Find Your Fit - Gym Bag Essentials
Having the right gear in your gym bag is a great starting point for your workout sessions. Whether you’re an athlete or just starting out on your fitness journey, investing in the right items can help you stay motivated, prevent injuries, and help make progress toward your fitness goal.
Here are my go-to gym bag essentials:
#1 - Squat Shoes
When it comes to lifting weights, performing squats, deadlifts and compound moves, the right shoes really make all the difference. They can improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury. I always wear my squat shoes for my weekly squat and deadlift sessions. Designed with a raised heel and solid shoe, they are ideal for weightlifting. The raised heel improves ankle mobility which allows you to achieve a deeper squat and ensure correct form. The solid shoe provides a stable base for your feet, which improves your balance, further enhancing your form, and allowing you to lift heavier weights.
My favourite squat shoes are these red Adidas ones.
#2 - Training Log or Workout Journal
Tracking your workouts is essential to see progress and reach your fitness goals. That’s why I always carry a workout journal in my gym bag. It encourages me to stay motivated and make myself accountable. By keeping a training log, you can set and track specific goals for yourself that could include lifting heavier weights, increasing your endurance/fitness level or achieving a specific body composition goal.
This is the workout journal I use as I find it easy to log my exercises, reps, sets and also distance and time when doing cardio or HITT training. I personally find tracking my progress helps keeps me focused on my goals and helps me to train harder.
#3 - Protein Shaker
Nutrition is key to making progress in the gym. That’s why I always carry a protein shaker in my bag. Drinking a protein shake immediately after a workout allows for faster absorption and is a convenient and effective way to consume protein. It helps with muscle recovery and growth.
This protein shaker is ideal as it has a compartment in which I keep my BCAA’s in. I use a vanilla whey powder from The Protein Works.
#4 - Lifting Grip Straps
If you’re serious about lifting heavy weights, then you may need some grip straps. Grip strength can become a limiting factor when trying to increase the weights, causing you to fatigue quickly and potentially compromise your form. Straps can help to take some of the load off your hands and wrists, allowing you to hold onto the bar more securely and for longer periods of time.
#5 - Apple Watch
Technology can be a valuable tool when it comes to fitness. That’s why I always wear my Apple Watch when I train. The watch tracks my heart rate, calories burned, active minutes, steps taken and other important metrics such as distance, time and pace. This increases my motivation and helps me stay on track and make progress toward my goals.
#6 - Water Bottle
Drinking water is essential, especially while exercising in the gym. It maintains your performance, prevents dehydration, and ensures you stay healthy. I make sure I drink 3 litres of water a day, especially before, during and after working out. Water is necessary for the production of energy during exercise. Without adequate hydration, your body may not be able to produce energy efficiently, which can lead to a decrease in performance.
The water bottle currently in my gym bag is this VitaJuwel Fitness Water Bottle.
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