed.

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