Gym Bag Essentials To Boost Your Comfort And Performance

It’s the start of a new year, and many of us will have made a vow to get fit in 2025: according to a YouGov poll, boosting fitness is the second most popular resolution, after improving finances. If you have taken the plunge and signed up for a gym membership for the first time, you might be wondering what kit you will need.

 

Without the right gear, the quality of your workout  will be diminished, and you may even be put off exercising altogether due to an uncomfortable experience. Here’s our handy gym bag checklist to help you on your way to smashing your fitness goals in 2025. 

 

Breathable clothing

You don’t need to splash out on lots of flashy gym clothing, but it is important that what you do wear is breathable, and is neither too restrictive nor too loose and baggy. Look for stretchy moisture wicking fabrics that will allow for a range of movement and pull sweat away from your body. 

 

Cotton tends to hold on to moisture, and can feel clammy and uncomfortable as you get sweaty (and if you are not sweating, you might not be trying hard enough!). It will also make you feel chilly as you begin the cool-down phase of your workout. Instead, look for lycra, polyester or nylon blends. 

 

In most cases, a vest or short-sleeved T shirt combined with leggings or shorts will be ideal gym wear, with a hoodie or sweatshirt for warming up or cooling off in colder weather. 

 

Ladies will find that a well-fitting sports bra will add to their comfort, and also protect from potential ligament damage during vigorous movements such as running on a treadmill. Choose one with the correct level of support for your activity; the product description should say whether it is suitable for low, medium, or high impact exercise. 

 

Suitable footwear

The right shoes are crucial to ensure you can work out in comfort, and also to protect yourself from injuries. For cardio workouts, you will need trainers that are designed with shock-absorbing soles to provide support and cushion the impact on your joints. 

 

For strength training, footwear should have flat sturdy soles that provide good grip and stability. 

 

Water bottle

Dehydration will seriously affect your performance and comfort during exercise, so make sure that you drink enough water before, during and after your workout. 

 

It’s best to take regular small sips of water rather than down a huge amount in one go, because the body is not set up to handle a sudden influx of fluids, and you may need to interrupt your workout to make a trip to the toilet. 

 

Take a reusable water bottle with you to keep on hand, and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink, as this is a sign that you are already dehydrated. This can lead to tiredness, headaches and muscle cramps, and will generally make it more difficult for you to muster up the mental resilience to carry on when the going gets tough. 

 

Another point to bear in mind is that when we sweat, we not only lose fluids but also electrolytes. These are essential minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium, and help the muscles to function properly, and also aid in maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. 

 

Therefore you may want to consider adding an electrolyte tablet to your water for a faster and more efficient post-workout recovery. 

 

Towels

It’s good etiquette to wipe down each piece of equipment after you’ve used it to ensure that it's safe and hygienic for the next user, so take a towel with you. 

 

You may also want to have a small towel to wipe yourself down if you tend to perspire heavily, and a larger towel if you are showering at the gym after your workout. Microfibre towels are ideal, because they are light, dry quickly, and can easily be rolled up and tucked into your gym bag without taking up too much space. 

 

Headphones or earbuds 

The gym may play ambient music over a sound system, but it may not be to your liking. Listening to music can be really motivating, particularly fast-paced and uplifting tracks that inspire you both mentally and physically as you keep in pace with the beat. Noise cancelling headphones can really help you focus, or you may prefer lightweight earbuds.