Packing a gym bag & work-outfit bag... tips?

kmac821

Like many of you, I've vowed to work out more this year, especially as I am almost 100 days away from the big day!

Any tips on how to pack the gym bag? I'm using my big Longchamp, but finding that it is really hard to fit everything in there! Any tips/tricks?

kolekate

Not really a trick, but does your gym offer overnight lockers? I just packed my bag for tomorrow, and between gym and work items, it's stuffed! I might cough up a few dollars to buy a locker at my gym. I'll be able to keep essentials there and really cut down on bag space.

bregan2012

Take only the essentials. I've found that when I overpack I get stressed out with changing. Honestly, you need:

1. Shorts/Pants

2. T-shirt/tank top

3. Sports Bra

4.Tennis Shoes

5. Music (ipod, earphones)

6. Waterbottle

Typically I take some body spray with me to spritz before and after working out.

Hope this helps!

Also, I've also found that if you go straight to the gym after work, you are like 90% more likely to get a good workout. When you go home to change and then head back out, motivation lacks a bit.

Ali092011

I second PPs, but at my gym, we're not allowed to rent lockers or leave locks on overnight. I keep my gym bag in my car, along with extra sneakers in case I forget my favorites and can't stop home.

I bring all the stuff that bregan does, and cosmetic-wise, I pack Ponds cleaning wipes, a travel-size deodorant, a folding hairbrush, and a tiny perfume sample. It takes up barely any space, but it makes all the difference.

mercy4

If you're going before work, try to utilize any free stuff your gym has in the locker room like razors or deodorant spray. I go after work and I tend to leave my sneakers in the car. I carry a gym bag into work and change right after in the bathroom. I feel like it keeps me motivated on the way home like I didn't change for nothing. Whatever you do, stay basic. Think what would you buy if you were stuck without luggage or something.

Grits8812

I agree with PP. Take the necessities and a couple things to freshen up a little.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

Are you going to the gym before work and showering there? I had to do that when I did a bootcamp class near my job. It's a PITA, but this is what I did:

- Change into workout clothes before leaving the house. (I would brush my teeth and put in my contacts then too - less stuff to bring.) Lay out socks, sneakers, pants, a shirt and a sports bra the night before. I would also throw my hair up before leaving.

- Buy separate things for your gym bag so you don't always have to unpack and repack toiletries. I got travel-sized Aveda shampoo and conditioner (which I would refill from my big bottles once a week) and travel-sized shower gel, face wash (mini clean and clear) and deodorant. You can get those all in the travel section of Target. I could fit all of that into a smallish make up bag. This REALLY cuts down on the space you need for things like shampoo. Also, buy a separate hair brush! I forgot mine one day and had to stop and buy one anyway. I kept my flat iron in my bag because I would only wash and dry my hair on days I showered at the gym. I used the hair dryers at the gym.

- The night before a workout I would pack my clothes - under wear, bra, shirt and pants or skirt, plus shoes. It might be a good idea to keep extra underwear in your bag, just in case you forget! I'd also pack my moisturizer and makeup everyday - but I just wear foundation and lip gloss.

- If your gym has towels in the locker room, cool. Mine doesn't, so I would pack a beach towel (more comfortable to wrap up in and walk around the locker room) and a washcloth, so I wouldn't have to bring a loofa.

- Most importantly, don't forget shower shoes! I used some Croc sandals, but old navy flip flops work fine. The showers could be SO gross. Who says boys are nasty? Girls leave hair and slime in the showers!

I have a big LL Bean backpack (about 2400 cubic inches) and I could fit everything in that, as well as things I needed for work, like my wallet, cell phone, keys. LL Bean also has a medium sized duffle bag that I think would work.