Posted in GeneralWorkout Equipments
A fitness bag complete with the essentials prove that you are serious with your workout. Preparation is always an important part of any process and planning for a workout is no exception. Below are some of the workout essentials everybody needs to bring when hitting the gym.
- Portable Music Device
It is a good idea to bring something that is able to play music while you work out. Music has been shown to improve workouts by keeping people motivated and in rhythm. Make sure that your playlist is composed of music that is able to motivate you and make working out an even more pleasurable process.
Also, don’t forget your accessories like headphones and charger. Other people may not have the same taste in music as you, so it’s better to keep it to yourself. And the charger is obviously for when your device runs out of juice.
- Gloves
Gloves are pretty handy when you’re planning to use weights. Not only do they prevent your hands from being roughed up, they also provide an even better grip to better handle the weights. Gloves also prevent your sweat from getting onto the weights.
Heavier weights call for more accessories like straps and a weight belt.
- Water
You should also bring a bottle of water with the size depending on your needs. When working out, people naturally sweat more and release more fluids. It is important to stay hydrated and replenish your bodily fluids with a bottle of water.
Don’t drink water too much too quickly though as you don’t want to work out with a bloated feeling. And plain water is enough unless you sweat your liquids really quickly or you are working out outside. If this is the case, it is also a good idea to ingest a drink that is able to replenish your electrolytes.
- Snacks
Post-workout snacks are very important so don’t forget to bring them. You can opt not to bring a pre-workout snack as the energy you would need to fuel your workouts should be ingested 1-2 hours earlier.
Your post-workout snack should be rich in protein, with adequate carbs and little to no fats.
- Training Journal
A truly serious gym-goer should also bring a training journal. You can use one of the more fancy training journals or just a simple notebook. The important thing is the content. You should be able to record the important points in your workout including exercises done, reps done, and even rest period durations.
The journal will be able to give you an important insight into your progress, strengths and the areas that need more work. Try to analyse the records you’ve written every week or so and determine how far you’ve gone into your workout regimen and how close you are to your goals.
- Lock
Some gyms offer lockers wherein you are able to store your bags. Bring a padlock so that you are able to secure the locker or your bag. This is important for security reasons so that your valuables don’t suddenly go missing.
Even if you trust everyone in the gym, it doesn’t hurt to be a little more cautious. You won’t be able to observe everything that goes on in the gym or who goes to the lockers at a specific time.
- Grooming Accessories
After an intense workout, you are going to be extremely sweaty and smelly. Trust me. This is true for almost everyone. If you are planning to head out somewhere, other than your home, after working out, it is a good idea to bring your grooming amenities.
After working out, you can hit the showers so be sure to bring a soap, shampoo and some other products you might need to use. You can also bring slippers or shower shoes that you can change into while taking a shower.
And also don’t forget to bring a towel. The worse thing that could happen is that you’ve already taken a shower before you realized you didn’t bring a towel.
Also bring other grooming amenities that you’ll be planning to use like shaving cream, razors, gel, hair brush, etc.
The items mentioned here are the absolute gym necessities you need when working out. These not only make working out a rewarding experience, they also make it an easier and a more enjoyable experience.
But don’t limit yourself to these. If you bring any items other than these which you think is necessary, please share them in the comments.