Must-Have Essentials for Your Gym Bag

Gym clothes? Check. Water bottle? Check. Sneakers? Double check. If gym workouts are a part of your routine, you know there are just certain things you need to take with you. But if you are hitting the gym before or after work, or in between social engagements, you’ll need more than just the basics. 

Going about your life post-sweat session shouldn’t be complicated, cumbersome, or a major ordeal. Instead, an organized gym bag stocked with essential gear can facilitate your routine, keep you focused on your workout, and help you on your way to being equally fit and fab. 

So you’ll want to stock up on these essentials — and don’t forget that while you’re doing just that, you can scan any receipt on the Fetch app to earn big on your shopping trip and earn free gift cards!

Here’s our list of must-have gym bag essentials: 

Change of Clothes 

Whether headed to work or out post-workout, you’ll want to include a set of clean clothes in your bag — and maybe a fresh set of gym clothes, too. Don’t forget socks and undergarments!

Towel

If you plan to shower after your session, or even to wipe down equipment, a fast-drying microfiber towel is great to have on hand. 

Water Bottle 

To stay hydrated while also keeping plastic out of landfills, you’ll want to carry a reusable bottle. It’s up to you to decide whether you want it to be a water bottle, filled with Aquafina water, perhaps, or alternatively a rehydrating sports drink like Gatorade.

Toiletries 

Some gyms offer toiletry amenities, but if yours does not, you’ll want to keep small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel in a waterproof pouch. TRESemmé shampoos, conditioners, and other products even claim to bring salon quality!

Deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash — like those from Colgate — are a good idea to keep your body and breath smelling fresh.

A razor and cream, or a mini kit from Dollar Shave Club, is also helpful on days that you may need to shave. 

And for women, a stash of Kotex menstrual products can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. 

Face Wipes/Cleaner

Cleansing wipes or baby wipes are a super handy way to clean your face after a good sweat! Multipurpose and compact, wipes will save you on a number of occasions. We love the ones from Seventh Generation because they are clinically tested, hypoallergenic, and free of fragrances that could irritate delicate skin. 

Haircare 

Some people wear workout headbands that help to absorb sweat. Some just need hair elastics to keep that sweaty mop of hair off of their face. Either way, be prepared with your best option.

Post-workout, you’ll want to have a comb or small brush to style your hair. 

Consider carrying a shower cap if you want to keep your hair dry while you shower. But if you are washing your hair, skip the full-sized ones and pack a travel hairdryer — they are easiest to fit into your bag. And even if you don’t wash your hair, you can use the dryer to give your scalp a quick blast of air; it gives roots a pick-me-up.

Makeup

You probably won’t want to put on much make-up after a workout, but if you are headed straight to the office or to a social event, some basics like mascara and lipstick or lipgloss are good go-to’s to get you started. 

Fetch especially loves Loréal Paris cosmetics, Maybelline beauty products, and NYX Professional makeup as they are brands and can sometimes earn Fetch users even smarter savings.

Pain Relief 

If your sore muscles need some extra TLC, you’ll definitely want to keep some pain relief ointment or medication in your bag. 

Snacks 

To be honest, our favorite part of working out might just be working up an appetite! To satisfy your need for energy on the go post-workout, carry a few healthy snacks, such as nuts or dried fruit.

Protein bars are also a super smart item to keep on hand. Popular bars for after your workout include Nature Valley Granola Bars, Larabars, and new Whey Protein Bars from Gatorade.

Since you’ll want to have everything you need to make it through your workout and your day, packing the perfect gym bag is essential. 

To save time and keep yourself on schedule, maintain a fully packed bag whenever possible, so you can just grab it and go. We like to take stock and repack after every bag cleaning. 

And speaking of… don’t forget to clean your bag! Nothing smells worse than a musty old gym bag. So use antibacterial wipes, and, when possible, throw your bag in the washing machine for a deeper clean. 

We hope you found some useful items to keep in your gym bag as you continue to hit up the gym and thrive on your workout routines this year. But while you’re sweating up a storm, don’t forget that you can be saving, too! 

Cash in on savings by snapping receipts on Fetch and getting free gift cards to favorite retail stores. With a simple snap and upload of your receipt, you’ll receive points that you can redeem toward future gift cards, and Fetch users earn rewards even faster when purchasing products from hundreds of Fetch brands — some are even mentioned here.

Get started by downloading the Fetch app today!