The effectiveness of your workout can start even before you hit the weights, treadmill, or studio: It often begins with a well-packed gym bag, in which you have everything you need for a productive sweat session. Whether you’re new to fitness or a seasoned regular, knowing what to bring with you to the club can be critical to making your experience enjoyable and effective.
Understanding what to pack may seem obvious — you need workout clothes, tennis shoes, and a water bottle at minimum. But there are some other items that can make a difference too. With that in mind, we asked six Life Time team members — all seasoned gym-bag-packers — to share some of the must-haves they’re sure to include in their bags.
Kaylee Sternhagen, on-demand performer for classes in the Life Time app and ARORA lead at Life Time in Lakeville, Minn.
Empowering Workout Clothes
Exercise is a mind-body endeavor. If your body isn’t ready, your mind won’t follow, and I’ve found that the right outfit can feel like slipping into a suit of armor. They might not make the workout, but clothes do have the power to make you feel more confident and more comfortable in your movements, and when you do, you’re more likely to give it your all.
Snacks
Snacks fuel my workouts! I love having whole foods like bananas, apples, or raw nuts on hand, but I’m also a fan of a good grab-and-go bar option. My favorites are Perfect Bar (the dark chocolate peanut butter flavor) or the LTH Refuel Protein Bar.
Jayme Zylstra, senior director and executive producer of digital programming at Life Time and active-aging performer in the Life Time app
LTH Hydrate Electrolytes
A filled water bottle with LTH Hydrate electrolytes in it is essential for me. I love the blood orange flavor! Having this helps prevent dehydration, and it supports my performance and recovery after a workout. It tastes so good that it actually helps me drink more water.
Toiletry Essentials
My workout bag is stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body oil, makeup, razors, dry shampoo, texture spray — the list goes on and on! These are my necessities because I always work out in the morning and need to be able to get ready for my workday right after.
Rob Glick, senior director of innovation and programming for Life Time and studio leader at Life Time in Irvine, Calif.
Tech Devices
My Apple Watch, iPhone, and AirPods Pro keep me on point during my workouts. I love the Apple ecosystem as it helps keep me synced across all devices — I can stay on top of my playlists and listen to music, track and reference my workouts, and keep up with my coaching and work responsibilities all from these three devices.
Essential Oils
In my opinion, vibes matter. I like to have essential oils on hand for a quick grounding reset. Whether I’m moving between different workout formats or have a moment before teaching my next class, small sensory cues create presence. A subtle scent can refocus my mind and help me to consistently show up strong.
David Freeman, senior director of signature coach excellence and cohost of the Life Time Talks podcast
Weight Belt and Jump Rope
A weight belt and jump rope always stay in my bag. The belt provides critical support during heavy lifts, giving me the confidence and stability to safely push my workout to new limits. The jump rope is my go-to for quick, efficient conditioning, and in my opinion, there’s no better way to get dialed-in mentally before or after training.
LTH Rally Amino Recovery
Everything in my bag serves a purpose. From the gear that keeps me ready to go physically to the little things that keep me fresh after my training session. LTH Rally Amino Recovery is an example of one of those purposeful items: This supplement helps keep me fueled and my recovery strong, especially on days when I’m lifting heavy.
Elli Baartman, yoga boutique leader at Life Time in St. Louis Park, Minn.
Witch Hazel Face Mist
Face mist is great to have for a quick cleansing refresh after getting sweaty. I’d never heard of it until I received it as a gift from a Life Time coworker and I just love how quick and easy it is.
Studio and Weightlifting Shoes
It’s nice to have both a studio shoe and strength training shoe as options in case I get to the club and my workout plans change. That way, I’m prepared no matter what type of class or workout I end up doing.
Jeimy Bueno, studio leader at Life Time in Atlanta, Ga.
Foam Roller
I always spend a few minutes foam rolling before a workout. This helps me warm up and reduces any tightness in my muscles. Foam rolling can also help prevent injuries and is a good way to improve blood flow and circulation.
Resistance Bands
I use resistance bands for muscle activation at the start of my workout to help me prepare my body and maximize my movements. I use a thick band for glute activation and a lean, long band for upper body activation.
