If you can’t tell I’m really trying to get back on my health kick lately, ok minus the giant chocolate chip cookie I had the other night…let’s just act like that never happened. What? What cookie?…that’s what I thought.
Anyways, as we all know working a full time job and squeezing in the gym can be difficult at times. We go from one thing to the next and leave our house before the sun rises and get home long after it sets. I pack my bag the night before for the gym, work and a work event or a night out with friends the next day. I say goodbye to my apartment at 6am and hello again at 9pm when it’s time to unpack and pack again.
When packing my bag for the gym I have my 5 essentials that get me through my workout and the rest of my day. These are the 5 items that never leave my bag and are key to staying on track.
5 Gym Bag Essentials
When you are constantly going, going, going you need to refuel with a healthy snack packed with protein. This will help curb your appetite so when you actually sit down for a meal, you won’t end up over eating. Some of my go-to snacks are trail mix, almonds or granola bars like these South Beach Diet Snack Bars. I’ll usually have a small snack before lunch and another before dinner.
I bring my workout arm band so I can listen to my music while on a run or lifting weights. It’s one of those items you think you can do without, but when you cave and buy one you don’t know how you ever worked out before without it. It’s so convenient for running outside or lifting weights at the gym. It keeps your music going and your hands free to focus on your workout.
I am a huge fan of stretching. I actually end every workout with stretching. It’s the best way to cool down and prevent muscle soreness. Especially if you workout everyday, stretching is key to prevent from over working your muscles and allowing them to heal before rebuilding.
