Getting yourself to the gym is half the battle, but what about your gym bag? Whether your coming from work or home it’s essential to have all the gear you need in one convenient, compact bag. Selecting choice items for your gym bag will maximize your time at the gym and take the load off your shoulders.
So I thought I would put together a simple gym bag packed with all the goods to make sure your getting the most out of your workout. Here are the essentials:
1.) A Gym Bag:
- Women today need a bag that is neither too small nor too large, that will hold all their gym gear, while still being fashionable. Enter the
- with yoga straps. The Flora Major ($69) features a fun floral lining and tons of small details: magnetic closures, glow in the dark zipper pulls, external cell phone pocket, a waist strap to keep the bag from jostling while you ride and elastic straps on the bottom to hold your yoga mat in place. There’s even an internal water bottle holder and a wet pocket to keep you damp clothes separate from the dry. It’s specifically designed for women by women and was chosen as the #1 gym bag from HerSports Magazine. For lighterloads, check out the smaller Flora ($59).
2.) Water Bottle: Forget those chemical leaching plastic bottles. Grab a Sigg, made from durable aluminum, and reuse this baby for years.
3.) Therabands: These brightly colored latex bands come in several strengths and are perfect for stretching and strength training. I love to lasso my foot with one to stretch my hamstrings.
4.) Tennis Ball: This small, fit anywhere, rubber ball is great for loosening up tight muscles. Release tension by rolling the tennis ball up and down each foot on the several available pressure points. Use this technique before or after a long weight bearing workout, like running or aerobics.
5.) Ipod: A definite must! To stay motivated blast some music that will get you pumped. I couldn’t imagine hitting the gym without it. Looking for some new music? Get free mixes specifically designed to keep you amped.
6.) ToeSox: These awesome grippy socks will let you practice your downward dog without slippage. Obviously, perfect for a yoga class, but equally amazing for your Pilates work on the Reformer or Cadillac where sweaty feet tend to be an issue.
7.) Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat: This earth conscious mat is a great way to green your yoga practice. Although, you dont have to strike a yoga pose to tote one of these bad boys. Bringing your own mat to the gym will prevent you from getting into contact with all those germs that are lovingly waiting for you on the gym provided mats. Eww…
8.) Healthy Snack: Bring a healthy after-workout snack. After working so hard your body is going to need some nourishment. Nuts and seeds are a great choice since they provide fiber, and protein. Fill a baggy with almonds and grab a banana for potassium.
That pretty much rounds out the perfect gym bag. Of course, you’ll want to bring a supportive pair of running shoes or whatever shoe you need for the activity your doing. Now that you have all the gear it’s time to get down to burning those calories!
