19 workout essentials to build the perfect gym bag


Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We are compensated when you click a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

The weather outside can be terrifying, but it doesn’t stop us from achieving ours health and wellness goals this year. Take going to the gym for example. We found ways to fit 30-minute training sessions into our lunch break and wake up extra early to attend our favorite training classes. If you’re planning to focus on health and wellness this year, make sure you keep a gym bag full of the workout essentials you’ll need to have a successful workout.

From exercise tools to post-workout skincare essentials, there’s so much that goes into building a flawless gym bag. You want to be prepared for unexpected incidents, so packing an extra training kit is a useful option. Does your gym have a shower? There are body products that help wash away all the bacteria and germs you pick up during your workout. Not to mention the important ones that help you stay hydrated and recover after you’re done. With that in mind, we’ve put together a helpful list of workout essentials to keep your gym bag organized.

1. Our absolute favorite: We don’t know what it is, but our appetite increases after an intense workout. These high-protein, keto-friendly Quest Nutritional Cookies are a great way to treat yourself after you’re done working out!

2. Shake it up: Are you a workout rat before work or a protein shake? this BlenderBottle Classic V2 Shaker bottle features a surgical-grade stainless steel BlenderBall wire stirrer to ensure your workout supplements are thoroughly blended!

3. Wipe: Don’t have time for a full shower after a workout? These Lume Acidified Deodorant Wipes allow you to freshen up and fight odor!

4. All about groups: Some people are particular about sharing certain gym equipment. These resistance bands come in five different levels ranging from extra light to extra heavy!

5. Va, Va, volumes: Is your calendar full between your workouts? Make sure your hair stays in tip-top shape with the help of this Amika Perk Up Talc Free Dry Shampoo. Along with diffusing oil and deodorizing, this spray adds volume and helps refresh the scalp!

6. Cooling sensation: Want to add a luxurious touch to your post-workout routine? this Naturium Mandelic Acid Body Wash cools on contact and helps fight body odor!

7. Germ Free: Keep your hands free of germs and bacteria, courtesy of Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray. Not only does it nourish the skin, but it’s so compact you can store it in the pockets of your workout pants!

8. Smooth Skin: Want to avoid calloused hands caused by lifting weights? These breathers weight lifting gloves offer full palm protection!

9. The coldest: We don’t know the science, but water magically tastes like the best thing after an intense workout. this Owala FreeSip Water Bottle keeps water cold for up to 24 hours thanks to the double insulation of the walls!

10. The attraction of the mane: Who says you have to compromise your hairstyle at the gym? Over 3000 buyers caught this Dri Sweat Edge Activewear Headband in the past month. Reviewers rave that it absorbs sweat and stays put!

11. The most important of all the main: What’s a gym bag essentials list without an actual gym bag? haha! this duffel bag comes with hidden details including a shoe compartment and wet pocket to store essentials!

12. Thirst Quenching: Staying hydrated is a must during exercise. this Liquid IV booster for hydration and electrolyte powder for immune support is a delicious way to deliver adequate hydration!

13. Instant Refresh: Wow! Things can pop up immediately. If you don’t have time to thoroughly wash your face after a workout, this Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Face Spray provides an instant refresh. The pH-balanced spray soothes and cleanses the skin. The best of all? It’s non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about it clogging your pores!

14. Crystal Clear: Gently wash away sweat and build-up with this Byoma Cream Jelly Cleanser. Not only is it safe for sensitive skin, but it also comes with a cap so you won’t have to deal with accidental leaks!

15. Wipe it off: There’s nothing like the sting of sweat dripping into your eyes while holding a plank or doing a Stairmaster workout. this S&T Inc. Microfiber Towel Set is a great way to stay dry during your weekly trips to the gym!

16. Always Prepared: If you ask Usit’s better to over-prepare when it comes to fitness training. Since accidents like unexpected tears and accidental spills happen all the time, you should always have backup gear like this Olchee tracksuiton standby – you know, just in case of an emergency!

17. Personal Stack: Want to avoid the long queues for yoga mats? Catch it Folding gym mat Stakt. It’s portable and lightweight, so it’s super easy to carry around!

18. Fresh ‘N Clean: Things can get a little smelly after an intense workout. this Curie Body Deodorant Spray is perfect for quick fixes!

19. Last but not least: A burning sensation helps when pressed us through repetitions of our least favorite exercises. this Powder to stimulate muscle recovery fights post-workout inflammation, reduces soreness and promotes restful sleep!


Related: This is the ultimate fitness hack for women who want long-lasting results

If you’re tired of starting every year with the same gym membership you know you’ll never use, it’s time to try something new. This year is all about getting into your best shape yet, and we’ve just found the best fitness hack for women who want real results. Meet obé, a digital fitness platform that (…)