When I first started going to the gym, my gym bag felt and looked like it had bricks inside of it. I brought every single thing I thought I might want or need and it ended up being a total pain to carry with me every day. I have gotten much better at picking out only the essentials now, things that I know I am going to actually use. I decided to compile a list of 5 Gym Bag Essentials, things I use all the time and have really made my gym excursions so much easier on me.
[Some products may be press samples.]
1. H20 Go Bottle: I bought this at Walmart for under $3 on a whim. It turned out to be an awesome investment for me. Yes, my gym has unlimited water via a filtered water spout, but I like to show up with my own and refill as I need. This bottle is completely BPA-free, so no worrying about horrific chemicals messing up your hormones. I also like that the handle has a grip on it, making it really easy to carry and lug with you despite how large it is. I go through a ton of water when I am at the gym, so believe it or not, I actually go through an entire one of these and more during and after a workout. I’m very careful about not buying bottled water (that’s the conservationist in me), so I like to just reuse a container over and over again.
2. Balance Bars: These were sent to me for the Balance Summer Shape-Up Challenge (more on that on Beauty Gala soon!) and I love them. I always keep a bar in my gym bag because you never know when hunger or low blood sugar is going to strike. Sometimes I have an appointment before my workout session and I want to eat half while I’m going from my appointment to the gym for extra energy. It has the perfect ratio of carbs, protein, and fat and has a low glycemic index, which is perfect for PCOS’ers!
3. Playtex Wipes: These come in a container, but I always stash some in a small zipped bag and make sure to push all the air out of the bag. You can also buy packs in flexible packaging to carry around with you. These are meant to refresh any area of your body that needs it after a workout. If I am going straight from the gym to an appointment or really anywhere else, I am definitely conscious of how sweaty and gross I smell. I like to use one of these on my underarms and my neck/chest area. These are also sensitive enough to use for your more delicate area’s, ladies (ahem). So if you work out while you’re on your period or need a little refreshing, these are safe.
4. Polar FT4 Fitness Watch: I have plugged this watch a billion times and I have probably sold over twenty of them to friends, family, and readers. I have never heard a single person say they didn’t like it, and I LOVE mine. I’ve had it for well over a year now and it tracks my heart-rate in real time. I always have it on during a workout, even if I’m just taking a walk. It tells me exactly how many calories I’m burning, how long I’ve been at it, and what my current heart rate is. It’s incredibly accurate since it makes you put in your age and weight. This is my #1 workout essential.
5. Andalou Naturals Facial Mist/Spray: I fell in love with this product by accident. I’m a huge lover of facial mists and sprays, not just for priming your face for makeup or setting your makeup, but just in general. I use them several times per day to hydrate and tone my skin, and I *love* the way they feel after a hard workout. I found this one at a local health food store and it was only $12.99 for the full bottle so I scooped it up. I use this every single day and it feels SO good on my skin. It’s refreshing and cooling on my face and it helps keep sweat from festering in my pores and creating blemishes. After I wipe down my forehead and face, I always spray this on my face and neck area. It feels amazing.
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Have a happy and safe Independence Day!