Shoes and workout gear are an obvious must, but what else should you keep in your bag to optimize your time during – and after – your workout? We put together a list of items we never leave home without, whether we’re heading to a spin class, personal training session or a date with the treadmill.
Malin + Goetz Essentials Kit
(malinandgoetz.com, $30)
Stocking your gym bag full of products you might need after a workout can be frustrating, especially if it means constantly packing and repacking the basics (shampoo, shower gel). Having mini versions of your favorite hair and skin care products saves time and hassle. This on-the-go kit features the skin care line’s Grapefruit Face Cleanser, Vitamin E Face Moisturizer, Bergamot Body Cleanser, Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer, Peppermint Shampoo and Cilantro Hair Conditioner – some of our favorites.
Erbaviva Jasmine Grapefruit Deodorant
(erbaviva.com, $6)
Probably the most important post-workout must-have, deodorant is an obvious choice, and we love the light, fresh scent of the all-natural product (sans synthetic chemicals and aluminum). The USDA-certified organic spray boasts jasmine, grapefruit and sage oils to keep you feeling fresh all day, no matter how hard you worked with your trainer.
Energizing face spray
(thebodyshop-usa.com, $18)
A particularly tough workout can mean flushed skin long after we’re back at the office. That’s why we keep a bottle of this soothing, revitalizing spritz on hand. It can also be used to set makeup or act as a pick-me-up for dull, tired skin. The vitamin C in the spray encourages collagen production, improves elasticity and protects against environmental damage.
Kaia Bamboo Facial Cleaning Cloths
(drugstore.com, $18)
Cleanse, tone and refresh post-workout skin with one of our favorite cleansing cloths. The unbleached, 100 percent biodegradable bamboo cloths are packed with ingredients that keep skin healthy — sunflower oil lifts impurities, organic honey keeps skin hydrated and citrus oils keep skin balanced. One swipe after sweating it out leaves your skin smooth, soothed and looking great.
Sephora Snag-Free Hair Elastics
(sephora.com, $3.50)
Keeping hair out of your face while you sweat it out is important. Stray strands are not only annoying, they’re distracting, too. Made from a unique elastic fiber, these elastics won’t be a pain to put in or take out of your hair. They glide off without yanking your hair.
Water Bobble
(waterbobble.com, $9 to $13)
While any water bottle will do (staying hydrated while you work out is a must), we’re partial to this stylish bottle that filters water as you sip. The sleek, easy-to-grip bottle contains no BPA, phthalates and PVC, and each filter equals about 300 single-serve plastic bottles. Choose from various sizes and colors.
Goody Wide Headwraps
(target.com, $4.50)
Once you leave the gym, your hair is likely still wet or maybe you didn’t have time to shower (don’t worry, it happens to us, too). Make the best of your post-workout hair situation with a simple but stylish headband. These come in three easy-to-wear hues – gray, pink and black – and easily push hair back for a sleek, post-gym look.
iPod Nano
(apple.com, $129 to $149)
Let’s face it, a workout without music can feel like a slog. That’s why we don’t leave home for a workout without our iPod stocked with favorite tunes to keep us motivated. The iPod Nano comes is several fun colors and has a built-in clip, making it ultra-easy to wear no matter how you move. The touchscreen also makes changing songs (or putting something great on repeat) a snap. Choose from 8GB or 16GB.
Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream
(beauty.com, $28)
We love this lightly scented full-body moisturizer that’s never too greasy. The sweet, slightly spicy and citrus-based scent wakes us up and keeps our post-gym high going, and the blend of olive oil, grapeseed oil, rice bran oil and apricot kernel oil leaves skin super-soft.
Larabar
(larabarstore.com, $25/box of 16)
Chances are you’re going to be hungry after an intense workout. To restore nutrients, we suggest keeping a post-gym snack in your bag. Our go-to treat is a Larabar, made from unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices with no filler. Flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate chip cherry torte, blueberry muffin and apple pie keep us coming back for more.
Tell us
What are some of your gym bag must-haves? Share in the comments below!
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