What's In My Gym Bag?

Something I've noticed recently is a growing trend among bloggers showing what's in their day to day, carry all bags. Sure it's interesting to see what some of my favorite peeps are lugging around all the time, but I'm more interested in what people tend to carry in their gym bags! If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you may have noticed my various tweets and posts about my enthusiastic fitness regimen. You could probably catch me at the gym every other day, what can I say, I'm addicted to maintaing good fitness! Let's talk about what's in my gym bag!

1) First thing's first, the bag! I'm not a fan of traditional duffle bags for the gym. They're huge, bulky and "manly" looking, even if they are pink! I like gym bags that don't seem to swallow me or have too much unnecessary space. The one shown here (Urban Outfitters) is not a traditional gym bag, but it is a duffle bag, which is perfect. It has enough room for everything I need and has comfortable leather straps to be worn as cross body, being hands free is important to me. Also, I absolutely love the quirky, print! It just fits so perfectly with my personality! Some of my favorite sports bags are from LeSportSac and Pendleton.

2) Of course you can't go to the gym or workout with out the apparel! Being heavily induced into fashion as I am, I have to wear things remotely cute or else my workout will suffer! There was actually a survey taken among women asking them that if the clothes helped them with their exercises and most of them answered yes because it raises their confidence. Sure there are many other variables that can be equated to that question but just like wearing the right clothes to an interview, fitness apparel matters. Pictured here is my Nike sports bra, Onzie tights, Nike jacket, Oakley sunglasses and of course socks! 

3) Sunglasses are super important especially if you're going to jog 5 miles, squinting against UV rays is not fun and straining for your face! Currently loving the frogskins from Oakley, it has a cool 80's look to it but still manages to maintain 100% UV protection. Fashion and safety is A plus in my book! 

4) I'm very determined to have very shapely arms and to do so I'm constantly lifting free weights and barbells at the gym, which really cause a bruise on my palms. Wearing gloves helps prevent calluses from forming, which I definitely don't want! Most gloves also have cushioning built in them, and that makes gripping and lifting heavily a breeze! My gloves are from Nike but most athletic brands have their own version too. 

5) For me, it's very important to have the right playlist for any workouts, i've got a cardio playlist, a yoga playlist and even a cool down playlist, check out my Spotify! The right music just helps a workout go so seamlessly. This means that I have to have my phone or iPod with me but I don't like to hold anything while i'm exercising, which is where the armband comes in. It's so convenient and it even holds keys for when you go jogging. Equally important as the armband for me, is having a lock. Ensuring that your items are safely put away and locked in your gym's locker room helps you concentrate on your workout. 

6) Our bodies are composed of mainly water which means we have to drink a lot of it to keep our bodies balanced. Everyone should manage to drink atleast half their weight in ounces, sounds nutty but it really helps keep your body healthy. I carry around a 32 oz water bottle, two refills of that is all I need.

7) Everyone has to have a toiletry bag, men and women alike! Toiletry bags are great for stuffing your other essentials, mine usually contains deodorant, face cleansing wipes, perfume (currently loving Boyfriend!), lotion, altoids, female unmentionables, twistbands, and chapstick. Personal hygiene is key, especially after working out. 

8) Lastly, my business card pouch. I carry it with me everywhere, you never know when an opportunity might arise where you may need to hand it out!

Now you know what's usually in my gym bag! Dear readers, what do you carry in your gym bag?