10 Essentials That Every Gym-goer Must Have

Everybody is rushing to the gym to get the perfect body, especially for the summer. Many tend to get confused about which items to carry to the gym. In this blog, we identify 10 essentials that every gym-goer needs.

A gym bag

Gym bags come in many styles and sizes, but the most important thing is to know what you're going to carry. If you're going to pack a couple of towels, sneakers, and shorts, a duffel bag or backpack will be fine. Larger gym bags can be too bulky if you don't plan on carrying much; conversely, smaller options might not fit your needs if you have multiple pairs of shoes. Don't get cheap here—a quality gym bag will last a long time and look better as it ages.

A pair of gym shoes

The first thing you will want to do is make sure you have a good pair of gym shoes. You'll need good support and grip. Also, buy the right size. If they're too big or too small, it can lead to injury. Lastly, make sure they're the right type of shoe for your exercise--running shoes are different from weightlifting shoes and are different from dance shoes!

A gym jacket

You should have a gym jacket that's both functional and fashionable. It should be able to withstand the elements (but not too thick, of course—that would make it uncomfortable to wear during your workout), fit you well, protect you from the weather (especially in winter), and be easy to wash. The most important part, though, is that it's a color you love. If your favorite color is pink, don't buy a purple one just because someone told you it makes your eyes look nice. You're the one who has to wear it! Besides—I've seen people with different eye colors pull off every color on the spectrum.

A gym towel

A gym towel is an essential piece of equipment for the gym. Not only is it great to have something on hand to wipe off sweat, but you can use it to protect the equipment from your sweat. Gym towels also come in handy for when you want to lay down on the floor and do some exercises (like crunches) or keep you warm or cool as needed.

A jump rope

There's no better way to get your blood pumping than a good jump rope session. Not only is jumping rope a great cardiovascular workout, but it’s also an effective warm-up for weightlifting or any other training you might be doing. Once you're done with your warm-up, try using the jump rope to train your upper body and lower body.

And because a jump rope takes up so little space, it’s easy to bring along with you wherever you go!

A water bottle and a shaker

Bringing a water bottle to the gym is essential. It not only keeps you hydrated while you’re working out, but it also helps you drink more water throughout the day. Invest in a good shaker bottle (like this one) and use it to mix your protein shakes or other supplements. It’ll save you time and money at the gym and will help you always have your supplements on hand.

In addition to staying hydrated, make sure that you stay nourished before and after your workout by drinking a shake that contains carbohydrates and protein; but don’t worry about having to bring extra bags of food or snacks with you – keep it simple by getting supplements that come in powder form (just like this one).

An iPod and headphones

No matter the type of music, the right song can help you get through a grueling workout. If you need some inspiration, check out Spotify's gym playlists to find the genre that fits your mood. (For maximum motivation, create your own playlist.) You can also listen to podcasts during your workout, or use audiobooks to make your time at the gym fly by.

A personal hygiene kit

However, it’s important to also bring a personal hygiene kit with you every time you go to the gym.

A personal hygiene kit can make all the difference in your overall gym experience. Here are our top 10 essentials:

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Shaving cream
• Razor
• Towel
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss 10 Mouthwash
  Now that you know what is essential to your workout routine and how to best prepare for your workout, get out there and start sweating!

Gym gloves and straps

If you want to focus on increasing the volume of your lifts (the number of sets, reps and weight), gym gloves and straps can help. The primary functions of these items are to reduce stress on the hands and wrists by improving grip strength without adding undue friction or blisters.

Gloves are designed with padding that reduces pressure points on the palm, while also protecting them from cuts. They’re typically made of leather or cloth with a rubber grip on the hand surface. Straps are worn around the wrists and help take some of the load off when performing exercises like deadlifts, rows and shrugs. Some straps have padded areas for comfort, but all will provide extra support for heavy lifting by aligning your wrists in line with your forearm in order to relieve tension.

When you should use them: If your hands are prone to dryness or sweating during workouts, wear gym gloves to ensure a solid grip every time. Wearing wrist supports is especially helpful if you have wrist joint issues. This can make it more comfortable to lift big weights as safely as possible throughout training sessions.

Make sure you have your essentials before you go to the gym.

Now, some people might think it's ridiculous to have a gym bag, another pair of shoes, and a jacket with them whenever they go to the gym. But I believe these are essential items you should always have with you—and here's why:

• Gym bag. This one is obvious. You need something to carry all your stuff.
• Gym shoes. Sure, you can wear the same shoes to and from the gym that you wear to work or school—but if so, then your feet will get sweaty in those shoes during your workout, making it very uncomfortable for your ride home or back to school/work. And if the weather turns nasty on your way back? You'll be stuck wearing wet sneakers all day long!
• Gym jacket (or sweatpants). If you're like me and get cold easily when you work out outside (or even inside), having an extra layer of warmth is always welcome.