11 must-haves for your gym bag

If you’ve made spending time at the gym a part of your daily life, getting your gym bag in order could save you a few precious minutes every day and simplify life.  Every bag reflects its owner’s personality and choice but, there are a few essentials that can set you up for a more productive workout and a better day. Kit your gym bag out with these fundamentals and you’ll never go wrong!

1. Water bottle: Your gym may have a water cooler but a water bottle will ensure that you can hydrate continuously. Experts recommend sipping about 1 litre of water through a strenuous workout and having an easy-to-use sipper will keep you going.
2. Towelette: A small towel is an essential, whether you’re on the cross-trainer or the treadmill. Let’s face it; no one wants to look at a gym enthusiast wiping the sweat off on his/her T-shirt. Opt for one in a super-absorbent material.
3. Face wipes: Stash a pack of face wipes in your gym bag. It works to wipe off the makeup mess on days you head to the treadmill after a shopping date or on days when you miss your hand towel. Opt for a non-perfumed brand.
4. A pair of socks: Very often, you may forget to toss in a pair of new socks. Keeping an extra pair handy in an unused pocket of the bag ensures that you never have to work out without socks.
5. Body wash/shampoo: Combination products such a 2-in-1 hair and body wash will keep your bag clutter free and have you covered whether you need to wash your hair or your body.
6. Deodorant: If you’re one of those who sweats up a stink after a gym session, make sure your bag is never devoid of a deodorant.
7. Dry shampoo: There’s a shower at the gym but what on those days when there’s no time to shower and you have to make a presentation? Transition to your workday look by using a dry shampoo and go from shabby chic to, well, chic!
8. Nutrition bar: You may aim to have a healthy pre-workout snack every day but there can be days when you miss it. Load up on an on-the-go snack and fuel yourself for the sweat session. Choose a snack bar that has minimum sugar. It works as a post-workout snack on days you are super hungry.
9. Disinfectant wipes: If you’re not sure of the cleanliness factor or are paranoid, wipe things down with disinfectant wipes. A study by The University of California-Irvine has shown that some bacteria – such as Staphylococcus aureus, a leading cause of staph infections – can survive in gyms for up to 72 hours after contact with a previously sterile surface.
10. Hand sanitizer: If you don’t want to make a production of your gym time by rubbing down surfaces with wipes, keep sanitizer handy. Make sure you use it after your workout and before heading out of the gym.
11. Workout log: A workout ensures that you keep making consistent progress. Use your workout journal – real or online – to record sets, reps, weights, and rest. Tracking every session ensures that you stay motivated to work out.

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