6 Essentials You Need In Your Gym Bag

A solid workout starts with a well-packed gym bag, so we've rounded up a few of our top gym bag "must haves" to help you make the most of every trip to the gym. Whether you're off to a spin class, ready to hit the weights, or just relaxing in the whirlpool on your rest day, you'll want to toss these six essentials in your gym bag right away.

Wrist Wraps from Protecht

If you love wearing wrist wraps, but hate having to choose between the extra support and your wearables, you need to add these Protecht Wraps to your gym bag ASAP. The first of their kind, these wrist supports eliminate the struggle of having to ditch your FitBit, Apple Watch or Whoop in order to wear your wraps. Say goodbye to lost fitness data, fear of dings, damage and unprotected wrists because these wraps will seriously change your gym game. Battle-tested up to 53 pounds, the shock-absorbent patch will keep your wearable tracking your hard work while still keeping your wrists secured and supported.  

Pre-order The Set here, and receive first access when they ship this January. 

Shoes from Bearfoot

These minimalist shoes from Bearfoot are the perfect choice for heavy lifting days, meeting friends after a quick workout, and everything in between. These functional shoes feature a wide toe box, zero drop heel, and thin outsole that allow you to strengthen your feet and move the way nature intended. There are tons of reasons why you should be wearing a functional shoe, but we’ll sum it up for you: stronger, more stable lifts; increased mobility, and some wearers even saw a reduction in chronic muscle and joint pain. Plus, Bearfoot’s shoes are designed to be worn in and out of the gym, so you can make the most of the limited space in your gym bag. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend the Ursus-Lux, as this canvas option is super versatile and great for cross-training. 

Shop the different styles here, and use code HEADLINES10 for 10% off your order. 

Lifting Belt from No Conformity Co. 

There’s a good chance you already have a lifting belt in your gym bag, but that 1800s-inspired belt has got to go. Here to take its place is the NoCo Lifting Belt, the most innovative belt on the market. Equal parts stylish and functional, this lifting belt is designed to help you crush your PRs in style. The streetwear-inspired belt features exposed stitching, abstract zig-zag patterns, a CNC’ed buckle, and laser-etched details to make a bold statement. It’s also designed with the first-ever Ab Plate™ technology that provides much-needed front support while doubling as a track to keep the belt in line while you adjust the tightness. 

‍Choose from four different styles when you upgrade your belt here. 

Slides from APL 

Nothing feels better than rinsing off after crushing your workout, but if you plan to shower at the gym, we beg you: please don’t go barefoot! Showers are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi like athlete’s foot and plantar warts, so a good pair of slides is essential to keep your feet safe and clean. Not to mention, standing in other gym goers’ hair, sweat, and dead skin cells is just downright nasty. We love these unisex TechLoom Slides from APL that feature an antimicrobial mesh footbed.

Shop them here. 

Beats Fit Pro from Apple 

A killer workout without music? Impossible. Crank up your favorite gym playlist and tune the rest of the world out with these Beats Fit Pro Earbuds. Designed with noise canceling technology and secure-fit wingtips, these earbuds will stay put whether you’re lifting, running or just enjoying them on your rest day. Plus with six hours of listening time – and an additional 18 hours with the pocket-sized charging case – you won’t have to worry about dead headphones if you accidentally leave them in your gym bag after a workout.

‍Shop them here.

Protein Bars from Misfits

Keeping a snack in your gym bag is a must, and these tasty bars from Misfits are quickly becoming one of our favorites. Packed with 15 grams of plant-based protein and only 1-3 grams of sugar, they’re soft, gooey, and the perfect way to refuel. Whether you need a few extra calories before a lift or a quick bite to replenish your muscles after training, these vegan bars should be a staple in every gym bag. They’re available in a variety of flavors including Chocolate Hazelnut, White Choc Cookies ‘N Cream, and Chocolate Caramel. 

Shop them here. 

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This article was created in partnership with multiple brands. Headlines Over Sidelines received compensation as part of this partnership.

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