My 10 Gym Bag Essentials
Two weeks ago I started a fitness program at work that allows me to fit in an hour for workouts, three days a week. I tried going to a nearby gym for a few weeks (Equinox) but between my schedule and not waking up on time it just didn’t work out for me. I joined mainly because of the classes but I could never make it on time to any of them. Luckily I only had a three-month trial membership and didn’t have to commit to an entire year. Even though I tried going every day I just didn’t make it there on a regular basis… at least not enough to justify the expensive monthly fees.
So…. I brainstormed ways to get in workouts during my day. I worked out on weekends and whenever I had the chance at home… but I needed consistency. I needed to get back into the habit of working out regularly because it helps me relieve stress and just makes me feel better overall. I heard about this awesome program offered to UCLA staff called BHIP (Bruin Health Improvement Program) and although I had been accepted last quarter I wasn’t able to make it work with my schedule. Fast forward to August… I decided to talk to my supervisor and asked if it was okay to take the afternoon session during my lunch hour. Luckily, I have the best supervisor ever and was able to work out my schedule. I am now on my second week of BHIP, yay! I’m learning you guys, you never know what the answer will be until you ask.
One of my concerns with an afternoon workout was having enough time to shower and freshen up right before getting back to the office. Unlike Equinox, John Wooden Center wasn’t going to provide Kiehl’s and razors at my disposal, lol. I had to figure out what things to pack in my bag to make sure I would be as fresh as possible after sweating it out in the hot sun for an hour. So… I wrote a quick list and took the basics but later added on items that have now become lifesavers after my workouts. Here are the items that I am currently carrying in my bag and can’t live without:
I love that it’s eco friendly and I know it will not have any nasty chemicals oozing from it because it is made from glass. The silicone sleeve gives you a good grip so and it looks pretty too.
2. Ban Total Refresh Cooling Wipes
On days where the workouts aren’t as strenuous and there isn’t a need to shower right away I like to use these cooling body wipes. They have a fresh powdery scent and are silky to the touch.
3. Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Facial Cleansing Wipes
They smell great and are perfect to use right after class. I wipe away any sweat until I am able to walk to the locker room to shower (it’s a bit of a walk).
I wash my hair on most days but if I am in a hurry or don’t feel like washing (I have really thick heavy long hair) I’ll use the dry shampoo and just wait to wash it at home.
5. Comb
A comb to untangle knots… pretty self explanatory.
6. Gym Bag
A roomy bag to put everything in.
Whatever your anti-perspirant/deodorant of choice- just use one!
8. Hair ties
These look pretty on your wrist or wrapped around your hair and they come in all sorts of colors. The won’t damage your hair like other elastics and are fairly sturdy.
9. Shoes
I really like my Nike Performance Free Bionic shoes. They are super light and comfortable and are made of very breathable material. They are easy to move around in and I get a lot of compliments when I wear them.
10. Earbuds
Although I don’t use earbuds during class since I am usually working out in a group, any other time I workout alone I like to listen to music to keep me motivated. These earbuds are cute and they are currently on sale for $49 at NastyGal.com.
In addition to these items I also bring along my makeup bag (I need that cc cream!), shampoo/body wash in travel size bottles, flip flops, sunscreen and a change of clothes.
What are some things in YOUR gym bag that you can’t live without?
