gym essentials

Since I’ve been going to the gym, I’ve realised there are certain essentials I never go to the gym without. And if I do go without them, I notice their absence and start feeling a bit lost without them. They keep my workouts flowing smoothly and keep me on track, so I suppose this is my recipe for a happy and successful gym session!

Cute and comfortable gym wear

To be honest, cute gym wear doesn't have to be a matching set or super expensive, it doesn't have to be Gymshark or Nike to look cute. Cute can be anything that you feel confident and comfortable in. Old vests and t shirts do the job just as well. I love wearing a simple old crop top with some high waisted leggings just as much as I adore my Gymshark set. Then point I’m making is, I always feel more confident and motivated at the gym when I feel cute and comfortable. When I’m wearing a cute gym outfit I want to workout more and wanting to workout more equals better performance.

A reliable water bottle

You obviously need water when you workout, I try to drink a lot of water about half an hour before gym to make sure I'm properly hydrated and feeling my best before I head to the gym. Then I take sips during my workout as I find drinking too much water in one go can give me a stitch. Most gyms have a water fountain if you don’t have a bottle, but it’s just so much more convenient to have water with you on the go. I use this shaker bottle from Women’s Best and usually fill it up with BCAAs.

Earphones

Gym music can be hit and miss, so I’ll usually bring my earphones with me and listen to my own personally curated gym playlist. Listening my selected songs just motivates me that extra bit and helps so much with my concentration and overall workout. I use these wireless bluetooth earphones and they are super helpful, mostly because I don't have to physically be connected to my phone! The freedom of wireless headphones blew my mind and are so so amazing for the gym.

A supply of hair bands

I usually have a hairband or two on my wrist but ever since that one time I forgot them, I always, always keep spares in my bag. Let me tell you, if you have long hair and are doing a very active workout, that hair gets annoying real fast. It's also super off putting to have your hair sticking to your sweat and generally getting in your way while you workout. Always keep a backup!

 

Post Gym Snack 

I usually keep some kind of snack for after the gym to replenish my energy. Majority of the time I'll go for a protein shake or protein bar to get that added protein. Other times I'll go for something like hummus and carrots, boiled eggs, or some fruit to keep me going until my next meal.

Supplements (BCAAs or Pre-Workout) 

I drink some BCAAs (branch chain amino acids) before and during my gym session to which help with muscle recovery and post gym soreness. If I’m feeling a bit low on energy before I get to the gym, I’ll take some pre-workout to give me that extra boost and keep me on track with my workout.

A plan

Have a plan or set workout is super essential for me to have a good workout. Even if I plan my workout just 15 mins before going to the gym, having a plan makes everything go more smoothly and eliminates any faffing and indecision on what to do next. You can make your workout as relaxed as works for you, or create a more in-depth plan with all the exercises, reps, and sets pre-planned. If you find you go to the gym and get a bit overwhelmed with what to do first or next, do some research on the exercises that are most suited to your goals (you can find so much online, so much!) and then plan your workout beforehand. Then when you are feeling indecisive, you can consult your plan and finish your workout feeling accomplished! 

Enthusiasm and the will to be consistent

I'm a firm believer that working out should be enjoyable ( or somewhat enjoyable) When people ask how I stay motivated and dedicated at the gym, my answer is always, 'I enjoy what I do at the gym.' I like getting stronger and feeling that post gym accomplishment. Sometimes people seem to be under the impression that going to the gym is hours of gruelling cardio, but it's about finding what works for you and finding something that you enjoy. There is so much variety at the gym, you just have to find what works for you. Once you do, being motivated and consistent (and making gains) becomes so much easier and fulfilling. 

What are your essentials for a great workout?

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