Stocking your gym bag with all the right things is seriously important for ensuring you actually make it to the gym. After all, the less you have to think about packing all your stuff, the more likely you are to have a seamless transition from home to work to gym, or vice versa. It’s not just throwing in your best sneakers and workout gear either. You have to make sure you’ve got the ideal nutrition, beauty and tech items too. So who better than fitness instructors to tell you what you need to keep stocked in your gym tote? We asked eight of our favorites to tell us what sweaty essentials they can’t live without.
1. Steph Dietz, Lead Cycologist at Cyc Fitness: “Beats by Dr. Dre Solo2 On-Ear Wireless Headphones ($300) are my absolute favorite! With having to make playlists every day, it’s important to have something comfortable and quality on my ears, and it doesn’t hurt that they are so stylish!” We definitely wouldn’t mind wearing these gold stunners around town.
2. Allie Cohen, Trainer at Barry’s Bootcamp: “Invisibobble Hair Ties ($8, pack of three) are my favorite because they keep my hair in place and look cute on your wrist. You would think they would get tangled, but actually, these don’t leave any dents in your hair and don’t tangle!” It’s true (we can speak from experience): These fun little hair fasteners are the best. Plus, they won’t leave a mark on your wrist like regular elastics.
3. Alexis Novak, Yoga Instructor at Love Yoga Space: There’s nothing better than not just smelling okay after a workout, but actually smelling GOOD. “I love GIVESCENT ($49),” says Novak. “This small bottle holds the perfect refreshing, not overpowering, hypoallergenic formula to have you smelling and feeling beautiful after your workout. Designed by a yoga instructor for the mindful man or woman.”
4. Jill Franklin, Owner of Aerial Physique: “The J-Boss Jumpsuit ($110) is a must-have item I carry with me everywhere I go! This two-toned onesie appears to be two pieces. It’s perfect for aerial and yoga classes, not to mention it’s super comfy. No more worrying about your shirt rising up when you go upside down!” True that — not having to worry about your shirt flying in your face is pretty key when you’re attempting tough yoga poses or trying out aerial fitness.
5. Taylor Gainor, Co-Founder of LIT Method: “I spray Herbivore’s Rose Hibiscus Coconut Water Hydrating Face Mist ($32) on my face if I’m on the go after a sweaty workout — it keeps me looking fresh and my skin hydrated!” Who doesn’t love a refreshing face spray? Pro tip: Give this a try before an early morning workout to help you wake up!
6. Emma Belluomo, Instructor at IMAXShift: “Right now in my bag I have Savvy Traveler Cleansing Wipes ($10 for 10), my headphones, an RXBAR ($26 for 12), my water bottle and an extra pair of socks.” FYI, headphones were pretty constant across all instructors, so those seem to be a universal must-have, no matter what your workout of choice is!
7. Nikki Warren, Co-founder of Kaia FIT: Warren is super into Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer powder ($50), a supplement many people take before getting their sweat on to help them stay high energy. “The lemon-lime is my favorite flavor of this plant-based energizer that gives me an all-natural energy boost without the jitters that come from your typical pre-workout.”
8. Stephanie Petruccio, Instructor at SLT: “I have rosacea on my cheeks and strenuous activity is a trigger for it (how perfect for a fitness instructor, right?!). Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths ($12 for a two-pack) are my go-to because they do not irritate my skin and leave me feeling refreshed!” Sometimes the simplest things are the best.
What do you always carry in your gym bag? Tweet us @BritandCo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
(Featured photo via Getty)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.