Starting at a gym can be pretty daunting, especially if it’s a totally new concept to you. Making sure you have all the right equipment may be the least of your worries but being prepared can make a huge difference to your mindset and confidence. There is an abundance of gym related equipment and products on the market today that claim to work wonders. So, as a bit of a different blog post today, I thought I’d share with you a few of my gym bag essentials as well as more general gym-related items that I have found both effective and worth their money, to save you having to sift through those web pages in search of the best. Check out the different categories below.
Gym bag essentials
We’ve all been there – you’ve just got to the gym and you’ve realised you’ve forgotten your towel/hairband/work shoes. Packing a good gym bag really can make or break a workout so here’s an idea of what to pack in yours.
A good gym bag – Pretty obvious but this in itself is super important. Invest in a good quality bag designated just for the gym that is both secure and big enough to fit in everything you need. My gym bag is from PINK – Victoria’s Secret and has lasted me a number of years but other brands that sell great alternatives are Sweaty Betty, Nike or H&M for a slightly cheaper alternative. Click on the pictures below for a range of options.
A reusable water bottle – always my number one staple for the gym – 
because who doesn’t want to drink from a cute water bottle whilst saving the planet at the same time?! My absolute favourite water bottle company is Chilly’s. Yes they are slightly pricey, but they last years and are really hard-wearing. They also keep liquid cool for 24 hours and hot for 12 making them very versatile. They come in a range of colours and sizes too.
The Basics – Here’s a little reminder that you will always need deodorant, a change of clothes and a towel. Been there and forgotten it. It can be a nightmare so make sure before every gym session you always get the basics in your bag.
A resistance band – As I have spent the last year and a half working on doing a pull up unassisted, bringing a resistance band to the gym has been essential in helping me reach that goal. They can also be useful for so many different exercises. There are some great brands available and buy a size band to suit your strength – check out Amazon, Decathlon and Sports Direct for a range of options.
Hair bands and a portable hair brush – I can’t even tell you how many times I have lost or snapped a hair band before a workout, so making sure you’re stocked up on them and have a portable hair bru
sh on you always. These ones below are from Sport FX are a life saver as they avoid unwanted ponytail kinks and waves, and you can’t go wrong with a tangle teezer.
Products for a successful workout
Good quality gym wear – As always, making sure you feel comfortable in what you wear to the gym can make a huge difference to how effective your workout is. Whether that means squat proof leggings, a supportive sports bra or simply a sweat proof t-shirt, here are some of my favourite brands to try. Gymshark are great for good quality leggings and t-shirts, Sweaty Betty have the softest and most comfortable gym wear I have tried, H&M and Primark have high quality gym wear at a more affordable price and Adidas have a large range of supportive trainers depending on your workout needs.
A quality skincare routine – This is often overlooked, but taking care of your skin around your sweaty gym schedule is important in order to keep it clean. Making sure to regularly clean your face and hands before and after a workout, and investing in a good cleanser, exfoliator and moisturiser best suited to your skin type is the best way to keep your skin happy. Although pricey, I have found Clinique to be the most effective for me. They also have an online questionnaire to determine your skin type and do free skin consultations.
A funky music playlist – Having a playlist filled with a mix of music you enjoy and find motivational cannot be underestimated. Set up one designated to the gym and you may find it improves your session.
A good routine – Whether this means planning out which days you will train which body part or planning out exercises and how long you have to spend in the gym, doing some form of preparation means you will hold yourself accountable and are more likely to have a successful gym session.
A good selection of post-workout snacks – If you’re really still lacking in motivation or are nervous starting at a new gym, knowing you will get a good snack post-workout could help – as silly as it may sound. Whether that’s a piece of fruit and some nuts, a big bowl of pasta or a protein bar – favourites include Grenade, Barebells and My Protein – making sure you are in supply of food for after a workout is essential. You can find these on any of their websites as well as on Amazon.
Happy gyming!
Until next time,
Abi x