Stop wasting time grabbing gear you don't need. Instead, use this list of women's gym bag essentials to keep your transfer time between the gym, home, or work- fast. These items are the basics that every woman needs to rock a wicked sweat session and make getting changed and out the door a speedy process.
You want to reap the benefits of strength training but between the workout, the cleanup, and packing for whatever you're doing next, you find it more annoying than it's worth?
As a Certified Strength Coach, this comes up a lot on intakes, especially for moms.
A lot of moms say that the effort of organizing the gym gear and packing everything they need sometimes squashes their desire to go at all.
Now, I'll be the first to admit that I am completely spoiled having a gym at home (it's worth it, check out the most cost-effective pieces of workout equipment).
Over the years I've picked up a few fun tricks and tips to make your trip to the gym a bit simpler. Below are the gym bag essentials for avid gym-goers. Believe it or not, you don't need much (don't overthink it!).
Bare Minimum Gym Bag Essentials
These items are literally required to work out. You can technically work out without a brush or wrist guards but the items below you need.
Hack: Long before my home gym was set up I used to keep a "back up" bag in the car with exactly these things! That way I knew I could at least get the workout in.
Workout Clothes
This should be a given as you can't show up to your gym naked. I always just wore my gym clothes to the gym and home to minimize time but if you need a pair of "after" clothes, grab them.
But really, you need a tank top, sports bra, pants/capris/shorts and some socks. That's it. The world won't end if you forget your headband so don't run around trying to find it. Same goes with "the perfect outfit".
Focus on smashing your workout not what you're going to wear- just grab clothes.
Shoes
Your gym shoes should just always stay in your bag- or keep a spare pair in the car. Don't wear them out of the gym. I'm a big fan of Xero Shoes as they're the most similar to barefoot training and are the best way to get strong and improve mobility.
Just put the gym shoes back in your back post-workout so you're not scrambling around searching next time.
Music
A workout sucks if you don't have some music blasting in your ears to get you jacked up. Again, this is something I would just leave in the bag so I never forgot it. So long as you have your phone now you're good.
Don't forget to grab your headphones (I'm a sucker for the AfterShokz I got last year) and get it done.
Helpful Items For The Perfect Gym Bag
These items come in handy but are not crucial to your gym bag. If you have them, awesome but it's not mandatory.
A water bottle
I know what you're thinking- how the hell is this not essential?? But the truth is, most gyms have a water fountain so you won't be dehydrated. It's not something to turn around and go home over.
I personally have a BKR water bottle which can be a b*tch to carry around but I also know I'm hitting my intake and staying hydrated.
A towel
I think this one depends on the type of workout you're doing and if you're taking a post-workout shower. This isn't a huge deal for lifters or basic workouts but if you jump into a spin class you'd want one!
Hair Elastics
Definitely makes life easier but not the end of the world if you don't have one. Ask the front desk at your gym if they have a stash or just make do.
Truthfully, just pick some up at the dollar store and keep the stash in your gym bag to make it easier on yourself!
Sport Specific Tools
Depending on what kind of workout you're doing you'll need items like wrist straps, a yoga mat, or chalk. Check out the best fitness gifts you can snag for friends if you're not sure what equipment they need!
Gym Bag After Care
This is where most people get stressed out. People think they need to leave the gym in perfect style.
For me personally, I always left in my workout clothes (but put my gym shoes in the bag) and dealt with that at home.
However, if you're taking a post-workout shower you'll need more gym gear. For those of you who have to head to work after, here's what you need.
Baby Wipes
Yea, I said it. Skip the shower, save some time, and rock some baby wipes to wipe down. Keep them in your bag so you always have some. It's not perfect but it works.
These baby wipes are the ones I use post-workout and feel human again after.
Dry Shampoo
Again, save the shower and throw some dry shampoo in your hair. You'll look presentable and it'll save you an insane amount of time between showering, drying, and styling.
I personally make my own dry shampoo or dry shampoo spray because as a mom it's a necessity.
A Bra & Panties
Keep a spare set in your bag at all times because this sucks when you forget them.
A Brush
Not totally necessary but nice. Otherwise, rock a messy bun and get on with your day!
Training Programs
Don't show up to the gym empty-handed and guessing at what kind of workout you'll be doing. To get the best results you need a plan.
Below are a few amazing workout programs to kick you off.
- 4 day workout split for women
- 3 day dumbbell workout plan
- 6 Week Fat Loss Plan At Home
- Full body dumbbell strength workout
- No equipment fat loss workout
- Dumbbell workout for strong legs
- 25+ At Home Workout Planks For Weight Loss
Ditch the All-or-Nothing Trap
The Kickstart & Thrive Bundle is where busy moms keep things simple with quick, strength-building workouts you can actually fit into your day, plus protein-packed snacks that give you energy and taste like dessert but don't add extra time in the kitchen.
Don't forget to pin these necessary gym bag items!
Gym bag items can be a tricky thing but it shouldn't limit your workouts.
Keep it simple, focus on your workout, and make do with everything else (though keep in mind a post-workout snack is awesome haha).
Keep the gym bag stuff on hand and make staying consistent a priority- rock it!
Jenna says
Okay I need to put together a gym bag like this!!
fitasamamabear says
Haha yes!
Tasha says
I have never thought to bring baby wipes to the gym for myself. It's funny because since kids, I literally use baby wipes for EVERYTHING, thank god for Costco. What a great idea, thanks!
fitasamamabear says
Baby wipes save lives right?! Honesty they work really well post wokout (and for just about everything else- I've totally cleaned my car with them)
Mayuri says
Wow! Thanks for sharing essentials that we tend to forget in a hurry. I just pinned it so that I can refer to it later. Thanks 🙂
fitasamamabear says
Thanks for pinning Mayuri!
Besties Notepad says
I liked the idea of a dry shampoo..though I haven't used it but seems like a good idea specially when you are headed straight for office. Useful info!
fitasamamabear says
Love dry shampoo! It takes forever to dry and straighten my hair which isn't practical post gym. So dry shampoo saves my life .. or at least my looks lol
Jenn JG says
I carry baby wipes in my purse at all times. My favorite for any type of bag and I don't even have babies anymore! But a gym full of naked hot guys.... hmmm we may have a new business venture LOL
fitasamamabear says
haha you made my day 😀 Yup I'm a frequent baby wipe person also. Seriously you can use them for anything! I second that we start a business for this hot naked guy gym, let's keep it simple and call it Naked Fit *coined* 😉
Marcie says
Wipes are so helpful to feeling fresh when you don't have an opportunity to shower!
fitasamamabear says
Yes! They honestly save your day
Katie Foley says
I can't tell you how many times I've gotten to the gym and I either don't have a hair tie or the one I have snaps! Nothing worse. Now I dump a bunch in my bag!
fitasamamabear says
The hair tie is the worst- I keep a jar of them in the studio for all my clients haha but yes, just stock your bag full so you always have one!
Geoffrey @ Spoonabilities says
Good list of items to pack. I never thought about baby wipes. i may never shower again;) For me, most important part of packing a gym bag is to do it the night before, otherwise the gym may never happen the next day.
fitasamamabear says
Haha baby wipes save life. I always packed mine the night before too that way it was just a quick grab. Though I'm also the crazy lady who keeps a spare packed bag in her car...
Lees says
Thanks for this I shared on twitter! Good write up!
fitasamamabear says
Thanks for the share!
Sarah says
Thanks for this helpful post! I'm constantly forgetting things when I go to workout or go to dance class, this post inspired me to be more prepared!
fitasamamabear says
Wahoo! Glad I shot some inspiration your way!
arita muhaxheri says
yaaaas to the baby wipes , a total lifesaver for sure ..loved this posts thanks darling xoxo
fitasamamabear says
Haha baby wipes are totally life saving 😀