My take on gym bag essentials

If you are someone who goes to the gym on a daily basis, chances are you are well acquainted with the task of carrying a gym bag around with you everywhere you go. If you're a student like I am, then it's highly likely that your gym bag will also double as your laptop and textbook bag, which can be quite a struggle sometimes. However, I have come up with the perfect "gym bag recipe" that includes everything I need for an awesome gym session without making my bag super full or heavy. So let's get right into it:

1. Headphones and charger

I use Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones and they have truly revolutionised my gym experience. There is NOTHING worse than showing up to the gym and realising you forgot to pack your headphones and then having to be forced to listen to gym music which usually includes highly unnecessary remixes of mainstream pop songs. Just as bad is when you switch on your headphones only to see the red light flickering, indicating a low battery. This is when the charging cable comes in super handy. I just plug my Beats into the treadmill and let them do their charging while I do a couple of minutes of steady-state cardio.

2. Anti-perspirant and body spray

For the most part I go to gym in my breaks in between classes, which means I usually have very limited time and showering is not always possible (I promise it's not gross, I don't even sweat that much lol). After a gym session I'll just quickly make use of some Nivea Dry Confidence anti-perspirant (which is the bomb, btw) and some body spray to freshen up before heading to my next lecture.

3. Hand sanitiser

Let's be honest: the gym is a germ mania. Especially when you're someone who likes to venture into the weights section where you'll be touching weights and machines that have been used by a multitude of people, most of them guys who may or may not have washed their hands after using the bathroom. I actually believe that the gym is a place where you can get sick quite easily if you don't take the necessary hygienic safety measures such as washing your hands and using hand sanitiser. Hence, hand sanitiser is my go to for making sure I rid myself of all the gym germs I picked up during my session.

4. Lip balm/butter

Not much to say about this one - pretty much a life essential in every single situation. I have been using the Labello lip butter in vanilla and macadamia flavour for years now and it's actually just the best thing ever. You'll need some of this after a gym session, just trust me.

5. Gym towel

A gym towel is so important that in some gyms they won't even let you go in without one. Gym sessions get sweaty and instead of blinding yourself with sweat dripping into your eyes and mouth (talking about a hectic workout here), you can just wipe your face down with a gym towel every couple of minutes. Not to mention it is basic gym etiquette to wipe down the equipment and benches after you've lathered it with your body sweat. It's just basic respect for the person who's using it after you.

6. Water bottle

H20. Hydration nation. Need I say more?

7. "That time of the month" essentials

Every true gym OG will have a story about that one time when Aunty Flo gave them an unexpected visit while in the middle of a gym session. And do you really want to spend the next 50 minutes of your workout fearing that someone might see you bleeding through your leggings? No, you don't. Hence, it is important to get yourself a cute little pouch or bag where you keep a set of lady essentials so that you can never be caught off guard and feel safe and secure while working out.

8. Facial makeup remover wipes/just plain old wet wipes

I carry these around with me whenever I go, but they are ESPECIALLY crucial after a gym session. The worst thing you could ever do for your skin is go to the gym wearing foundation, let that mix with sweat and then walk out of the gym with that germ breeding ground still on your face. Wiping down your face after a workout does wonders for removing that surface layer of dirt and grime from your face, thereby preventing breakouts and skin irritation (even if it is just until you have time to get around to a shower).

9. Extra pair of undies (not crucial, but can be helpful sometimes - see number 7)

An extra pair of underwear can be great for two reasons: either you forgot to pack some lady essentials and you need an extra set of underwear to replace the slaughter that happened to the ones you were wearing or simply because you had a very hectic session and you don't feel like allowing sweat to ferment "down there". To be honest, putting on a clean pair of underwear can be just as satisfying and refreshing as taking a whole shower.

10. Hairbrush (once again, not a super important one)

I have this tiny little hairbrush that I've had for months and that I carry around with me basically everywhere I go. It's just super convenient to be able to touch up your hair before heading out after your gym session has completely disintegrated what used to be a ponytail.

11. Fitness tracker/watch

Technically this is not a gym bag essential since you'll be wearing it already - hence, it's just a GYM essential but it made the list nonetheless because it's awesome. I got my Apple Watch Series 4 back in December 2018 and it was the best fitness investment I have EVER made. Nothing motivates you to go harder and work out for longer than seeing the steps, calories and goals add up right on your wrist.

12. Shaker with protein

To be honest, I am still very much a rookie when it comes to the world of supplements but I am slowly venturing into the world of supplements (mostly because my boyfriend got me this beautiful shaker and now I need something to put in it). Supplements are not a must for being fit and they definitely do not replace the role of a balanced diet, but I like to know I'm consuming something after my workout that will replace the fuel that I have just depleted while working out to make sure I don't lose any essential muscle mass.

And there you have it, my take on some of the things that have added zest, convenience and fun to my gym experience! Make sure to subscribe to my mailing list and to connect with me via Instagram @johaneberry.