Gym Backpack Essentials

A gym backpack is a great way to keep all your workout gear organized. Look for a bag that has smart storage, including a separate shoe compartment and water-resistant lining.

Gym bags vary in size and features. Choose a bag that fits your lifestyle and has the capacity to handle a change of clothes and toiletries.

Water bottle

Keeping hydrated is important before, during, and after your workout. Pick up a reusable water bottle that can help you save money and reduce waste by using less plastic. It’s also a good idea to stock up on snacks, like protein bars and fruit, so that you can stay fueled during your workout.

A gym backpack with a water bottle holder is essential to make sure you’re always ready for your next workout. Look for insulated options that will keep your drinks cold, as well as designs that integrate hydration storage seamlessly.

A gym bag with a shoes compartment is also great for anyone who needs to change outfits during their workout. Having designated places for shoes and clothes will prevent them from getting wet or dirty. Additionally, a backpack will distribute the weight evenly across both shoulders, which can reduce the strain that a duffel or cross-body bag creates on one shoulder.

Snacks

Having the right snacks on hand for fueling during practice and to help recovery afterward is important. travel backpack for men Ideally, the snacks you eat before practice will include high-carbohydrates to help your muscles to replenish their carbohydrate stores and also include protein to help with muscle repair and recovery.

For mid-practice snacks, a sports drink is an excellent option as it will provide fluid and electrolytes to help your body get the energy it needs for optimal performance. Likewise, post-practice snacking should focus on carbohydrates to help your muscles recover from the workout.

Many gym bags come with compartments that are specially designed to hold your essential fitness gear and nutrition needs. These features can include a separate shoe compartment, an insulated and water-resistant pocket for your sweaty clothes and accessories, and protective sleeves for fitness gadgets. Some even have built-in ice compartments for keeping drinks or snacks cold. A bag with these features can remove obstacles and allow you to stay focused on your workout.

Deodorant

When you pack a bag with the essentials for a great workout, there’s usually no room for unnecessary doodads and thingamabobs. But it’s a good idea to keep non-essential items like a hair tie or travel toothbrush handy for quick access when needed.

Training hard leads private label bag manufacturer to sweat, but it also leaves a funky scent behind. While you probably wash your clothes frequently, the contents of your gym bag can stay stinky if not washed between uses.

That’s why it’s important to have a deodorant in your gym bag that you can apply as needed. A natural deodorant containing aluminum free ingredients is an excellent option to add to your workout kit. Sweatyb’s Full Body Deodorant Spray has become a favorite among fitness instructors as it refreshes, eliminates odors, and provides a confidence boost during and after a workout. A little goes a long way, and it’s easy to use in the same way that you would any other type of deodorant.

Headphones

A gym backpack with a media sleeve and earbud port lets you listen to music on the way to and from the gym. You can also plug in your phone and use it as a hands-free speaker for jogging or walking on the treadmill. The spacious shoe pocket and vented laundry/shoe compartment of Under Armour’s Hustle 5.0 backpack keep your sweaty workout gear separated from the rest of your clothes, and it has a separate laptop sleeve for your computer or tablet.

If you have to carry work gear as well, Beis’ The Sport Duffle converts from a gym backpack to a travel duffle with the pull of a zipper. The plush, padded backpack straps and luggage trolley sleeve feel comfortable and secure on your back.

Choose a backpack that fits your body, to avoid overloading and harming your back. It should be comfortably snug, but not tight or restricting, says chiropractor Brad Hochstein, DC, ART. Look for a backpack with padded, contoured shoulder straps and a chest harness that provides stability. Choose a material that’s durable, easy to clean and wipe down (such as nylon or polyester), and breathable to help it resist stinky funk over time.

Yoga mat

The right yoga mat is just as important to the comfort of your workout as the quality of your workout clothes. Thicker mats offer more support for your knees and hips, and can help you avoid injuries by keeping your joints stable.

This Gaiam Essentials extra-thick mat is perfect for yoga or weightlifting, with a thick enough surface to absorb the sound of dropping heavy weights and keep the floor from shaking. It also dries quickly and is easy to wipe clean. It’s a bit heavier than most of the other yoga mats we tested, but it comes with a carrying bag to make it easier to transport.

A grippy natural rubber top layer helps you stay stable in poses, and the mat is latex-free and phthalate-free. Our testers rated it highly for its grip and appearance, but some wish it offered more cushioning and found it to be a little heavier than others in our test. The plush version is available in several colors and sizes, and is a great choice for yogis who want the same benefits of the basic model but with more comfort.