Gym Bag Essentials – Sweet Tea Tribe

I’ve only been back at the gym for a couple of months. Honestly, the only reason I even go faithfully is because my sister is my gym buddy and she forces me to.

I tell you that because I want to make it clear that I am NOT a hard core body builder! I have no idea what protein shake, lifting gloves, special gear or whatever else they use to recommend to ya’ll!

However, if you’re (reluctantly) dragging yourself to the gym because you don’t fit in the clothes you love anymore,

I’ve got the basics you need to throw into some type of “gym bag” listed below. ↓

Gym clothes/tennis shoes: Don’t overthink it when shopping. Good tennis shoes, yoga pants, shirt, and a sports bra. Done. (Side note: I also wear a gym skirt for modesty!)
Scan-in Card/Keys: To get into the gym.
Credit Card: Because my gym doesn’t accept cash and I forget my water bottle every. single. time.
Water Bottle: Save yourself the money. Remember your water bottle.
Cell Phone: One word – Pandora.
Ear phones: These are a dual purpose item. Listening to music pumps me up and distracts me from how much I’m hurting so that I can finish a set on a machine or a whole minute on the elliptical. They ALSO keep you from having to talk to people when you are hobbling across the gym during leg day. Win-win.
Baby wipes: To make yourself feel less nasty when you’re rushing to go pick up your kid from school.
“Feminine Products”: Auntie Flo doesn’t always appear at ideal times. Be prepared.
Deodorant: Does this need an explanation?
Dry shampoo: In case you need to go to Target after you finish running a mile.
Comb/Ponytail: Get yourself together.
Chapstick: I always have some kind of chapstick with me.
Body spray: Because sometimes deodorant is just not enough.
Change of clothes: If I’m not going straight home.
A SNACK: So you’re not tempted to blow your hour workout on fast food on the way home.