Gym Bag Essentials: What to Take to the Gym, Pool and Spa
Content editor
Em Newton
Gym bag essentials
Whether it’s an early morning gym class or post-work running club, there’s nothing worse than realising you’ve forgotten something important. We’ve all known the pain of a workout without music! This is where having a designated gym bag is helpful.
Step one is to choose a bag that suits your needs. Many gym holdalls (like this sports bag from Under Armour) have compartments for gym bag essentials such as your water bottle or trainers.
A gym bag checklist is also useful. It saves time and stress, and ensures you know exactly what to bring to the gym – even if you're not fully awake yet.
Gym bag essentials for women
Your essentials for the gym will depend on the type of workout you have planned. But whether it’s running, weightlifting or HIIT, almost every workout relies on a pair of trainers.
Another non-negotiable when it comes to gym bag essentials for women is a supportive sports bra. Incredibly, your breasts can bounce up to 15cm during exercise. A good sports bra minimises bounce to protect the delicate breast ligaments.
If you’re not wearing your sportswear to the gym, pack a breathable sports top and either shorts or leggings. Plus, you’ll want a pair of comfortable sports socks and a warm hoodie or sweatshirt to throw on afterwards.
If you plan to shower at the gym, remember a change of clothes (including underwear).
Gym bag checklist: women
Clothes
Sports bra
Sports top
Shorts or leggings
Socks
Hoodie or sweatshirt
Change of underwear
Trainers
Nutrition & hydration
Water bottle
Snack
Protein powder & shaker
Workout supplements
Toiletries
Deodorant
Body wash, shampoo & conditioner
Menstrual products
Hairbrush
Towel
Tech
Headphones
Smart watch
Miscellaneous
Hair ties
Flip flops or sliders
Padlock for lockers
Gym accessories e.g. straps, wraps, gloves
Gym bag essentials for men
If you tend to hit the gym en route to somewhere else, keeping a dedicated pair of just-for-the-gym trainers will mean you’re never caught short. Make sure to pop in a pair of sports socks too for fresh feet.
Sports shorts are gym bag essentials for most men, although joggers are ideal for transitioning to and from the gym. But there’s more room for experimentation when it comes to sports tops. Choose your fighter: tank top, T-shirt or long-sleeve.
If overheating is an issue for you when working out, keep an eye out for sportswear labelled breathable, sweat-wicking and quick-drying.
A cap or hat is also worth adding to the mix to wear post-workout.
Gym bag checklist: men
Clothes
Sports top
Sports shorts
Socks
Joggers, hoodie or sweatshirt
Change of underwear
Trainers
Cap or hat
Nutrition & hydration
Water bottle
Snack
Protein powder & shaker
Workout supplements
Toiletries
Deodorant
Body wash & shampoo
Hairbrush
Towel
Tech
Headphones
Smart watch
Miscellaneous
Flip flops or sliders
Padlock for lockers
Gym accessories e.g. straps, wraps, gloves
What to bring to a swimming pool or spa
If you search for guidance on what to bring to a spa or swimming pool, swimwear will be top of the list unsurprisingly. A pair of flip flops or sliders are equally useful for walking about. If you’re planning a proper pool workout, a pair of swimming goggles is also crucial to protect your eyes.
It's always best to bring your own towel if you’re unsure whether the spa or swimming pool you’re visiting provides them. You could even bring your own dressing gown.
Chlorine can leave your skin and hair in need of nourishment so pack clarifying toiletries, including your favourite haircare products, to use in the shower afterwards.
And once again, remember underwear for after your shower.
Published 23/01/2026
