Go for the right sports equipment
Do you know that? Are you at the gym and your left shoe is missing from your bag. Or halfway through a boot camp workout, your tongue hangs out of your mouth from thirst, but you forgot your water bottle. For some people, it may be nice to have something missing from your equipment: a good excuse to skip a workout. Many others will be disappointed. With a well-equipped sports bag, mistaking is a thing of the past.
1. Sportswear
A good outfit is a basic necessity of life when you start training. Preferably choose comfortable clothing made of breathable material. Fit is more important than fashion. And also keep in mind the activity you will be doing.
Nothing is more annoying than sagging pants or a shirt that creeps up. Those nice running pants may be very suitable for your weekly run, but while squatting you can have to deal with a construction worker cleavage.
Fitted sports socks are also indispensable. Just like a supportive sports bra for the ladies. Dry stuff for afterwards is also not a luxury.
2. Shoes
Although they are unnecessary for yoga, you will need sneakers for almost all other activities. Choose shoes that support what you are doing. For running you need different shoes than for strength training and for spinning (or cycling) cycling shoes or ones with a sturdy sole are recommended. Also consider flip flops for the shower.
3. Water bottle
It is important to maintain your fluid balance during exercise, especially during an intensive workout. So make sure you get enough fluids before, during and after training. Water is fine, but it’s important that you start drinking before you get thirsty. Fill a water bottle or water bottle and make sure it is empty after your workout.
4. Towel
There is a good chance that a workout will cause the necessary droplets of sweat. It’s nice to wipe it every now and then. In many gyms, a towel is even mandatory. Logical too, because you don’t want to sit on someone else’s sweat stains. If you shower afterwards, an extra towel is practical.
5. Music
It seems so unsociable, all those athletes with earplugs in. Still, music can make a big difference in motivation and sports performance. At least if it’s the right music. And maybe the music they play at the gym isn’t quite your thing. Create a playlist for your phone or MP3 player on which you can get the most out of yourself. Or make several. Running requires very different music than strength training. Of course you don’t have that choice with a group lesson or training. Then look for an instructor who really motivates you.
6. Heart rate monitor
If you want to achieve really serious results, you will have to monitor your activities closely. Keeping a log is one of the options, but a heart rate monitor is also recommended. You can keep an eye on whether you are training in the right heart rate zone and you can track your progress. Nowadays there are also many different apps in which you can keep track of results. With or without heart rate registration. This also makes exercising a lot more conscious.
7. Food
For most people it is not necessary to eat something while exercising. Only after an hour and a half of intensive training does your body need some carbohydrates, for example in the form of a sports drink. It is also better not to eat too much right before a workout. When exercising intensively, it is recommended not to eat anything for 3 hours beforehand. Make sure you have eaten enough before then.
Recovery nutrition in the form of proteins and carbohydrates is important. A piece of fruit, cottage cheese or a protein shake can help replenish your supplies. Try to eat within half an hour of exercising. Can’t do that at home? Then put something in your gym bag.
8. Toiletries
After exercise you are no longer the freshest version of yourself. You have the option to shower at most gyms and training facilities. Shower gel, shampoo and body lotion/face cream therefore deserve a permanent place in your bag. Just like deodorant, of course.
It makes no sense to apply deodorant during or after exercise. If you are already sweating, the deodorant is sabotaged by the moisture already present on your skin. So spray or roll before you start or after showering.
Also handy in your bag are facial cleansing wipes, a comb, rubber bands, tampons, plasters and painkillers.
9. Sports attributes
This last category is completely dependent on what you are going to do. You can think of a yoga mat, racket, training gloves, knee or shin pads, helmet, weights and so on. Many gyms also require a membership card to enter. Try to keep the necessities together with your sports bag in a fixed place. That way there is the smallest chance that you will forget something.
Tip
You can leave some of the contents in your sports bag, but don’t forget that the bag, shoes and attributes also need to be aired regularly. And of course you have to wash the towel and clothing, just like the water bottle.
