Everybody knows that a workout is essential for a healthy lifestyle. If you’re going to spend an hour doing something, it should be good for your body and mind, right? It turns out that just going to the gym isn’t enough! There are many pieces of equipment and clothing that are necessary to make a workout effective.
Here are ten essentials that every woman should have to maximize their time at the gym:
1. A Water Bottle
One of the most important things to bring to the gym is a water bottle. Staying hydrated is essential for a good workout, and you don’t want to have to stop to go get a drink from the fountain. Bring your own water bottle so you can stay hydrated during your entire workout.
2. A Towel
A towel is another essential item to bring to the gym. You’re going to sweat, and you’re going to need something to wipe it up with. Bringing a towel will help keep you clean and dry during your workout.
3. Comfortable Clothing
Working out in uncomfortable clothing can be really distracting and make your workout less effective. Choose clothing that is comfortable and allows you to move freely. For dressier workouts, you want to make sure that the clothing is not too loose or baggy. You can get high-impact sports bras to help with any issues you might have with bounce.
4. Proper Shoes
Having appropriate shoes for your workout is necessary for safety and preventing injuries. If you’re taking a high-impact class such as kickboxing, choose athletic shoes with good support and cushioning. Yoga requires comfortable but grippy soles, so you don’t slip during poses. Running or jogging outside requires running shoes that have good traction on the bottom and are made of lightweight material to prevent excess sweating and weight gain from having to lug around heavier shoes while you run.
5. Headphones
There’s nothing like listening to music at the gym, and it can help distract you from discomfort or pain during your workout. Make sure that you choose headphones that will stay in place while you move around and that don’t hurt your ear or head. You can get wireless Bluetooth headphones, so you don’t have to worry about getting tangled up in wires.
6. Gym Bag
It’s not necessary to have a gym bag, but it can make life at the gym easier when everything you need is in one place. Make sure that you choose a gym bag with pockets or compartments to separate your shoes from your clothing and towel. You can also save time by bringing enough workout clothes for more than one day in case you’re too tired to go after work on the days following your workout.
7. Hair Ties
If you have long hair, it’s nice to have something to keep it contained during your workout. You might even want two, just in case one break! There are many kinds of hair ties available, so experiment until you find ones that don’t pull out your hair when you take them out.
8. Good Posture
Having good posture during your workout is important for protecting your body from injury and allowing you to work out more efficiently. Practice standing with perfect posture often, paying attention to your shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and spine. It’s also important to maintain good posture when doing sit-ups or crunches so that you don’t strain your neck or lower back.
9. A Skipping Rope
If you enjoy jumping rope but haven’t been able to find one at the gym in a while, consider bringing your own skipping rope the next time you go! Most gyms have boxes of extra equipment that members can use temporarily if they need it between workouts. You never know what kinds of things might be hiding in there, so make a point of checking on your next visit.
10. Deodorant
This is a little something extra that can make your workout smell nicer for you and anyone else around you. There are many types of deodorants that work in different ways. Some last longer than others before needing to be reapplied, while some are made with natural ingredients instead of aluminum-based compounds, which can leave stains on clothing when they sweat off.
No matter what, make sure you bring a towel to keep yourself clean and dry during your workout. Choose clothing that is both comfortable and allows you to move freely- this will help you stay focused on your workout. Make sure to also have proper shoes for the type of workout you are doing. By following these tips, you’ll be ready to tackle any workout head-on!
