What’s in my gym bag!

Hi everyone,

So I have recently got back into my gym routine and thought I would share with you what I take with me to the gym. Now as I work full-time, I do go to the gym prior to work so I take more than perhaps the average person. That’s my excuse anyway haha, I am and always will be someone who constantly over packs whether for a holiday, weekend trip and as you will soon discover…the gym!

When I decided to buy a new gym I really wanted something practical but also cute enough that I would actually want to use it lol. I found the perfect bag online at H&M. Now I have had this for over a year so they don’t currently sell it anymore. But I have seen some lovely yoga bags on there recently so they do change their stock regularly. This bag is perfect for me as it’s bright and pink on the inside, which I just love, and the black exterior is great as I don’t want to parade a completely hot pink bag around the office!

It is pretty much standard to most gym bags, mesh pockets and a sperate pocket with a zip on the other side. I think most people use the mesh pockets for their trainers (sneakers), but I take full advantage of using them for my hair and beauty supplies!

Lets start with an overall basic look of what I take to the gym:

• Polar HRM
• Shower Gel/ Body wash
• Body lotion
• Make up
• Towel
• Dry Shampoo
• Body spray/ deodorant
• Water bottle

These are pretty much my staples in my gym bag. My hair is naturally curly, so it really depends on whether I am wearing it straight or not what else I bring. If it is curly I have a spray leave in conditioner from Boots that I will use before drying it. If my hair is straight, then I will bring my GHD’s which anyone who owns them can tell you are fantastic! I would never buy another brand to use on my hair as they are so great, particularly as my hair is afro caribbean, it can be tough to straighten.

Now I say they are my staples, but don’t underestimate the fact that I still bring a lot more with me! I have a toothbrush and toothpaste (just in case), comb, hair clamps, spare socks, body scrub, moisturiser and hair oils and sprays too! I do vary the contents, depending on whether or not I have plans after work, as my bag does weigh me down sometimes. But I feel better when I have everything I could need, even in my normal bag, I have deodorant and a brush. If anyone has seen the film Big daddy (who hasn’t?) you may be familiar with the scene when Julien becomes the smelly kid in class….I never want to be that person. I hate it when you are on the bus or in a shop and you are next to a smelly person! It happened to me recently and I could barely breathe as I was sitting by the window on the bus and a man trapped me in and smelt like urine…ugh not pleasant! It was so bad I got off the bus before I was even close to my house. This is why I bring some kind of spray with me at all times (It’s a fear guys), I don’t want to be the smelly one.

So when I go to the gym, I take everything i need to start the day, shower supplies, hair supplies and makeup. Sometimes I actually don’t bother wearing makeup as I’m not the type to wear it everyday. But after waking up usually looking tired (6am wakeup!) I find that it makes me feel better after the gym to put some on, and remind myself I don’t always look like that scary, wide-eyed, sweaty loon that I see in the gym mirrors.

What are your gym essentials? Let me know in the comments!

Have a great afternoon everyone

Love

xx