Packing a gym bag can be quite an ordeal, especially if you don’t know what to put in.
Although you may want to start by keeping soft face towels and your favourite Bluetooth headphones, there are many other important things to include. But we aren’t saying that you should ignore those mentioned below!
To further reiterate our point, we’ve compiled some gym bag essentials you should know about.
4 Gym Bag Must-Haves
1. Protective Gear
Whether a first-timer or a pro gym enthusiast, your gym bag should always have protective gear to reduce your chances of injuries while working out. Now, the type of protective gear you carry will depend on your training routine, but here are a few things that you’d generally need:
A. Head Gear
If your training sessions involve boxing or sparring, then protecting your head automatically becomes one of your top concerns. Even the slightest blows to your head can sometimes cause severe and even fatal injuries, so it only makes sense to opt for some form of protection.
As such, you will find different types of headgear– some covering your head while others offering additional protection to your ears and face. In the latter case, you’d want a design that facilitates 180-degree vision for an unhindered “watch.”
And construction-wise, we’d suggest options with sufficient foam padding for optimum shock absorption, irrespective of the overall design. Usually, most headgear for boxing or MMA training has reinforced padding on the temple, brow and cheek areas for maximum protection.
Additionally, it should have a secure strapping or velcro mechanism so that the headgear doesn’t come off when you move. But ensure that it doesn’t become too restricting, either.
B. Hand Wraps And Guards
Hand wraps are essential for protecting your hands from injuries during boxing and MMA training.
Not only that, but they can also ensure better grip during weightlifting exercises. Most hand wraps, especially those meant for MMA training, are made with non-elastic cotton, breathable and lightweight to facilitate easy hand movement. Besides, they come in different sizes and colours to suit your needs. We suggest choosing the ones with thumb holes for easy wrapping.
Another option is to use hand or forearm pads with padded cushioning to ensure protection and comfort. These are typically equipped with a velcro strap mechanism for secure wearing, and unlike wraps, you don’t need a lot of time to wear them. However, they may be more restricting than the wraps.
C. Leg Protectors
Whether you’re weightlifting or running on the treadmill, your legs remain vulnerable to injuries, and leg protectors can help you reduce this possibility. Here again, depending on your training regime, you can choose ankle supports, ankle guards and shin guards.
Ankle supports, for example, are designed for proper foot stabilisation, which can prevent and reduce the chances of edema. Additionally, they can help with pain relief if you’re suffering from arthritis, tendonitis or strains.
Ankle guards also work similarly, although they cover a slightly bigger area than the former. Many gym-goers prefer wearing ankle guards made of cotton for comfort during those long hours of training. Besides, they have an elastic edging that keeps the guards in place without feeling too tight on your skin.
Finally, people involved in combat training often keep a pair of shin guards in their gym bags. However, shin guards aren’t just made for the shin bones; they also extend to your feet and culminate into a shoe-like structure. They are generally held in place by velcro straps and elastic bands underneath the foot.
Additionally, shin guards’ padded cushioning and contouring properties keep them optimally flexible, giving you complete freedom of movement with minimum impact absorption.
2. Footwear
Some people wear their gym shoes right when stepping out of the home, while others may prefer carrying them in their bags. Regardless, your gym footwear should be durable and supportive enough to protect your feet, with or without foot protection.
For instance, if you’re into boxing, you should go for high-strength shoes that provide you with the right torque while contouring to the shape of your movement. But if you don’t usually indulge in high-intensity training, padded, lightweight shoes like the ones designed for martial arts can get the job done.
Besides the comfort and grip, the biggest advantage of these shoes is that they don’t come with laces. Hence, you don’t have to strain your nerves to get the right fit!
3. Apparel
An extra set of apparel in your gym bag is always a must-have, regardless of season or the time of the day you hit the gym. After all, no one likes to spend hours in sweaty clothes!
Besides, gym apparel is often specially designed for breathability and ease of movement, which you will not find with most of your typical clothes. Thankfully, there are many options like t-shirts, vests, singlets and bottom wear for men and women on the Australian market so that you can find the right ones.
If your shorts or skirts have an elastic waistband, make sure it’s strong and stretchy enough to provide the right fit. Likewise, always wear clothes with reinforced stitches and seams to reduce the chances of sudden tearing or ripping when performing strenuous exercises.
4. Accessories
Among the essential gym bag accessories are a water bottle, protein shaker, and deodoriser. While the former will keep you properly hydrated, the latter will come in handy to ward off stubborn odours from your gym gear and bag. After all, you want to keep your gym bag clean. And if your gym has a showering facility, remember to keep a shower gel handy!
2023: Ready, Set, Go With the Best Gym Bag Essentials!
Ultimately, your gym bag must-haves will largely depend on your workout regime and, in turn, your needs in the gym. While some people may need different hand protectors, others may carry only shoes and foot protectors.
But no matter what you want to include in your gym bag, MMA Factory can help you find it all. From gym equipment, apparel, and footwear to protective gear, we have it all in different sizes and colours to suit varied user requirements. So, head to our online store, or contact our team for assistance.
Good luck packing your gym bag – we will see you next time!
