What’s In My Gym Bag ?
- LD
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
These are the simple, practical items I take to the gym with me.
1. A Durable Gym Bag
Let’s start with the bag itself. I use the Puma Buzz unisex backpack. It has separate compartments and side pockets so that I can stay organised. Training shoes and sweaty clothes don't mix with my electronic devices, my water bottle or smaller accessories.
2. Training Shoes
Whether I’m lifting, doing HIIT, or running, I wear training shoes to suit the exercise. When lifting and resistance training I wear shoes designed for stability and support.
If you’re lifting weights, your shoes matter more than you think.
Bouncy cushioned running shoes can actually make strength training harder because they compress under weight. For squats, lunges, and deadlifts, you want stability.
Don’t worry, you don’t need fancy lifting shoes right away if you are just starting resistance training. Just make sure you wear something flat and supportive.
Look for a flat sole with minimal cushioning and good side support.
When resistance training I wear my Adidas Dropsets
3. Wireless Headphones
Music is powerful. The right playlist can make you feel strong!
Headphones can also feel like a little confidence shield.
Putting on music helps you mentally step out of the shared gym space and into your own zone. Instead of worrying about who’s around you or what other people might be thinking, you’re focused on your workout, your pace, and your progress.
I find wireless earbuds are easier than bulky over-ear headphones, especially when you’re moving between resistance machines or doing big compound lifts like a back squat.
Mine are Earfun:
5. Lifting Gloves
If you’ve starting progressing to a barbell or a trap bar for your strength training, then you may have noticed that your hands are paying a price.
One thing people don’t always mention when you start lifting weights is that your hands can get rough. Pulling exercises like deadlifts can create friction that leads to hard skin on your palms. Totally normal but nobody wants that!
Fingerless lifting gloves allow you to grip the weights comfortably with a thin layer of protection. Look for padded palms with breathable fabric so your hands don’t overheat.
6. Small Microfibre Towel or Gym towel
Strength training can make you sweat.
I always use a towel on seated resistance machines such as the leg press or hip abductor and place one along the bench whenever I'm in the free weights section.
A small towel keeps you comfortable and less self-conscious and is always a good idea when you’re sharing equipment.
7. Water Bottle
Hydration is important, so take water with you to every workout.
I always make sure that the water bottle I am using can be opened without my gym hands touching the part of bottle where my mouth goes; a very important feature if you are in a shared gym and sharing equipment!
And last but not least,
7. Hand Sanitiser
Gym etiquette dictates that we should all be spraying and wiping down equipment and machines after we use them but alas we have all seen people finish their sets , get up and walk away.
Wash your hands at the end of your gym session otherwise have hand sanitiser on standby for the end of your workout then wash your hands when you get home or back to the office.
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