Things All Women Should Pack In Their Gym Bag

1. Toiletries

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Exercise is a key aspect of a healthy and balanced lifestyle, with the majority of people going to their local gym multiple times a week. However, it can be daunting when you're first starting your fitness journey, especially if you're female and you're unsure of how to get started. One key way of getting off on the right foot, is by ensuring you have a suitable gym bag, and fill it with appropriate gym necessities. Top of the list of necessities, is: toiletries. It is always best to have travel-size toiletries on hand, so you can refresh yourself after a workout.

2. Dry shampoo

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Similarly to packing toiletries, it is a good idea to have a bottle of dry shampoo as well. Dry shampoo is great for those days when your hair is not quite clean, but not dirty enough to wash. It's easy to use as well, with many dry shampoos coming in an aerosol can, and can be distributed by simply brushing your hair. By packing a bottle of dry shampoo into your bag, you can rest assured that you'll be able to feel fresh even after you've worked up a sweat.

3. Hair ties

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Staying on the subject of hair, another gym essential is hair ties and/or scrunchies. It is always best to tie your hair out of your face when working out to prevent over-heating, and to stop you from getting distracted during exercises e.g. weightlifting. Having a pack of hair ties on hand is always beneficial, as you never know when your existing hair tie may break, snap or get lost through the day. You will also be able to offer them to other gym-goers that are in need, which can lead to you forming new connections/friendships.

4. Perfume/body spray

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Moving on, we come to the next gym bag essential: perfume and/or body spray. This is a great addition to your gym bag, as fragrances are portable and you can have a range within your bag at one time. They provide you with a spritz of freshness when you most need it, especially if you're heading to the office or meeting with friends after a workout. You can also spray them over your gym clothes if you're conscious of body odour at all.

5. Deodorant

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Staying on the topic of fragrance, deodorant is one of the staple items for a gym bag. You can either have an aerosol or roll-on, whichever is your go-to really. The majority of deodorants can be purchased in a travel-size, so you can save on space within your gym bag. your choice of deodorant can be applied before and/or after a workout (especially if you shower at the gym, and require a top up on anti-perspirant).

6. Hairbrush/comb

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Next up on the list of gym essentials, is: a hairbrush and/or comb. With this, you ca decide to bring a hairbrush/comb from home, or purchase a travel-size one specifically for use at the gym. A hairbrush is essential for being able to tie your hair away from your face, and for styling your hair after an intense, sweaty workout. Having a hairbrush, also gives you something you can store your hair ties/scrunchies on (tie them around the handle). Its just a great addition, for helping you feel that extra bit refreshed as well.

7. Toothbrush

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Now, this next item might seem strange to include within your gym bag, but it is a great addition. The item in question, is: a toothbrush. If you have a 24 hour gym, you may find that you fit your exercise in early in the morning, or later in the evening, which means you may need to freshen your breath and upkeep your oral hygiene. By keeping a toothbrush, and travel-size toothpaste, in your bag you'll be able to do this whilst at the gym; which will make it easier for you to start/finish off your day.

8. Shower shoes

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This next item only applies if your gym has showering facilities, and you plan on making use of them. Shower shoes are a staple, if you're going to be washing within your gym. Although they should be regularly cleaned, your gym's locker room/shower floors are likely going to be harboring some nasty bacteria. By wearing shower shoes e.g. flip-flops/slides, you can protect your feet from possibly contracting something e.g. verrucas/athlete's foot. Having this style of shoe, also makes it easier to store away and clean when you get home.

9. Fresh clothes

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This next item is kind of obvious, but it can easily be forgotten when you're rushing about. A change of clothes is always useful to have, especially after a particularly sweaty workout, followed by a refreshing shower. Having a comfortable change of clothes in your gym bag, will help you to relax after your workout, and will help prevent heat rash/spots and irritation developing on your skin. This is particularly beneficial, if you suffer from sensitive skin (or existing skin conditions).

10. Fresh shoes

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A fresh pair of shoes is also advised when packing your gym bag. You will need to change out of your workout shoes, as your feet would have become hot, sweaty (and possibly swelled). By changing your footwear, you'll be able to air out your workout shoes, and prevent the chances of you developing athlete's foot and/or other irritation with your feet. If you're packing a fresh pair of shoes, you should also pack a fresh pair of socks to change into.

11. Clean undergarments

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Clean undergarments are another staple, if you're going to be washing at the gym (or you just want to change into a fresh set of clothing). It's also useful to just have a fresh set on hand, in case you are in need of them in an emergency/dilemma. By changing into fresh undergarments, you can also reduce the risk of skin irritation, infection and other intimate health issues e.g. bacterial vaginosis/thrush etc.

12. Valuables

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The valuables you should include in your gym bag, are: your wallet/purse (including banks cards and I.D), headphones, cellphone, spare cash and house/car keys. Of course, if you're packing some or all of these essentials, you should place them into a secure compartment within your bag. This will ensure, that you're less likely to be the victim of theft whilst you're working out. The majority of gyms have relatively good security, and will often have secure locker rooms that are monitored 24/7.

13. Cap

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Coming back to clothing, a cap is another great gym essential. It can help keep your hair out of your face, and will prevent sweat from falling down your face and/or into your eyes whilst exercising. They're also a great way of staying cool, as they provide you with some form of protection from light, whether it's natural or artificial. Caps come in a range of colors, sizes and designs, so you'll be bound to find one that suits your style.

14. Padlock

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The next gym essential links to the security of your bag, and its contents. The item in question is: a padlock. Some gyms have padlocks you can purchase, but these are often a lot more expensive, compared to other retailers and wholesalers. You can easily pick up a cheaper, and equally effective, alternative from your local store or online e.g. Amazon. A padlock will help you ensure the security of your belongings, as you can place and lock you bag into the storage provided.

15. Water bottle

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This next gym essential may seem pretty obvious, and it is probably one of the most important on this list. Water bottles allow you to stay hydrated before, during and after your workout. Water is essential for the recovery of your muscles, and to burn fat effectively during a workout, as it prevents your muscles from tearing and becoming damaged. There are a range of water bottles on the market that can fit a range of needs, so you won't struggle finding a suitable bottle.

16. Lifting gloves/straps

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This next gym bag essential only applies, if you're doing a lot of weight work e.g. weightlifting. Lifting gloves and straps help improve your overall grip when weightlifting, and prevent your hands from becoming calloused and damaged. Some people find it easier to use one or the other, or you can use a combination of both; it all depends on the style of weight-based exercise you're doing, and how heavy said weights are.

17. Sweat towel

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A sweat towel is the next gym bag staple, and it is best to purchase at least a couple, so you can have a rotation of fresh towels for your gym sessions. These come in a range of sizes, colors, styles and materials, so you can mix and match with what you purchase. They will often be made from sweat-wicking, fast-drying material such as: microfibre. These materials ensure that your sweat can be wiped away quickly, and that the towel will dry within seconds. You can use this towel to wipe your sweat and/or wipe down exercise machines.

18. Yoga mat/block

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Moving on, we come to exercise-specific equipment. This equipment is: a yoga block and/or mat. As you've probably guessed, these items will be used if you're attending particular exercise classes, or you want to focus on working out certain areas of your body. A yoga block and/mat can provide you with great support and overall comfort, if you're moving across the floor and need your back to be comfortable.

19. Resistance bands

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Resistance bands are the next essential, and these are relatively easy to stare within your bag as they can be manipulated into smaller shapes. Resistance bands are commonly used for resistance training, which helps strengthen set muscle groups (mainly arms and legs). You can often purchase them in a range of resistances, colors, lengths and style (some look like giant rubber bands, and other are strips of malleable rubber).

20. Bathing suit

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If you're looking to get into water-related fitness and exercise, a bathing suit will be an essential addition to your gym bag. Swimming is one of the most common forms of water-related exercise, and it is great for people of all ages and abilities! It is advised that you purchase at least a couple of bathing suits, in different styles, so you can have a rotation of fresh swimwear throughout the week. Other great swimwear additions, include: goggles, a swim cap and a nose clip.

21. Portable charger

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Packing a portable charger is advised, as you don't want to be caught-out and end up with a dead cellphone, and/or headphones halfway through your workout! The appeal of portable chargers is clear, when you realize that they can be taken anywhere, they're amazingly compact and you only need a charging cable to use them. Another key aspect of them, is the fact that they can charge your cellphone fully without losing much battery.

22. Armband

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Another gym essential that applies to the use of your cellphone, is: a fitness armband. This particular style of armband is designed, so you can place your cellphone into a compartment, and wear it around your arm whilst exercising. This helps prevent the risk of theft and/or losing your cellphone whilst working out. The majority of armbands allow you to have handsfree access to your phone as well, so you can easily play, pause and skip songs.

23. Smart/fitness watch

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Smart/fitness watches have had a sharp increase in use over the last couple of years, and it's clear to see why it is such a gym bag essential. These watches have the ability to monitor your heart-rate, calories, steps and music via a connection to your phone! This means you can be provided with real-time information regarding all of these elements (plus many more), without having to take out your phone to look at it.

24. Heart-rate monitor

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This next essential links back to the last, as it can be featured within a smart/fitness watch. The item in question, is: a heart-rate monitor. Now, you may only need to closely your monitor your heart-rate if you're a certain age, and/or if you have an existing heart condition which can be affected by particular exercises. However, monitoring your heart-rate can allow you to better understand what exercises are the most beneficial for you, and your fitness goals.

25. Extra headphones

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Yet another electrical essential for the gym, is: a spare pair of headphones. If you want to enjoy your music whilst working out, it is best to invest in a at least one decent pair of headphones (bluetooth works best for when you're working out). It is important to have a spare pair of headphones on hand, for a range of reasons, including: your other pair may run out of charge, you may lose a pair, a pair could get broken, a pair could be stolen and a pair may become damaged from sweat etc.

26. Notepad

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A notepad and pen are probably one of the least common items to find in a gym bag, but they are essential for certain fitness journeys and goals. It is a great way of taking note of your exercises, reps, weights and timings whilst working out. This allows you to keep track of your overall progress, and what you can do to help improve your performance and stamina. It also saves you from having to type everything up onto your phone.

27. High protein snacks

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Snacks are an important part of a healthy and balanced diet, and they are extremely beneficial as part of your pre and post-workout practice. It is important to opt for lower sugar/sugar-free, low carb, high protein snacks, as these will help fuel you properly and aid your body's performance (especially your particular muscle groups). They can also be a great alternative for breakfast, as they are easy to digest and aren't as heavy on the stomach.

28. Fitness supplements

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Similarly to the last point, another essential is any fitness supplements you are using. This can include: pre-workout, protein powder, vitamins/minerals, whey isolate, and hydration gels. It is best to have these on-hand, if you're planning on exercising early in the morning, or during the later hours of the day e.g. midnight/very early morning. If you are packing these, you should pack the proper preparation equipment as well e.g. fitness (shaker) cups and powder scoops.

29. Hand sanitizer

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The next item relates to hygiene when you're visiting the gym and working out. Hand sanitizer is a great addition to any gym bag, as it can be easily carried around, and it provides you with extra protection from illness when you're using the gym's equipment. You can use hand sanitizer before, during and after your workout (especially when you're moving between different machines in the gym), and it will prevent the risk of you picking up an illness or skin condition e.g. warts.

30. Antibacterial wipes

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The final gym bag essential is also hygiene-related, and that item is: antibacterial wipes. Wipes are great to have for wiping down equipment, especially if you don't want to use the same towel that you use to wipe your sweat. These wipes can be easily disposed of, and prevent illness from spreading across the gym. You can also use them to clean your hands, without the need for fully washing them, which can be useful if you're low on/have run out of hand sanitizer.