Gym Bag Essentials

Gym bag essentials for 2021

The year is drawing to a close, and that can mean only one thing: it’s time to plan a fresh start for 2021. With COVID-19 restrictions easing off and the Aussie summer just around the corner — giving you even more reasons to head to the gym — we take a look at the must-haves for your 2021 fitness bag.

Check out our list from sportswear to supplements to make sure you start the new year ready for action!

Top 9 must-have items for your everyday gym bag

1. Sportswear and shoes

Nothing can be more important than well-fitting gym shoes. By choosing a classic brand, you know you’ll be getting everything you need out of a shoe — performance, comfort, and power.

For guys, go all-out with the Nike Air Max ZM950, sporting the cushioning and attitude the brand is famed for. Girls, check out the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 Premium shoe, designed for hitting the treadmill with style.

Guys can complete their look with a simple, lightweight singlet and quick-dry shorts from Adidas. For girls, don’t forget the all-important sports bra, leggings, and a hairband.

2. Equipment

Why not stock up on some of your own portable equipment so you can work out at the gym, home, or when you’re out at the park or beach?
Start with a yoga mat — they aren’t just for yoga! They are great for warm-ups and cool-downs. They also provide a base for weights, martial arts, and al fresco workouts. Check out these hardwearing mats from Lululemon. Designed to absorb moisture and offer support, they offer a multitude of uses.

Resistance bands are perfect for stretching and strength training at the gym. They are also portable enough to take out to the park for an impromptu workout. When you are heading to the gym, don’t forget a versatile foam roller. This simple little device can be incorporated into your warm-up or cool-down routine to provide massage and relief from soreness. Or use it for stretches during your workout.

3. Quick-dry towels

A quick-dry towel is an essential for your gym bag, helping you keep you and your equipment dry and comfortable. Check out SOAK sports towels made from a cotton and microfibre blend to keep you fresh and dry, or the moisture-wicking range from Doyoueven in super soft terry cotton. Or grab a stunning towel from Lululemon. As beautiful as they are practical, these towels will soak up the sweat from your workout with style.

4. Toiletries

A small travel-sized set of body wash, shampoo, and deodorant is super handy to keep in your bag so you can shower at the gym straight after your workout. It’s a great timesaver, too.

For essential gym toiletries, Mecca offers the latest travel-sized products so you can create your personalised kit. Choose from hundreds of products to keep you fresh post-workout.

Flip-flops are essential for communal showers. Check out this amazing selection from Archies. The Aussie brand is known for its super comfy arch support, and these flip-flops can be the perfect gym companion.

If you don’t have time to wash your hair or shower, a spray of Batiste Dry Shampoo will freshen it up. Add a slick of natural aluminium-free deodorant from the No Pong range, and you’ll be good to go after your workout.

5. Wireless headphones

No gym session is complete without a playlist of your favourite motivational music. So grab some wireless headphones to free you from your phone and provide the beat for your workout. Look for fast-charging, sweat- and splash-resistant headphones. Here are some of the best:

• The AfterShokz range for lightweight headphones with bone conduction technology.
• Jabra Elite Active 65t, sweat-resistant and with five hours of battery charge, making them perfect for workouts.
• TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79 offers superior comfort and stability.
• Sennheiser CX Sport for supreme quality sound in motion.
• Bose SoundSport Free earbuds give crystal-clear sound, no matter how hard you work out.
• Lightweight and comfortable Plantronics BackBeat Fit 500 headphones are also ideal for workouts.

6. Training apps

Once you’ve got your wireless headphone sorted, check out some of the best apps for motivating classes, workouts, and personal trainer services. Here are our top picks:

• Peloton for indoor cycling, walking, running, and strength workouts.
• Aaptiv for fitness classes, training programmes, and dietary advice.
• Les Mills on Demand for an incredible range of fitness programmes and high-energy workouts.
• Fitbit Coach to use with your Fitbit.
• Asana Rebel, matching goals to your lifestyle.
• Adidas Training and Running by Runtastic, providing varied workouts for all levels of fitness.

7. Hand sanitiser

While the gym is your go-to place to improve health and fitness levels, remember that it’s also a place where infection can spread if you don’t take appropriate precautions.

Use hand sanitiser after handling each piece of equipment to keep risks to a minimum. Stock up on our Hand Sanitiser before you head to the gym, keeping a few of the smaller-size bottles in your bag and locker so you are never without it.

8. Water bottle

Your water bottle will be your constant gym buddy. It’s essential to keep your hydration levels up to replenish the liquid you lose when you sweat. Drink water an hour before you hit the gym and have a full bottle on hand so you can take regular sips throughout your workout.

Opt for a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic waste. Check out this bottle from PEAK, the Stainless Steel Water Bottle. The striking designs will remind you to drink at regular intervals, and the double insulation means your water will remain refreshingly cold.

9. Protein supplements

You can give your exercise regime an extra boost by using PEAK’s own vanilla flavoured WIP protein supplement, to keep you going mid-session and replenish energy post-workout.

Look for high-protein energy bars or nuts for a quick and convenient snack. Enjoy a protein shake post-workout to help muscle repair and recovery and banish hunger cravings.

Shop Whey Protein

Prepare your gym essentials with Peak

You can shop more high-protein products at Peak Nutritionals, helping you reach your peak with the right fuel. Head back to the gym in 2021 with purpose by being prepared. Pack these essentials into your gym bag and know that you are primed and ready to go for a year of improving your fitness, boosting your immune system, and keeping in tip-top condition.