I’m a Fitness Instructor—These Are the Non-Negotiables I Bring to All of My Workouts

Taking a water bottle with you to the gym is obvious, but I forget it more than you’d think! I love my Owala because I don’t have to worry about it ever leaking in my bag with its locking leakproof lid. 

Essential? Not necessarily. But if you’re heading from the gym to work or work to the gym sometimes you don’t have time for a full hair wash moment. This non-aerosol option from The Rootist absorbs oil and sweat instantly, works for all hair types, and has a brush applicator that makes it so easy to apply to specific areas.

This one’s self-explanatory, I fear. I literally have a stick of deodorant in every bag I own. Salt & Stone’s deodorants are natural but still work so well. This one has a warm, woody, santal scent that works year-round. When I wear it, people always ask me what perfume I’m wearing. Imagine their shock when I tell them it’s my deodorant! 

Similar to how I have a stick of deodorant in every bag I own, I also have hand sanitizer. I like Touchland’s mist sanitizer because the packaging doesn’t leak, and the scent is light and pleasant. 

My baby hairs have never recovered from the ponytails I dragged them into during my soccer days— bobby pins on hand are a must. 

Instead of having all my items flopping around loosely in my bag, I like to keep them in one singular pouch that’s easy to access so I don’t have to go digging for a bobby pin or hair tie mid-workout.

I like to keep body sprays in my gym bag because they’re easier to transport compared to perfumes with glass bottles. This one from Frenshe has a cozy vanilla scent with hints of jasmine and amber that lasts all day and isn’t overpowering at all.

There are two things I recommend to all women: lifting heavy, and with a good pair of wrist straps. I am a member of Team Tiny Hands, and my grip strength could use some work, but these are the solution! If you find yourself reaching for lighter weights because your grip or upper body strength is holding you back, these can help you grab that heavier set of weights so you can continue getting stronger.

Hip thrusts are a staple in my leg days, and that would not be possible without one of these bad boys. You slide this on the barbell, secure it with the straps, and place it over your hips or shoulders during your set. Protect your hips from the metal and load up that barbell.

Depending on my workout, I’m reaching for a specific pair of shoes. If I’m lifting, I like a flatter pair; if I’m running, I need my cushy shoes with inserts (my shins have been through it!). I swear by the Nike Metcon Frees as shoes I can both lift and take a HIIT class in.

While these are my favorite training shoes, there’s a lot that goes into picking the perfect workout shoe. Here’s our guide on finding that perfect pair.

Headphones in the gym are a non-negotiable for me. I like how this pair has an optional noise-canceling mode so I can focus on my workout more when needed.

I’m team crew socks in the whole Ankle Sock Debate, and these pairs from Target are my socks of choice with tennis shoes.

At any given time, there is a collection of high-protein snacks and quick-digesting carbs on my person. Chomps are easy to find, portable, and one of my favorite ways to have protein on the go. If I have more time, I like to cut them up and put them in a bento box with cheese and fruit for a quick charcuterie moment.

If you’re a protein bar girlie, Barebell bars are quite literally the best ones out there. If you know, you know. These bars taste like a legit candy bar, are creamy, and don’t have that traditional chalky protein bar texture. They also sell these individually at Trader Joe’s, so if you don’t want to full send it by purchasing the whole box just yet, you can pick up a few easily during your next grocery run. 

Not sure where to start in the gym, feel like you’re not making progress, or tired of figuring out your own workouts? I highly recommend following a program, and The Ladder App is the one I swear by. The TL;DR is: You can choose from a variety of industry-leading coaches with different focuses (pilates, yoga, powerlifting, kettlebells!), and it will give you a workout each day. You just open the app, start the workout, and you can follow along with the video demos, track your weights, and watch yourself get stronger. The workouts change a little bit from week to week, so you’re progressing without getting bored with your program.

Read Abi’s full review on The Ladder App here.

If you want a gym bag that doesn’t look like a gym bag, this option from FP Movement is your gal. You can take it to the gym, the farmers market, the office, and everywhere else in between.

• Top zip closure
• Exterior pockets
• Non-adjustable shoulder strap

10+ colors available

Patagonia’s top-tier quality ensures that their products are built to last. This backpack is compact, making it easy to carry around, but still spacious enough to fit everything you need for your workout.

• Made of recycled materials
• Water resistant
• Breathable panels

10+ colors available

Loving the quilted bag look right now but want something easier to carry around? Try this quilted backpack option from FP Movement. Its style and bungee cord closure make it perfect for hikes and outdoor workouts but it also works just as well for all of your workouts, too.

• Flap top closure with snap button
• Slouchy look
• Adjustable shoulder straps

3 colors available

Is there anything Béis can’t do? This sport duffle is a chic option that works three ways for the gym. Wear it as a backpack, over your shoulder, or by its handles. It’s so versatile, it also works for quick weekend trips.

• Luggage handle sleeve
• Includes a dirt bag for shoes or dirty clothing

5 colors available

Need a gym bag, no questions asked? This is the one. It’s affordable, durable, and the perfect size to leave in your car or tucked away in a closet for easy access.

• Water resistant
• Crossbody and handle straps
• Shoe compartment

10+ colors available

This duffle bag not only fits every gym essential you could need, but it also has a separate yoga mat strap, keeping your hands free as you go to and from the gym.

• Large capacity
• Wet pocket and shoe compartment
• Detachable shoulder strap

7 colors available

It’s a duffle bag, it’s a yoga mat holder, it’s both! Popflex’s Duffle Bag works in and out of the gym. Consider it a black hole because it can literally hold everything.

• Water resistant
• Could be a weekend bag

3 colors available

Nike always offers the best of the best when it comes to activewear, and their duffle bag is proof of that. It’s sleek, roomy, and durable. It also works as a perfect sized overnight bag for quick trips.

• Multiple compartments for shoes and gear
• Adjustable shoulder strap

6 colors available

Tote bags are excellent options for the gym, as well. This sporty tote from Béis has so many compartments to fit all your gym gear (and gym snacks!)

• Padded laptop sleeve
• Front slip for tennis racket, weights, or yoga mat
• Made of nylon

5 colors available

If you don’t have a lot of gym gear, try this mini duffle—it could almost double as a purse. The adjustable straps on the outside allow you to hold bulkier items like weights or your barbell pad.

• Snap fastener holds handles together

5 colors available

There’s never going to be a situation where the Lululemon Belt Bag isn’t That Girl. Not one to lug a gym bag around but still need to hold your essentials? A belt bag is the answer. This one is larger so you can even throw in a stick of deodorant or a mini dry-shampoo.

• Water resistant
• Two-way zipper
• Adjustable strap

7 colors available

If you’re heading to the gym to get in your daily 12-3-30, try this hands-free sling bag. You can throw this bag over your shoulder with your water bottle in tow for the quickest of workout sessions.

• Padded strap
• Zippered compartments

2 colors available

Keys? Check. Wallet? Check. Water bottle? Check. And it all fits in one bag! If you’re a one and done type of gal, a water bottle sling is for you. You can easily leave this next to machines while you’re at the gym and carry it with you from set to set.

• Fits up to a 32oz water bottle
• Adjustable crossbody strap

7 colors available

This sport sling is seriously a one-size-fits-all. It has interior pockets for all your cards, so you can leave your wallet at home if need be, a water bottle holder on its side, and an exterior phone sleeve. This is seriously the best hands-free bag. It’s perfect for quick pilates classes and hot girl walks in the park.

• Fits up to a 32oz water bottle
• Exterior compartments
• Key-leash

6 colors available