For many men, going to the gym is an integral part of their daily routines. Staying fit and healthy can feel like a full-time job, from eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and taking care of your body through regular exercise. One thing that can put a damper on your workouts is not being comfortable; that’s why having the right essentials in your gym bag is key. If you want to make the most out of your workouts and save money by not buying extra items, keep reading for the only essentials you need.
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Cleaning Wipes
While the choice to wipe down gym equipment with antibacterial cleansing wipes is completely individual, we’re talking about personal cleansing wipes here. Not only are they a game changer in the gym bag, but they can also be a lifesaver when you don’t have time to take a shower post-workout. They can remove sweat and, more importantly, odor, so keep them handy. If you tend to pack like a minimalist, opt for a travel size of wipes, but ensure you’ve got them.
Microfiber Towels
Sometimes the towels provided by the gym straight up do not cut it. Nothing’s worse after a strong workout than trying to wipe your sweat off with an old towel that doesn’t get the job done. By investing in a set of microfiber towels that fold down easily to stow away in your gym bag, sweat’s gone quickly, and you can feel cool and confident before heading home or to that lunch date afterward.
Smart Skivvies
While all your gym clothes should be breathable, the importance of breathable and comfortable mens underwear while working out cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a short or long brief regarding your gym undies is entirely personal, but no one wants fabric that doesn’t keep that area cool and clean. Opt for underwear that is flexible enough to move with your body through workouts and moisture wicking. Antimicrobial underwear for the gym is even better. And, of course, you want a solid contour pouch to keep the boys in place through even the most high-intensity workouts.
The Right Toiletries
Unless you know you’re heading straight home, having the essential toiletries in your gym bag is a given, though it seems some guys still haven’t read the memo. Deodorant has entered the chat. A fine tooth comb has entered the chat, and so has a dry shampoo. Those three items should be used after your microfiber towel and cleansing wipes if you pack nothing else. Let’s face it, most of us have to hit the grocery store at a minimum when we leave the gym, so make sure you don’t look slovenly while doing so. Of course, if you are making time to get in a shower at your gym, you’ll also want to include shower toiletries.
Supportive Shoes
We’ve all seen that guy on the treadmill or lifting wearing Chuck Taylor’s – don’t be that guy. Not only do the right sneakers give you the most out of your workout, but they also keep you healthy. When you don’t wear the correct shoes for exercise, you’re putting your spine and neck at risk, not to mention cutting yourself short by speeding up fatigue and pain. Investing in trainers you specifically use for the gym is key.
Reusable Water Bottle
Pretty much everyone understands the severity of the climate crisis these days. If you’ve gotten used to ditching single-use items at home, keep that momentum when it comes to the gym. Not to mention, a stainless steel water bottle will keep your beverages way cooler than a plastic water bottle ever will. Keep yourself and the planet happy by making sure you toss a reusable water bottle in your gym bag every time. Most guys use this bottle outside the gym daily to make sure they’re getting in those eight glasses.
While you may have other essentials like a pair of Airpods, energy bars, and even a heart rate monitor, the above items are pretty universal and can help streamline your experience. If you bring your wallet and phone into the gym and leave them in your bag, you’ll want to include a gym lock on this list. Here’s to your health!
