This post is sponsored by Mirum, but opinions expressed are my own.
It’s hard to believe that we’ve made it to another new year. I honestly feel like 2017 was the faster year in my entire life. It just flew by! This year, I decided to take charge of my health and start losing weight in a healthy way. I know that a lot of people make New Year’s Resolutions and while they do fail a lot of the time (at least mine seem to!), I want to make sure I make this lifestyle change, not just another diet.
With the new year comes a lot of people making resolutions to hit the gym. If you’re anything like me, you’ve either never been to a gym or haven’t been in many, many years. That’s nothing to be embarrassed about…we all have to start somewhere. You’ve already made the first step in deciding to go to the gym so let’s get you started on the next step of getting your gym bag together. Having a well-stocked bag filled with essentials is important and doesn’t have to be difficult!
Gym Bag Essentials
- Water Bottle – Keeping hydrated is essential when you’re working out (and even when you’re not). I love filtered water bottles because you can grab water from so many places & have it ready to drink in less than a minute.
- Hair Ties – This is such a must for me. More often than not, I can’t stand having my hair on my neck when I am moving around a lot so having some sort of hair tie or rubber band is something I always try to do.
- Deodorant – This probably should be #1 on the list because it’s THAT important. When you’re moving all around and sweating, having the right deodorant on before and adding more after is just a nice thing to do for all the people around you. I like using Degree Women Motion Sense™ because it helps me to feel fresh, dry and confident all day long no matter what activities I’m doing. MotionSense™ technology keeps me fresher the more I move & stays that way with long lasting 48 hour odor & wetness protection!
- Flip Flops – Don’t forget these for the shower! No one wants to head in there barefoot.
- Headphones – Have a pair that only stays in your gym bag. There’s nothing worse than getting to the gym and realizing you left your earbuds at home.
- Protein/Granola Bars/Bag of Nuts – You never know when you’ll need a little snack so keep a few in your bag at all times.
- Toiletry Bag with trail size 2-in-1 body wash, face wash or dry shampoo
- Towel – If you don’t like using the towels that the gym provides, make sure to always keep one of your own in your gym bag.
- Lip Balm – If your lips always get dry like mine, you’ll be happy every time you reach into your gym bag & find your lip balm exactly where you left it.
- Lock for Your Locker – Don’t forget this so you can lock up your gym bag!
Now that you have some essentials for your gym bag, it’s time to start shopping! Head on over to Rite Aid & pick up your favorite scent of Degree deodorant. I just started using Peach Burst and it smells so good! They are having some great deals so you’ll be dry, smelling great AND saving money. That’s a win-win-win in my book!
- From 12/31/17 to 1/6/18, all Degree products are Buy One, Get One 50%, plus you get 300 Plenti points when you buy 2
- From 1/14/18 to 1/20/18 all Degree products are Buy One, Get One 50%, plus you get 300 Plenti points when you buy 2
- From 1/21 to 1/27/18, buy 2 Degree products and get 300 Plenti points
I just made sure to switch my 18-year-old son’s deodorant to Degree Men Advanced Protection with MotionSense™. Have you ever smelled a teenage boy? Let’s just say that the fact that Degree is motion-activated to keep him smelling odor & sweat-free all day is something I am VERY happy about! The more he moves, the more the MotionSense™ technology keeps him fresher with long lasting 48 hour odor and wetness protection.
No matter if you choose Degree in clinical, dry spray, and antiperspirant varieties, you’ll find that they all offer the latest in deodorizing technology. Don’t be stuck with your old deodorant! No matter if you’re hitting the gym, spending the day with your kids or cuddled up with the one you love, Degree will keep you feeling fresh, dry & confident all day long!
Karen Morse says
These are definitely must haves in your gym bag! I make sure that I always have my water bottle, some towels, extra clothes, and deodorant with me!
robin rue says
You thought of everything and YES, deodorant is a must. No one wants to walk out of the gym all smelly!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Oh wow. This is exactly what I have in my gym bag, right down to the deodorant. I like to stay hydrated and stink-fre when I work out.
Ashley says
These are great reminders, I know I always forget something when I go the gym. It’s a really bad day when it is the deodorant!! lol
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
I don’t have a gym bag because I don’t go to a gym to workout. However, this is a great list to follow to pack one. I love Degree deodorant. It’s the only one that I really use.
Angela Tolsma says
It’s so funny, in January I tend to avoid the gym and my yoga studio, because too many people! I have honestly never thought to have indoor flipflops for the showers though! Definitely going to add that to my bag!
Lois Christensen says
Great list of essentials to pack! And a great reminder for me to try a new antiperspirant…especially for my son. He works out a lot and adding this to his back pack is a great tip. Thanks!
Beth Davidson says
This is a great list for gym bags, I personally have no idea what to bring other than my gym shoes!
[email protected] says
I will never forget the day I forgot my flip flops for the gym; I had an important meeting later that afternoon and had to shower with plastic bags tied around my feet lol. Needless to say, I never forgot them again!
Nicole Elliott says
Yes! These things definitely help. I’m one of those people who believes that when you’re well prepared it helps you feel able to tackle things so much more!
Krystal Butherus says
These are all great items to pack for when going to the gym! I have friends who work out and some are always mentioning they’re always forgetting something. I’ll pass this along.
Chelley Martinka says
All SO important! I need socks, deodorant and my shake. WIthout those things… I’d be a bit lost! And smelly.
Melissa Chapman says
I wish I had a body anywhere close to that girl in the picture. These are some smart hints and I am always forgetting things so this is a good reminder.
Tara says
Yeah, I wish my stomach looked more like that then what I currently have going on!
Jessica Joachim says
I don’t typically go to the gym, but I do like to go to a park or just in my neighborhood to workout outside. Having a good water bottle, and deodorant are so important! That Degree is amazing for working out.
Tara says
I completely agree about the Degree!
Krystel | Disney on a Budget says
I remember what it was like to go to the gym very often. Now I work out at home, do archery, or go for a run
Tara says
Archery sounds like a lot of fun!
Cat says
Deodorant is absolutely a must-have for my gym bag! I always carry dry shampoo and a sweatband with me, too!
Tara says
Those are great items to take!
Amy says
I just got home from the gym and think these items are spot on. I would also include a change of clothes just in case.
Tara says
That’s a great edition to the list!
Terri Steffes says
Your post was so relevant to me. I hate the gym, but I plan to start up and I didn’t know the first thing to pack. Thanks!
Tara says
I hear ya! It’s not my favorite place either!
Maria says
I seriously cannot work out without my headphones! There’s just nothing that gets me quite as into the zone as some great music, and if I’m doing cardio, I can catch up on my YouTube subscriptions!
Tara says
Headphones are definitely a must!
Claudia Krusch says
Love all your options! Need to add some items to my bag!
Sarah says
Funny, I’ve always used Degree and love it! I do need to get better about hitting the gym or finding a good workout routine to do at home.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Awesome tips! These are really helpful for those who would like to start going to the gym. Thanks for sharing.
Charlotte says
I need to overhaul my gym bag! It’s in need of stocking up and I will have to get some of this deodorant, I always need something with extra punch haha
Rachel says
Degree is one of the first deodorants I ever used. I haven’t used the new motionsense version.
Christina says
Yes to all of these! I always need hair ties in my gym bag because otherwise I’ll forget them.
kimberly lewis says
great list! you want to make sure you have everything you need in your bag because it stinks when you don’t
UtMinh says
This is a sure thing. In my exercise bag, there is always water, towels, and some necessities. Certainly will never lack deodorant.
Karrie Frost says
LIP BALM! The one thing I always manage to forget and need the most. It’s sometimes the small things we forget, isn’t it? Thank you for the great tips and reminder.
Bird says
Great tips! Would you believe I have never been to the gym *covers face* haha! But my husband does & loves it! I’ve always been a stay at home and work out there or go for a run, kinda gal! I use so many of these things in my daily workouts though! x
Jeanine says
What a great list! I haven’t been to the gym ever, so I wouldn’t even have the slightest clue what to add in my bag!
Nicole says
I just restarted going to the gym and definitely need to restock my gym bag. Our gym has great childcare and I always wish I brought stuff for showering there so I can shower in peace lol.
Toya says
It is time for me to get back to the gym i hate when i forget headphones or flip flops it really sucks so this list is very useful list to keep in mind. Thanks.
Jean says
These are some great essentials for heading to the gym. Whilst they all make complete sense, it is so easy to leave for the gym with the very minimal in your bag, and totally regret it! I really should start being healthier this year.
Isadora Guidoni says
It’s a great list, really. #9 is one that I pretty much always forget, haha. Thanks for the tips!
Mary says
good list. I can’t go without protein bars…I’m always starving after workouts and have gotten kind of addicted to my little treat to reward myself, do you have any favorite brand of bar?