Mike Johnson
A list of often overlooked gym essentials that will keep you comfortable, clean and ready to take on another awesome work out.
This is one of those workout items that you didn’t think you need until you finally got one… and then you don’t know how you ever lived without one! A cooling towel helps you cool down after an intense workout. I like the ChillPal which stays cool for up to 4 hours.
Having a backpack with shoe compartment can be a lifesaver on those work to gym days. Stuffing smelly shoes in with the rest of your items gets old quick so having a dedicated compartment just for workout shoes can come in handy. On the gym days where you don’t need to bring an extra pair of shoes, these compartments also make great places to stuff laundry and towels. I love the look and feel of the State Lenox backpack with shoe compartment (pictured above.)
Face and body wipes are easy and simple way to clean up after a long sweaty workout. When taking a shower is not an option, these are a lifesaver! I really like Whice hyperallergenic bodywipes for men and Bresh pH balancing wet wipes for women. Both brands are safe for both the face and body and keep you feeling fresh.
If stuffing dirty clothes and towels in with the rest of your clean stuff doesn’t seem appealing to you then you need a wet bag for your trips to the gym. I like the Laundry Bag by Miamica which fits nicely in a duffel bag and large enough to fit a pair of shoes. Protip: If you don’t want to spend the money on a dedicated wet bag than a used grocery bag will do. The tip here is to keep your stuff seperated!
This one might be a bit obvious to those who already have a rythm and method at the gym but for newbies it’s something that can be overlooked. Having some sort of fitness tracker is a must-have to track your reps, miles and overall progress. You can go over how many reps and which exercies you have conquered each work out and work on improvements. It doesn’t matter how you track, what’s important is that you have a way to do it. A good old pen and notebook may be fine for many. But there are also tons of smart phone apps that allow you to track fitness progress as well. Check your phones app store for recommendations.
Mobility balls are great for working out tight spots and stretching those muscles pre and post workout. This is a great way to keep your body in great condition for those hard days at the gym. Accumobility makes a great mobility ball options with their Acumobility Ball. It’s flat on the bottom slip out from under you when in use.
