So a lot of you (and by a lot I mean like 5 people) have asked me what my gym essentials are, and I'm here to deliver. 💁🏼♀️
The gym I go to is literally a 5 minute walk from my house, so usually I don't take a gym bag with me because I will shower at home. However, some days I don't have time to run home and shower (if I have to rush to school or work, work being the gym I go to lol). On those days I will take my gym bag, which is full of ALL the essentials I need to get clean and ready for the day, as well as items that are essential during my workout.
For the Workout
Headphones:
These are essential. I don't know about you, but when I forget my headphones I know I won't have a good workout. I need to tune everyone out around me and blast my favorite song (currently "The Middle" by Maren Morris X Zedd 🙌🏼) in order to get through my set, finish my squats, burn my abs, and go home sore. My FAVORITE headphones of all time are the Power Beats by Dre . I have my tragus pierced on both ears, so it's hard for me to find headphones that won't fall out of my ears while I work out. These ones are the only headphones that stay put throughout my entire workout.
Water Bottle:
Essential for everyday life, but especially during your workout. We need to stay hydrated during and after our sweaty workouts. I suggest a reusable water bottle, you know for the environment, but also to save yo wallet. I use this glass one from Life Factory or this stainless steel one from Takeya.
Rubber Band:
I LOVE these invisibobbles since they don't leave a crease in my hair, but also use these standard rubber bands since joining the short hair club 💁🏼♀️
Essentials for After the Workout
Skincare
My gym has shampoo, conditioner and skincare in the locker room, however, my skin is so sensitive that I bring my own skincare with me. I like to bring travel size versions of my favorite skincare products such as Tula, Cocokind and Native, as well as other essential products to help me get clean.
I purchased the travel set of my favorite cleanser, moisturizer, and eye cream from Tula (you can use my discount code "HOLISTICLYSS15" at checkout), as well as the travel size version of my fave oil cleanser for days my skin is feel dry or when I feel like I need to double cleanse (yes, I am very serious about my skin). For toner, I bring along my travel size of my favorite rose spray to help refresh the skin and cool me down.
Chapstick is a must for me, so I love brining my Matcha Stick from Cocokind, which doubles as an eye cream as well.
Haircare
I always have to wash my hair after a workout. I can wash my hair everyday and my hair is still strong and healthy, its just what works for me. When I shower at the gym, I just use the shampoo and conditioner they have. My gym's locker room is stocked with all Kiehl's products, but if your gym doesn't have hair products for you to use, I suggest buying travel size products of your fave shampoo, conditioner, and detangler.
The Kiehl's shampoo and conditioner my gym has is amazing, and leaves my hair soft and silky if you want to check it out 😊
Detangler
I HAVE to use a detangling product after showering. This one from It's A 10 is the one I continuously purchase. It's the only one that doesn't weigh my hair down or make it look greasy, and leaves my hair soft and free of split ends.
Brush
My favorite brush is the Wet Brush. It's great for brushing your hair when its wet or dry, won't damage your hair, and is the only brush I've used that doesn't feel like its ripping hair from my scalp 🤷🏼♀️ It's so good I keep one in my bathroom and one in my gym bag.
Deodorant
I recently switched to an aluminum free, natural deodorant. I have been on the hunt for a natural deodorant that will last through my sweaty workouts and keep me smelling fresh. Before, I was using the Secret Clinical Strength deodorant because I normally sweat a lot and needed a heavy duty deodorant (sorry if that's TMI). I was extremely nervous to make the switch to a natural deodorant because I wasn't sure if it would be able to keep me smelling good all day. I have finally found a natural deodorant that WORKS! Enter Native Deodorant, the best smelling and long lasting natural deodorant that actually lasts through an intense sweat sesh. It's also a local brand to us SF residents, and is super affordable. So it's a WIN, WIN. I get the Coconut & Vanilla scent, which is 🔥🔥
Oral Care
I like keeping a travel size tooth brush and toothpaste in my gym bag. I like having a clean mouth, and its always a good idea to have fresh breath 😂 You can honestly get these anywhere. I get mine at target. You can also just get a regular tooth brush and travel size toothpaste too. So many options.
Miscellaneous Items
Advil
Bandaids
Razor
Tampons
My gym bag is super old from Victoria's Secret, and I am in desperate need of a new one 🤷🏼♀️ so send me your suggestions!
That's it! All the essentials I keep in my gym bag! Let me know what you want me to post about next! I hope you all found this helpful, and hope you have a beautiful day!
XO,
Alyssa 💕