You have paid for your gym membership and are excited to start working out again after a long break. Or maybe you have never stepped into a gym before. It’s scary to start exercising, and knowing the right type of exercise and how to get started can be overwhelming.

The last thing you want is to pay for a gym membership and not go. Remember that everybody was once a beginner, so you should start somewhere and keep improving. Whether you go to the gym daily or a few times a week, there are gym essentials that greatly impact your experience. If you’ve ever gone to the gym and realized that you’ve forgotten your shoes and necessary workout gear like a sports bra, you are not alone.

So, what do you need to pack in your gym bag? It’s important to know what you need in the gym to make your workout efficient and the transition between pre- and post-workout easy. Not sure what to pack? This article takes the guesswork out of packing for the gym with a list of top gym bag essentials for women and everything you may need for a successful gym routine.

What Should I Look for in a Gym Bag?

Before you check what you need to go to the gym, choose a good gym bag to store all your essentials. You can use a backpack, a tote bag, or a small bag with enough space for all your gym essentials.

• A good gym bag has multiple compartments to store your shoes separately. It should have an inner zip pocket to store your valuables.
• The size should be big enough to fit all your gym essentials and small enough to fit the locker in the gym. Some women prefer to carry a hair dryer or straightener, so the bag should be big enough to carry them.
• It should also be durable for daily use and have comfortable straps so that you can use it for a while without the need to replace it.
• Also, choose a gym bag with a water bottle holder to keep it upright.
• It should be washable and easy to clean. Always carry a laundry bag that can handle wet items like a swimsuit to separate sweaty clothes from clean clothes.

Also Read: What are the 5 Benefits of Regular Exercise?

What are the Best Gym Essentials for Women?

Aside from the gym bag, here are all the gym essentials to pack in your gym bag.

#1. Workout clothes

The best way to motivate yourself to stick to a workout routine is to choose comfortable and breathable active wear. Sweat-wicking gym clothes keep you dry and comfortable throughout your workout.

You need a clean gym outfit and a change of clothes to wear after the workout. Some people come after they have already worn their gym clothes with a change of clothes to wear after showering. Here are some essential active wear to consider

• Sports bra: you will need a comfortable sports bra to support your breasts and keep you comfortable while working out.
• Undergarments like underwear or a change of bra
• Gym tops: This can be a sleeveless tank top or a simple T-shirt. You could also cover up with a long-sleeved zip-up to keep you warm.
• Workout leggings: whatever comfortable bottom you choose, it’s okay.

#2. Gym shoes

The type of shoes you need depends on the workout you will do. You need comfortable shoes and socks with supportive cushioning on the heel and forefoot.

It should also provide stability when doing different workouts, prevent injury, and improve your performance. Ensure that you get well-fitting shoes to prevent blisters. Also, don’t forget flip-flops if you’ll be showering in the gym.

Also Read: How to Start Working Out for The First Time for Beginners (7 Easy Steps)

#3. Water bottle

Water is a key component for workout recovery, and a reusable water bottle is a must-have gym bag essential. You need water to rehydrate after a workout. The advantage of always carrying your water bottle is that you will drink adequate water your body needs.

Ensure you get a quality water bottle that doesn’t leak when tipped over and fits in your gym bag. You can also have an extra bottle to carry a post-recovery protein shake.

#4. Sweat towel

Using a sweat towel is an important gym etiquette to prevent sweat from falling on equipment. Some gyms provide towels to keep you dry during sweaty workouts. But it is better to carry your own good quality because some gyms may charge for them.

Choose a soft, microfiber towel to keep you sweat-free during and after your workout. A microfiber towel also dries fast and does not have odor buildup in your gym bag.

You could also carry your personal shower towel if you show up at the gym. Some gyms offer towels, if you don’t mind it. I prefer to use my own towel because you can never be sure how it is cleaned, and it would also mean sharing the towel.

#5. Personal care essentials

You may ask, “What hygiene items should I pack in a gym bag?” if you go to the gym before work, you may want to shower and change into your clothes. Pack a small pack of shower essentials that you use at home, like shower gel, face cleanser, and shampoo. Here are some female gym essentials you may need:

• Deodorant
• Shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil
• Hair band, hair tie, or a pin to keep your hair off your face
• Body wipes
• Menstrual products
• Hand sanitizer
• Lip balm
• Body wash, sunscreen and conditioner
• Hair comb or brush
• Shower shoes

#6. Post-workout snacks

What you eat after a workout determines how your body recovers. To boost muscle recovery post-workout, you need a protein-rich snack like a granola bar or protein shakes. Furthermore, if you exercise before breakfast, you may be famished after the workout and need a quick energy boost.

According to the American Heart Association, you should eat healthy, complex carbs like whole-grain cereal two hours before your workout and drink water to fuel your body during the workout. If you want to lose weight and burn fat, eat a small banana 30 minutes before your workout.

Carry small pouches of your protein-rich energy bars, a protein shake, or a ready-to-use protein powder that you can quickly use after a workout.

Ensure a balanced diet at all times to build muscle and keep us energized. Protein—and fiber-rich foods are great for supporting weight loss and muscle growth.

Also Read: What Are The Top 10 Best Foods For Weight Loss?

#7. Headphones

A headphone is not a must-have gym bag essential, but listening to an inspiring playlist can supercharge your workout. Carry your headphones or earbuds (that don’t easily fall off) to get that motivation boost as you work out.

Choose a wireless, sweat-resistant headphone to get you moving. Keep the headphones safe in a protective pocket in your gym bag.

#8. Fitness tech gears

Using technology to track your workout is a good way to stay motivated with a gum routine. This is not a must-have gym bag essential, but it is good to have. Some of the good-to-have fitness gear is a wearable smartwatch or a ring that monitors your heart rate, calories burned, and workout duration.

If you don’t have a smartwatch, you could use your smartphone with an installed fitness tracker to record your workouts and monitor your progress.

#9. Personal exercise equipment

You should carry workout gloves to protect your hands while lifting weights. You could also buy resistance bands or sweatbands. If you swim after the workout session, you could also carry a swim cap and swimsuit. Some people also prefer to carry their own yoga mat for floor exercises. All that depends on the space you have.

A lock is also good to keep your gym bag essentials safe if your gym provides lockers. You could also lock your bag if the gym doesn’t have lockers/

FAQs

• What should I carry in a gym bag?

The top female gym bag essentials are comfortable shoes, workout clothes, a sweat towel, weight-lifting gloves, post-workout snacks, and personal care items like deodorant, body wash, shampoo, and hair bands.

• Is it necessary to have a gym bag?

Yes, you need a gym bag to pack all the gym essentials and prevent you from forgetting the necessary stuff. It also keeps all your items safe in the gym.

• How to choose a gym bag?

Some of the things to consider when looking for an essential gym bag include size, durability, the number of compartments, whether it has comfortable straps, and your personal style.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what to pack in your gym bag is a game-changer for beginners. You will feel more confident when you know you have all you need for a good workout, and it is easier to keep up with a regular workout routine. Using this list, create a gym bag essentials checklist based on your preferences, daily routine, and what you have.

Include what you feel you really need and compare your gym experience. You can always add or subtract the things mentioned here according to your experience. Granted, most equipment will be provided in the gym, but it is good to carry your personal essentials, like a towel and other essentials.

Remember, the most important gym essential is a commitment to go to the gym. So, pack your bag today and make the most of your workout.