So, this past couple of weeks have had me running around like my ass is on fire. I’m tired, crabby and want my son to be done baseball, swimming and school immediately. Maybe it’s because they’re so close to being done that I can feel the freedom of not making school lunches, or maybe it’s because I packed all of the activities that I could into the couple of weeks before school is done so everything ends at the same time. Either way, I feel tired and foolish for thinking I could handle all of this shit lol. Thera being the lovely friend that she is, however, wants to read and wants to read tonight dammit. Being the work out lady that she is, here is something for all of you gals on the go like her that make time for fitness (I am excluded from this category lol). Here is what you need to keep in your gym bag.

First of all, you need the right bag. I know it’s super trendy right now to carry a “fancy” bag to the gym but here’s the thing. Your sweaty shit is going to be put in that bag. Are you a Kardashian? If the answer is no then buy a normal gym bag like the rest of the population. Look for something that has lots of pockets for your sweaty goods, a compartment for your shoes, and a zippered part to keep the rest of your stuff in to keep sticky fingers at bay.

The whole point of taking a gym bag is that you’re ready when you get there. This means you’re going to have to plan ahead. No more showing up with one sock for you! Fill the zippered pockets with the things that you know you’re always going to want at hand. I’m talking hair elastics, deodorant, hand sanitizer, facial wipes, your iPod and headphones. Throw a water bottle in and those are the usual go to’s for when you’re there.

I assume that people that go to the gym go to work out and not drink coffee. I don’t know about all of you, but when I work out, sweat usually happens. Keep this in mind for your bag. Try to always pack an extra pair of socks (in case yours get sweaty or you didn’t wear any there), an extra tank top, extra underwear, an extra sports bra and a thin sweater for after. This way if you decide to hop in the shower quick when you’re done you don’t have to worry about putting on dirty underpants. See, this gym bag is already paying off.

When people work out its usually to be a healthier version of themselves. A little tip from me to you: pack some good snacks. You’re going to be hungry after and if you stop at the store and grab chips it’s going to defeat the purpose of the workout and is going to send you down a shame spiral. Throw some almonds, carrot sticks or a protein bar in there and it will hold you over until supper and keep those junk food cravings away.

There. Those are the keys to having a kick ass gym bag. Here’s the thing. If you’re not prepared you can bail on your workout. Example: “Oh no! I forgot my socks and I wore sandals here. I hate wearing runners with no socks. I might as well just come back tomorrow”. This way if you plan ahead you cut down on your ways out of it (except for the “I don’t want to” that generally haunts me lol. There aren’t enough extra socks in the world to save you from that one). Try it out. Sometimes being prepared and having your gym bag stocked and waiting for you is that little push you need to get things done. Have fun not having to worry about your soaked sports bra from this day on ladies.

xo Stephanie