The gym can be a holy respite for some, and a dreaded location for others. Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, if you are still attending, through ecstatic grunts or gritted teeth, it means that you probably have a goal in mind.
Goals – to shed a few pounds, to gain some extra muscle, to boost mood – often find success through the equipment packed in your bag. Indeed, the ultimate gym kit can help you reach them faster.
Most often, the shift in exertion required is psychological, all in the head not in the legs, but there is some merit in using products that are designed specifically to achieve an objective, sometimes even giving extra motivation just by carrying them in your gym bag or wearing them. With that in mind, here are 11 IDEAL gym kit essentials to help achieve your goals.
High-Quality Headphones Or Earbuds
Music can be a powerful motivator during a workout. High-quality headphones or earbuds that are sweat-resistant and have a secure fit can make all the difference in maintaining focus and energy levels. They should also have good sound quality to help you get in the zone with your favourite workout playlist. Noise-cancelling features can be a bonus for those who prefer to block out gym noise and concentrate on their routine.
A Foam Roller
Most people have a love/hate relationship with a foam roller, and it’s easy to understand why. A far cry from a nice relaxing massage, a foam roller gets right in the nooks and crannies of muscles to relieve tension, which can truly help with muscle pain in the long run. It will feel uncomfortable, so think of it as short-term pain for long-term… less pain. Catchy.
Impressively, this little torture tube can also help with stretching, inflammation and can increase the range of motion in joints, so it is a perfect all-rounder as an accompaniment to any fitness goal, whether it is used as part of a warm-up, cool down or both.
A Smart Watch
Tracking your progress is one of the most important components of achieving workout related success. Not only can it serve as an encouraging reminder, but looking back and analysing data (or having an app do it for you) can show you where your strengths and weaknesses are – and what might need to be improved or altered. This is invaluable when it comes to saving time, and can stop those who are wanting to move forward feeling frustrated without a plan of action.
There are plenty of apps that can track your progress depending on your goals, and for those who just want to get their daily steps in – a tracker is already included in a smartphone, ready to go! A smartwatch brings even more analysis, since it can read your pulse, heart rate, measure blood pressure and more, just by wearing it.
Your Support Set
When it comes to lifting heavier weights and pushing your limits, having the right support gear can make a significant difference. These items not only enhance your performance but also ensure your safety, allowing you to focus on your form and strength.
A weight lifting belt is essential for anyone serious about lifting heavy. It provides crucial support to your lower back and core, helping to stabilise your spine during heavy lifts such as squats and deadlifts. By increasing intra-abdominal pressure, a lifting belt can also help you lift more weight safely, reducing the risk of injury.
Knee sleeves offer support and warmth to your knees, which is beneficial during heavy lifting sessions. They help increase blood flow and reduce pain and swelling, allowing you to lift more comfortably and with greater confidence. Wrist wraps are vital for exercises that strain your wrists, such as bench presses and overhead presses. They provide additional support and stability, helping to prevent injuries and improve your lifting technique.
Investing in a good pair of lifting shoes can significantly impact your performance. Designed with a raised heel, they improve squat depth and overall lifting posture, providing a stable base for generating more power.
Finally, chalk is a simple yet effective tool for improving your grip during heavy lifts, absorbing sweat and moisture for a more secure hold on the barbell or dumbbells.
By incorporating these support items into your gym kit, you can enhance your lifting performance, reduce the risk of injury, and achieve your fitness goals more efficiently.
Microfiber Towel
A microfiber towel is a must-have for any gym-goer. It’s lightweight, super absorbent, and dries quickly, making it ideal for wiping sweat during intense sessions or drying off after a shower. Unlike cotton towels, microfiber towels won’t take up much space in your bag and can be easily washed and reused, making them a more sustainable option.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a versatile and space-saving addition to any gym kit. They come in various resistance levels, allowing you to add difficulty to bodyweight exercises or assist in stretching and mobility work. They’re particularly useful for activating muscles before a workout or for recovery sessions, and they can be a great alternative when machines or free weights are not available.
A Carefully Curated Gym Outfit
Anyone can argue that popping on your boyfriend’s shorts or wearing old trousers that you use to clean the house in/with will do just as well for your exercise routine as proper attire, and to a certain degree, they would be right. You are still exercising – what more do people want? So, why buy proper gym attire?
Clothing that has been made to specification with workouts in mind are often made with light, breathable fabrics that will not irritate the skin or make you feel too warm when you sweat. Regulating and controlling body temperature is a must, and materials that are designed for exercise can help you do this effortlessly.
Even more interestingly, clothes have a unique impact on the wearer’s mind. The clothing we wear psychologically affects how we perform, so investing in quality gym pieces can have an impact on the quality of a workout and the confidence of the exerciser.
Read: From colour to soundtrack, how to optimise your workouts
Grip Gloves Or Lifting Straps
For those who lift weights, grip gloves or lifting straps can be essential. They protect your hands from calluses and improve your grip on heavy lifts, which can enhance performance and safety. Gloves provide a barrier between your skin and the equipment, while lifting straps can help you focus on target muscle groups by securing your grip on the bar.
A Filter Water Bottle
Have the best of both worlds with the convenience of tap water and the taste of bottled water by owning your own filter water bottle. Hydrating is extremely important (all the time), so when you are sweating during a workout, it is safe to say that it’s crucial that those fluid stores are replenished regularly.
A filter water bottle not only saves on single-use plastic (the environment doffs its cap to you my friend) but it also means that you can have delicious-tasting water every single time you go to the gym or workout without spending a penny. They are 100% a worthwhile investment.
Personal Hygiene Kit
A small kit with personal hygiene essentials can be a lifesaver post-workout. Include items like deodorant, body wipes, face wash, and a comb or brush. For those who shower at the gym, travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are also important. Keeping these items in your gym bag ensures you can freshen up quickly after your session, especially if you’re heading somewhere else immediately after.
A Little Snack
Snackoholics rejoice! Having an emergency snack in your gym kit can go a long way to helping you achieve your goals. This snack can serve the purpose of either being consumed before or after a workout –helping you to either fuel your workout or replenish your glycogen stores after it, depending on when you choose to eat it. Not to forget, a snack can also help rid you of the ravenous beast that tends to rear its head around 20 minutes after a workout – so having a calculated healthy snack in your bag is one of the best ways to keep that beast tamed and stick to your goals.
