If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that you can never be too prepared. When it comes to working out, it’s such a hassle if you’ve forgotten something that you really need.

Over the years, my essentials have evolved, but here are the items I currently couldn’t do without.

BCAAs
I used to only drink water at the gym, but I would find myself making multiple trips back to the water fountain to refill my bottle. Water alone never seems to quench my thirst at the gym. My sister introduced me to these BCAAs and they have made a world of difference in my workouts. My favourite flavour is white grape.

Music & Headphones
I used to use gym time as ‘sister’ time – which eliminated the need for music or headphones. Some days we would lift and chat for a few hours at a time. Now that I’m heading to the gym solo (which was always one of my greatest fears!), I find the need for some musical inspiration. I pop on my beats, press play on my Spotify playlist and get in the zone. I love my wireless headphones and dread the days when I find myself without them at the gym.

Deodorant
Maybe this goes without saying, but deodorant is definitely an essential for me. I can’t say that everyone at the gym has this view, but it would be great if they did. I always keep an extra stick in my bag for those workouts that require that little bit of ‘extra’ protection.

Protein Bar
I’m currently out of my favourite protein bars, but will be stocking up again real soon! My favourite bars are Daryl’s All Natural Protein Bars. I’ve never tasted anything so delicious and satisfying!
Bonus – their factory is located in Windsor, so I get to support a local business when I buy them!

Lock
Once I forgot my lock and I had to carry all of my stuff with me. Gross. I keep my lock in my bag always now. Goes without saying that it keeps all your valuables safe and secure in the lockers.

Gum
I don’t know what it is about gum, but I feel lost without it. I have a pack in my bag, purse, car, jacket, desk, etc. I just don’t like to be without it. My favourite gum is Excel and I tend to buy it in bulk.

Moist Wipes
I don’t like showering at the gym – public showers aren’t my favourite thing. I also don’t like getting into my car all sweaty. Keeping wipes on hand helps with a quick wipe down so I can drive home and shower in the comfort of my own home.

Elastics
Many times I start my workouts with my hair down. Y’all know what happens when things get real? A pineapple bun gets thrown on top of my head mid workout and gives me the oomph to kill my workout. I couldn’t do that without my trusted elastics.

Muscle Rub
I rarely use this actually at the gym, but I like knowing that it’s in my bag whenever I need it. I use doTERRA Deep Blue Rub and love it a lot! Brian actually loves it even more than I do!

Gym Bag
Maybe this is a given. I don’t know. However, I have such high expectations with my gym bags, so I’m including it in this post. I used to just throw things into my purse, but I kept forgetting essentials, so I went on the search for the perfect bag. Without getting into all the aspects of a perfect gym bag, I will tell you straight up that it has to fit nicely into the locker. I can’t stand squashing, forcing and slamming things to fit. Here is one similar to the one I use.

There are a few other things that I occasionally have in my bag such as a bag of nuts/seeds, feminine products, weight lifting gloves, makeup, Vibram FiveFingers, change of clothes, etc.

I find that when I’m physically prepared to workout, it’s easier to get in the zone mentally.

What are some of your gym bag essentials? Let me know in the comments below.

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.