Gym Bag Essentials
Since rejoining the gym, I've pretty much been every day. Working out for me, is what chocolate is to others. It makes me happy, gives me a boost and keeps me coming back for more. It's basically my addition and I'm not ashamed to say that.
Now that I leave the house to get my fitness fix, I've had to get more organised with what I need with me. I'm currently sporting my rather fetching Vans x Toy Story Aliens Backpack (currently oos, sorry), with a Nars cosmetics pouch inside for the fiddlier things.
Rolling round the backpack, my only essentials are a water bottle and a towel (gym gear if you weren't already dressed for your workout too). I think these are probably essentials for most people and mine aren't that photogenic so I left them out of the flatlay. These are boring things for sure, so onto the Nars pouch which is where all the magic happens really.
Working from left to right, the first thing I have is a Muji travel bottle filled with the Garnier Micellar Water (obviously used alongside the cotton pads you can see). If I go to the gym straight from work I like to use this before working out, just to make sure my skin is clean before I sweat. Otherwise, I reserve using this for post workout to try and clear up some of the grime before I can fit in a proper cleanse. I don't know why but a clean face before and after the gym is non-negotiable for me. I feel gross otherwise. The reason I like a micellar water is because it removes what I need it to while being low maintenance (I do not need to be faffing with flannels in the gym toilets).
Another thing I couldn't imagine heading to the gym without is my trusty iPod Shuffle. I know it's a bit old school to use an mp3 player but I make a point of not having my phone on me. My phone is the ultimate distraction, so when I'm trying to get a good workout in, I need it as far away from me as possible. Without a phone, an iPod is the only way to enjoy my workout playlists so it's with me always. I know mp3 players are a little hard to find these days, so stick your phone on flight mode and get stuck in.
The next item might seem a bit princessy but I've found having a lip balm to hand to be really useful. My lips are prone to drying up as it is, so when you factor in the gyms AC, I've got a battle on my hands. A top up here and there goes a long way and Palmers Cocoa Butter Lip Balm has been a real lifesaver. It's portable, intensely moisturising and even has SPF 15. This ones definitely a winner but any good balm should do.
I think this one goes without saying, but you might need a padlock. My gym's lockers require one, so if I don't bring one with me I'm pretty much out of luck. By keeping this pouch of bits together, it's pretty much guaranteed that I'll always have it on me and so far so good.
Rounding things off, and completely in the wrong order I've got a moisturiser of sorts. Before the gym and post workout, I don't really want to be slapping on heavy creams so I prefer to use a gel formula. Currently fitting the bill is Drunk Elephants B Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel. It's lightweight, hydrating and I've not much else to say other than it's good and it works (oh and its non-toxic whatever that means). I'm 99% sure that this will be gone before the week is out, so I'll be subbing in my Garnier Moisture+ Matte Daily Oil-Free Moisturiser. While this is definitely cheap compared to the Drunk Elephant one, I actually prefer it. It's ultra-lightweight; absorbs in an instant; is actually matte, but manages to keep my skin feeling hydrated and plump. For the price, it's pretty miraculous but there's a full review to come in due time.
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