We all have a list of things that we can’t go to the gym without. Although I’ll be honest, I’m lucky enough to have a gym at home so I don’t usually have to pack a bag and if I forget anything, it’s not a problem. But I don’t have everything I need in my home gym (yet), for example, a boxing ring, so when I do go to a gym, there are a few things that I will always have in my bag. Here’s a look at what I always take with me when I go to the gym:
Mouthpiece:
Mouthpieces are necessary for sparring, and if you forget yours, sometimes the gym sells cheap ones–just never spar without one. Sometimes I’ll also wear a mouthpiece while I’m just working out because it changes your breathing. It’s also good to get used to breathing with a mouthpiece while doing a heavy workout and it’s the closest you can get to imitating breathing during a fight. For some beginner boxers, breathing with a mouthpiece is a bit of a learning process, so it’s not a bad idea to work out with a mouthpiece in.
Hand wraps:
I never forget my hand wraps because protecting my hands and wrists is an absolute priority. I like handwraps that have a little stretch to them, like the Trifecta handwraps that we have.
Sponges for knuckles:
I hit pretty hard so this is a must for padding and protecting my knuckles, whether I’m hitting the bag or hitting someone else.
Boxing gloves:
I always bring a pair of my own gloves, because having quality gloves matters for hand protection and wrist support. Also, no one likes having to borrow from the communal glove pile.
Boxing shoes:
I always wear boxing shoes when I’m boxing–boxing shoes provide ankle support and have thin soles and low heels. Footwork is extremely important and the right shoes will let you to move around quickly and precisely without slipping or holding you back. The thinner, minimal soles are also good for keeping you grounded while moving around.
Jump rope:
Sometimes gyms don’t have ropes or they don’t have ropes that aren’t messed up, so I always bring my own. Plus, jump ropes don’t take up much space and I always use them to warm up with.
Tennis ball:
I always have one on-hand for rolling out my muscles before/after a workout. It’s a lot more convenient since carrying around a foam roller isn’t practical and a tennis ball is better for getting into smaller spots that a foam roller can’t. Rolling out muscles isn’t just for relief from soreness, it’s also to decrease tissue tension and can improve your range of movement and increase speed and flexibility.
And of course, I always try to have a bottle of water on hand, a small towel to wipe off sweat, and headphones/earbuds.
What do you consider a necessity for when you’re working out at the gym? What do you always have in your bag? Depending on what you do at the gym, I’m sure what you pack varies. It’s always interesting to know what people can’t go to the gym without.