Whether you’re an elite athlete training for an international competition or a hobby jogger, taking your exercise seriously will help you get to the next level. Luckily, there are many tools at your disposal that can help you perform better, recover faster, and become the best athlete you can be.
As you pack your bag and get ready to head out the door, it’s important you go prepared with the right equipment. Take a look at these five tools every athlete or gym-goer needs in their gym bag below.
1. Headphones
Getting in the zone is crucial for performing your best. But if there are meatheads belching out loud grunts every time they deadlift or noisy traffic while you’re on your run, it can be easy to lose focus of your goal. A pair of headphones can help you stay in the right headspace while still exercising in distracting environments.
If you’re going to the gym or a safe area, a pair of noise-canceling headphones will drown out all distractions. However, if you’re running, biking, or walking, you need to be aware of your surroundings, such as oncoming traffic and pedestrians. For activities like these, try bone-conducting headphones that allow you to listen to music while still having the ability to be alert.
Our top picks:
2. Recovery tools
Recovery is just as important as the workout itself. With that said, make sure your gym bag has the necessary equipment to help you prevent soreness and build muscle. Foam rollers are a top choice for most athletes, as they allow them to roll out their muscles and reduce lactic acid buildup that leads to sore muscles. Massaging guns and stretch bands can also help you loosen your muscles.
Along with these tools, it’s also worth keeping your health in check. Natural recovery remedies, such as superfoods high in antioxidants like cherries and CBD, can help reduce inflammation and promote muscle growth.
Our top picks:
- https://emmacoburn.com/collections/frontpage/products/emma-power-bands
- https://rollrecovery.com/product/r8-new/
- https://cbdfx.com/collections/cbd-topicals/
3. Personal hygiene products
Gyms, fitness classes, and studios can be breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. When you pack your gym bag, make sure you don’t forget your personal hygiene products. This is especially true today, where deadly and infectious diseases and viruses like COVID-19 are sweeping across the globe. Some essential hygiene products include:
- Hand sanitizer
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Sanitizing wipes
- Shower sandals
- Moisturizer
- Sweat towel
- Shower caddy
- Deodorant
Our top picks:
- https://www.towelhub.com/wholesale/athletic_gym_towels.html
- https://www.clorox.com/products/clorox-disinfecting-wipes/
4. Water bottle
When you’re active, your body produces sweat. When you sweat, your body loses water. That means staying hydrated before, during, and after your workout is essential. Whether your logging miles on the treadmill, lifting weights, or going to a spin class, your body’s temperature rises. To keep it cool, you need water. Water also helps lubricate your joints to ensure you’re able to partake in any activity with ease.
A handy water bottle will help you stay hydrated during even the most strenuous workouts. Make sure to choose a water bottle with a sports cap that’s easy to drink from without spilling.
Our top picks:
- https://www.camelbak.com/en/bottles/sport
- https://brimmalife.com/products/18-oz-sports-water-bottle-grey
5. Athletic clothes
This goes without saying, but you’re going to need athletic clothes when you head to the gym or out for a morning jog. When you choose your athletic clothes, steer away from cotton. Cotton will absorb your sweat, weigh you down, and cause you to overheat. Instead, choose moisture-wicking garments that wick away perspiration, keep you cool, and are antimicrobial to reduce odor. You also want to make sure your clothes give you a full range of motion without constricting your movement.
Our top picks for men:
- https://kiin-athletic.com/collections/all-without-variants/products/aire-fitted-version
- https://www.rhone.com/collections/mens-workout-shorts
Our top picks for women:
- https://www.titlenine.com/category/clothing-and-gear/womens-tank-tops-sleeveless-tops.do
- https://www.oiselle.com/collections/bottoms
Wrapping up
With these five tools, you’ll be fully prepared for your next workout, training run, or group class. Working out can be tough, but with the help of these must-have gym bag essentials, you’ll be on your way to getting in shape and breaking PRs.
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