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Written by Vanessa Carrillo

It’s much easier to achieve your goals if you’re setting yourself up for success. If you’ve been struggling to get to the gym or take that pilates class, we got you covered. 

1. The first step is laying out your exercise clothes the night before. If it’s easier to stuff it in your gym bag, go for it. If you work from home, change into your exercise clothes once 5 pm hits. This is mentally and physically preparing your body for what’s ahead. 

2. Second step is to not sit or lay down if you’re coming home from work. It’s easier to start scrolling on your phone or take a nap. If you wake up early, consider buying a sunrise alarm to automate your morning routine. A sunrise alarm can be set like an alarm clock to turn on at a certain time. If you need that extra help, this could be the perfect solution.

3. The third step is to have a “thank yourself later” mentality. This means having a packed bag ready to go. You wouldn’t pack your luggage an hour before a flight? So why would you treat your gym bag differently? This not only saves time, but it makes the environment more intentional. Pack the bag and thank yourself later.

Depending if you're #TeamShower at the gym, some of these won’t be essential. Whether you're a newbie or a regular at the gym, here are some items to consider adding to your gym bag:

Food

Again, we want to set ourselves up for success and that starts with proper fuel and hydration. It’s so important we have an entire blog post dedicated to the science behind what to eat before and after a workout and hydration.

• Pre workout snack 

• Simple Modern Water Bottle  

Attire

If you’re #TeamNoShowerInPublicBuildings, bring that extra underwear to avoid any prolonged wear of tight and moist fabric. And of course, we want to be comfy (and cute) after our workout, so slip into some cozy shoes.

• Ugg Slippers

• Hair ties

• Extra underwear 

Tech

These should be priority when packing a gym bag. Listening to your favorite music or podcast (eh-hem) during a gym sesh makes it more fun and enjoyable.

• Airpods

• Apple watch

Hygiene

Again, if you’re #TeamShower at the gym, double check to make sure you have all your shower essentials.

Pro Tp: Pack in the order you shower.

For example, I wash my face, hair, body, and then condition my hair. That means I would pack my face wash, shampoo, loofah, body wash, and conditioner in that order.

• Dry shampoo/texture spray 

• Shampoo and conditioner 

• Loofah and body wash 

• Deodorant

• Tampons

About the Author

Vanessa Carrillo BS Nutritional Science 

Contributing Editor 

Vanessa is a Chicago-based community nutritionist. She has a BS in Nutritional Science from Iowa State University. 

She enjoys writing about Latino food, trendy health products, and pop culture. She writes, edits, and creates content for The Millennial Nutritionist. If she’s not working, you can find her running with her Husky along Chicago’s lakefront path. Catch more of her on The Millennial Nutritionist Podcast.