How To Pack the Perfect Gym Bag

Wouldn’t it be amazee if we lived in a perfect world where we could workout without being pushed for time or we could enjoy a nice, nutritious snack beforehand to optimize our workout? Well I don’t know about you, but my schedule isn’t so chill. I have to plan out everything and if I don’t, my whole day becomes a clusterf*ck of chaos and missed opportunities. So if you want to stop doing silly things like, I don’t know, forgetting your headphones or more importantly, your GYM SHOES, then you’re going to love this post.

Gym Bag + Clothes+ Shoes

On Sunday night, I lay out all of my gym clothes on the floor and pick two shoes that I can mix and match between these outfits. This trick will save you sooo much time throughout the week because you won’t have to think – you just grab and go. With that being said, I always keep an emergency pair of clothes/shoes/socks/headphones in my car in case I forget my entire gym bag. You gotta be extra prepared, ya know? I am obsessed with these waterproof shoe bags that I bought from Amazon, because they are separate my clothes from my dirty shoes and they are SO EFFICIENT. The bags are black, sleek, unisex and come in a pack of 12, so I use them for both my bag and when I’m traveling. If you’re looking for a high-quality gym bag that is also super multi-functional for traveling, you will die over the BÉIS duffle bag.

First-Aid Kit + Water

Yup, I keep a cute and handy first-aid kit in my bag – it’s all fun and games until you feel lightheaded during your workout or have an annoying cut on your finger. My emergency kit has become super handy for all of the unexpected moments at the gym. I always keep Pedialyte or Emergen-C packets in my bag for when I need to quickly replenish my electrolytes as well as nuts, like almonds or pumpkin seeds. Other things include band-aids, an instant cold pack, and Advil. I try to drink as much water as possible the hour before the gym; I either take a blender bottle, Essentia water, or a HydroFlask because it’s BPA-free and double-wall vacuum insulated so your cold drinks stay super cold, and your hot drinks stay hot for hours.

Skin + Beauty

This one wasn’t much of a surprise, right 😉 so let’s get reaaal specific for a moment. Of course, we have to start with deodorant. I use Sport Luxe Deodorant from Lavanila because it’s one of the few aluminum-free deodorants that actually works (I also like Kopari A LOT). Then I put dry shampoo on before working out (did a whole post on this trick). Mixing sweat with tight clothing and leftover makeup is going to F-up your skin, trust me – I know. So try to make the time to completely remove all of your make up with a gentle cleanser before working out; Dr. Dennis Gross claims that even moisturizer will clog your pores during a workout so try to go completely product-free. I am OBSESSED with GoodWipes Women’s Deodorizing Body Biodegradable Wipes for post-workout (especially when you don’t have time to shower immediately after). It has aloe, tea tree and it’s hypoallergenic (won’t make you breakout). Keeping a small bottle of rose water in your bag is also the ultimate feel-good treatment. It instantly moisturizes your face and makes you look less red.

Personal Equipment

I always keep a pack of resistance bands in my bag as well as a jump rope, foam ball roller or a lacrosse ball to stretch before and after my workout. A lot of gyms already have these type of equipment hanging around, but I like having my own equipment for sanitary and convenience purposes (plus I use them at night when I am bingeing Netflix or listening to a podcast).

Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize

Hmm how do I say this as nicely as possible.. THE GYM IS DISGUSTING. Yes, I am a little bit more OCD and germaphobic than most people, but it really is the perfect place to catch a cold, contract skin irritations/infections, and spread viruses through your phone, bottle, and personal equipment. Most people don’t wipe their sh*t down, such a pet peeve, so it’s up to you to bring your own sanitation products. At home, I wipe down my bag and everything inside with Purell’s Surface Disinfectant spray, and in my bag I keep hand sanitizer and Lysol wipes.