Gym Bag Essentials

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Carrying a gym bag to the gym with you can be quite beneficial. Gym Bags allow one to have access to certain items that may be needed either before, during or after a gym session. Following are some items that I would consider to look into as part of my gym bag accessories list:


1. Gym Bag: Obviously a gym bag is the most essential item that is required to carry all other items to the gym. Following are all great options for a gym bag.
 
2. Sports Drink: Workout can be dehydrating and as such having a sports drink can be helpful to replenish both energy and electrolytes. You can either make one at home yourself or go for ready made ones like those linked below. 
   
3. Shoes: This is by far the most neglected aspect of preparing for the gym session. Having the right kind of shoes for the activity you would be performing can only enhance your performance. There are specially designed shoes for Olympic Lifting, Power Lifting, Running, Endurance training, etc. These are also a good tool to help protect the ankles. I've been using the cokpit men's white and black sports shoe linked below and found it to be really good for squats and deadlifts, primarily because this shoe has virtually no insole and is extremely light wight. I would however never use this shoe for running or sprinting. 

4. Foam Roller: This is probably not going to fit into the gym bag due to its size, although its not that heavy, thus making it difficult to carry it every time one goes to the gym. This however does deserve its place in the list of essential items due to its very practical usability. If your gym already has one, don't even bother about buying one. If not, then investing in this would be a good option. Foam rollers come in different sizes and types, be sure to get the one that fits your needs.

5. T-Shirt: I usually keep an extra t-shirt just in case I have to go somewhere after the workout. I personally prefer to shower and change into clean clothes after my workout.

6. Shaker Cup: If your into protein consumption post workout or even into intra workout drinks a shaker cup can surely come in handy.

7. Towel: This is probably self explanatory.

8. Water Bottle: I prefer taking water from home rather than drinking water from random places outside.

9. Wrist Wraps & Weight Belt: If you're into strength training, accessories such as wrist wraps, weight belt, etc. can be of immense help in protecting the ankle and the core respectively. In addition lifting straps for pulling movements and deadlifts assist when the grip starts to fail especially during heavy sets.

10. Whey Protein and Shaker Cup: Well, this is pretty much a staple among gym goers. Just to make a point clear that if you don't supplement with whey protein, its not really a necessity. I've been using Whey Protein by ON from the last one year, linked below. I only buy whey protein by double checking on the official website of the brand/product I'm purchasing, to know who the official distributors/resellers of the product are in my country/area. 

 Note:Before starting/changing an exercise and/or dietary/supplementation program consult a qualified doctor/health care professional. This list is prepared based on my experience and what I use on a regular basis and should not be considered as a standard list for everyone as such. 

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