Don't Hit the Gym Without These 23 Essentials

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These days, we pack a bag for every occasion. Whether you're getting your messenger bag or briefcase office-ready, stuffing your carry-on to the brim before your weekend getaway, sorting out your hiking pack, or merely filling a backpack with your everyday needs, there's almost always something you need to pack up before you can head out the door. And, unless you've built out a killer home gym, getting a workout in is no exception.

When it comes to getting your gym bag ready to go, you're probably forgetting something. We don't blame you; often you're hitting the gym early in the morning to get a quick session in before work or slogging there in the dark afterwards. The best thing to do is hone it down. Pack the same things every time so that it's more of a routine than a conscious decision. There's a lot to think about, and there's a lot you probably aren't thinking about. So we let the pros weigh in. Group Fitness Manager at Equinox Wall Street Waz Ashayer says, "Your gym bag should be like a mini apartment and have all the essentials. Wardrobe options, toiletries, laptop for working and healthy meals/snacks for when you are on the move."

Figure out what you need in your own mini apartment, and keep it all in one place at your home. That way, come gym time, it's just grab and go. To get you started, here's a list of our various gym favorites.

Duke & Duke Banker Bag

First off, you have to decide on your gym bag obviously. If you want to channel peak prep, this canvas one from Rowing Blazers is a pretty good way to start.

Utility Speed Training Backpack

Or maybe you're more of a backpack guy, in which case Nike makes a solid one. With a laptop sleeve, cushioned straps, and mesh side for your 32-ounce water bottle, you're good to go.

Black Hole MLC Cube 12L

You need a packing cube, really. This one from Patagonia is the best you can buy. At max capacity, it's got 12 liters of volume, but the roll top means you can compress it all the way down to about three liters. Toss your sweaty clothes and shoes in here, and they won't contaminate all the rest of your belongings.

Metal Vent Tech Midweight Half Zip

A lightweight sweatshirt is a staple that your gym bag needs. You can throw it on before or after your work out, keeping you perfectly temperate in the most breathable of ways.

Transit Jogger

Of course you also need some joggers to put on before you leave the gym. Look no further than Vuori for some of the softest on the market.

Sweatpants

Personally, I thin the coolest thing you can wear to the gym is classic sportswear. I'm talking cotton sweatpants. If you're cutting weight, wear a full Champion sweatsuit. If you're trying to show off the thighs, cut the sweatpants into shorts. Get freaky with it!

Cloudnova Form

If you're not lifting heavy, or sticking to HIIT and machine work, running shoes are preferable. On Running is everywhere at the moment because the shoes are so damn good. The Cloudnova Form is a nice little cross-trainer.

Chuck Taylor

Anything that involves a squat, deadlift, or Olympic movement really should not be done in running shoes. If you're serious about Lifting, get a pair of weightlifting shoes. If you only lift sometimes, just get a pair of flat tennis shoes.

Loved by lifters for decades, the humble Chuck Taylor will always be the best shoe for lifting. They're flat and thin, which keeps you connected to ground and engages the tendons from your toes upward.

Big Boy Club Cropped Tee

Part of the non-technical workout look is a great graphic tee. Keep it freaky and funny with gear from one of the best brands of the moment: Yeah, I Work Out. It's all inspired by 80s Muscle Beach-type lifting culture. The stuff looks insane, and that's kind of the point. Have a sense of humor. Lighten up a bit.

Tube Sock 2-Pack

Do I make enough to afford an Equinox membership? Absolutely not. But, I can wear these socks to my shitty neighborhood gym, and everyone gets a little laugh out of it at my expense.

Rambler 26 oz Bottle

You don't need a gallon of water at the gym, and you look like a freak with that big ass jug. All you need is between 20 and 32 ounces, so this YETI bottle sits squarely within that range.

Sport Towel, 3-Pack

If you pay for a nice gym, they'll provide you with towels. If the operation is a little more barebones, you might need to bring your own.

Theragun Mini

A percussive massager that barely takes up space in your packed gym bag—everyone could use one of these.

Ion Chalk Bag

Lifting heavy? Doing a shit ton of pull ups? Your grip is always the first thing to go. Instead of going full turbo with wrist straps, use some chalk. It'll keep the friction while still making your forearms work.

(Make sure your gym is OK with chalk. Or, ask if they provide it.)

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

According to Ashayer, headphones are a must "especially for those longer cardio workouts. I either have a motivational podcast on or I’m listening to one my class playlists to get me pumped up and in the zone."

4.0 Health and Fitness Tracker

Make sure you have a fitness tracker, like this one from Whoop. If you're more of the watch type, we've also got the best sports watches for you to choose from.

Hydration + Energy Multiplier

Nobody really needs pre-workout, but if you like that little kick before a session, the new energy Liquid I.V. is great. These things pair caffeine with hydration for the perfect less-intense pre-workout supplement. Though, the caffeine is about equivalent to a cup of coffee, so be strategic about when you use it.

Hydration Multiplier

Liquid I.V. just released its new flavor Strawberry Lemonade, which will hydrate you like never before. Sip it before and after your workout.

The Body Cream

Your hands get fucked up in the gym, and the complimentary shower gel probably isn't incredibly hydrating. Give your skin what it needs before you head home. Conveniently, this Nécessaire cream comes in a packable little tin.

x OV Deodorant Formula No. 1

Yeah, you're going to smell, there's no way around it. This deodorant is going to come in handy, keeping you odor protected for 24 hours.

TechLoom Velvet Slides

Slides are a must, especially after an intensive workout. These velvet ones from APL are as lush as they come.

Hypersphere Go

While most gyms have foam rollers, this mini massage sphere is going to help you target muscles more intentionally. It's petite and practical.

Legend 2.0 Cycling Shoes

If you are a spinner, then don't forget your cycling shoes. You don't have to go to SoulCycle to rep these (but it doesn't hurt).

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