Preparation comes before performance. We share our essentials that should always have a place in your gym bag, whether you're a bodybuilder or beginner.
Let's face it, what you pack in your gym bag is probably the least of your priorities when you're preparing for a workout. But too much time spent on double scooping pre-workout & picking your playlist, and not enough time packing, can leave you stranded in the locker room without the training essentials that can make or break your sweat session.
For those new to lifting, it can be especially difficult to know exactly what things to pack in your gym bag. With infinite options but only finite space, anyone new to the lifting game will find it tough to decide whether to pack the yoga mat, the protein bars, the extra pair of sneakers or the third pair of socks. You want to avoid forgetting something that's essential to your sweat, but also avoid having to play Tetris with your training gear and ending up with a gym bag that's heavier than the weights you'll be lifting.
We want you to always be prepared to perform at your best, so we've laid out our top tips for the workout essentials that deserve a place in your gym bag. Don't leave home without these
But first, make sure you have the right gym bag
The best gym bags live here
Sweaty cardio session before your commute? Working out after your work day? You'll need a gym bag with enough space to store all of your essentials while you sweat. Ryderwear offers men's and women's gym bags, body bags & backpacks designed for a lifetime of lifting. These are some of the best gym bags not only for working out, but also for daily living. These durable gym bags feature a laptop compartment, a protein shaker or water bottle pocket, side pockets for quick access and a shoe compartment where you can place your sweaty gym clothes & lifting shoes.SHOP OUR GYM BAGS HERE
The 10 essentials every lifter should pack in their gym bag
1. A TOWEL
You can’t lift without one of these things, literally. More than just good hygiene, when you place down a gym towel it also shows which machine or squat rack you’re using to other lifters. Avoid having to carry a bulky bathroom towel and check out these lightweight training towels for your gym bag. Designed to fit flawlessly on your workout bench, these towels feature a premium, moisture-absorbing fabric.SHOP GYM TOWELS
2. POST-WORKOUT LAYERS
Ideal for those cooler climates, having a reliable workout sets layer in your gym bag for post-workout offers you some well earned comfort after your workout. Rest easy with our range of luxe active recovery favorites.Shop leggings now.
SHOP ACTIVE LOUNGE MENS | WOMENS
3. WATER BOTTLE
Keeping hydrated has obvious benefits to your performance at the gym, so having easy access to water is key. We offer a range of lightweight, reusable and leak proof bottles for your gym bag, so you can avoid having to pay for a new, overpriced water bottle every time you train.
SHOP WATER BOTTLES
4. LIFTING BELT
All the best gym bags will contain one of these. For anyone intent on handling some heavy weights, a lifting belt offers a new level of safety, comfort & confidence. Our ultra-supportive Ryderwear belts are one of the best training products for gym goers, made with a durable leather material & cushioned padding for maximum comfort.
SHOP LIFTING BELTS
5. HEADPHONES
There’s nothing worse than that sinking feeling of rummaging through your workout bag in the changing room & realizing you’ve forgotten your headphones (ever had to do a sweaty stair climber workout to the sound of grunting & crashing iron?). Always double check you’ve got your headphones in your gym bag before you leave to lift!
6. A FRESH SHIRT
Your body will thank you for this (and so will your coworkers). Change out of that sweaty, uncomfortable shirt and into something light & airy that has you covered for wherever your day takes you. You can store your used workout clothes in the premium wash bag that comes with our Ryderwear Duffel Bag - so much better than that plastic bag you've been using.
SHOP TRAINING SHIRTS WOMENS | MENS
7. BOOTY BANDS
Get those glute gains and pack a pair of booty bands in your gym bag (these are also great for home workouts). Our durable booty band set comes with three levels of resistance, as well as a convenient travel bag for storage.
SHOP BOOTY BANDS
8. LIFTING SHOES
Lifting shoes aren’t just for meal-prepping bodybuilders training six days a week. Anyone at any level can benefit from a pair of our gym shoes, created to give you greater power, stability & support while you train. For longevity, these are best kept in the shoe compartment of your Ryderwear gym bags while you’re not training and only worn when you’re lifting.
SHOP OUR LIFTING SHOES
9. DEODORANT
If there’s one toiletry you’re going to pack in your gym bag, make this one. Keep BO at bay by ensuring you’ve always got deodorant on hand for your post-workout plans. Honorable hygienic mentions also include hand sanitizer & flip flops for the shower.
10. A SNACK
Avoid the hangry. Whenever you need a quick pick me up before you pick up that heavy iron, make sure you have a nutritious lifting snack on hand for your gym bags. We're sure you have your own favorites, but why not try something from our library of healthy Ryderwear recipes?
4 Healthy No-Bake Snacks
Chocolate Coconut Protein Balls
Now save this checklist to your phone for whenever you have to pack your gym bag before a workout and only have a moment's notice!
NEW TO LIFTING? LET'S TEAM UP!
Ryderwear empowers people all over the globe to embrace the weight room, discover a stronger self and find their next level. We do this by creating functional, high-performance activewear products that are designed to excel in the gym. Every element of our game-changing products are handpicked for your performance. From moisture-wicking fabrics to hidden internal pockets -we sweat the small stuff so you can lift big.We also do gym bags & accessories.
Our products aren't just clothes. We've also created gym bags, weightlifting shoes and lifting accessories to help our community level up their lifting. From the United States to the United Kingdom, we've built an inclusive community of lifters of all levels, united by their dedication to becoming the best version of themselves. Sounds like something you'd like to be part of? Join team Ryderwear today.DISCOVER MORE