5 things that belong in your gym bag
Protein shake, water bottle, towel and pre-workout booster - all of this belongs in your gym bag.
We'll tell you which five things you shouldn't leave out when packing your gym bag, and why that's the case.
1. Sports clothing
For a successful workout, it's important that you pack the right sports clothing. Many athletes put on their kit long before training. However, it's better to get changed only shortly before you train. Because sports clothes are often too thin. You'll also need fresh, dry clothes after training, since your immune system is especially vulnerable at that point. So the best solution is to pack your sports clothing in your gym bag.
It's best to wear technical sportswear when you train. Because it offers you several advantages. For one thing, the sportswear is breathable, so sweat (and if you're training properly, you will sweat) and the resulting moisture are released to the outside. Cotton sportswear is generally only suitable for lighter, more relaxed activities, where you typically don't sweat all that much.
A shirt or technical top and a pair of sports trousers are therefore definitely part of the kit you need for training. It's also worth buying and packing sports socks. Because they minimise the risk of blisters, thanks to the padding at potential friction points. Of course, you shouldn't forget your trainers either. Because effective training is hardly possible without the right shoes. Sweatbands and a sports bra for women round off the sports clothing you need, depending on personal preference.
2. The training towel
You should also definitely pack a towel. Because if you're sweating a lot, you need to dry it off too. This makes things more comfortable and is also far more hygienic. This is especially true for sports where you come into direct or indirect contact with other people. Who wants to train on a machine at the gym that still has puddles of sweat left by the previous user? A towel solves that problem.
There's also a version of the towel designed specifically for sport. Because a cotton towel is only partly suitable for use during training. A cotton towel quickly soaks up sweat and then sticks to your body as you use it. So you should pack a special sports towel instead. This special towel is often lighter and extremely absorbent. It also absorbs moisture better, so you can use the towel for longer.
3. The pre-workout booster
A pre-workout booster also belongs in your gym bag. Because when training, you should take the pre-workout booster right before your session. It gives you an extra kick and more energy. This lays the groundwork for peak performance during training. So make sure you always think of the pre-workout booster when packing your gym bag.
A pre-workout booster is a dietary supplement that gives you a greater degree of energy, concentration and strength. The pre-workout booster consists of various stimulants, such as taurine or, quite often, caffeine as well. Pre-workout boosters help your body overcome tiredness and train intensively. If you want to benefit from all these advantages, you should definitely pack the pre-workout booster. A pre-workout booster before training and a protein shake after sport make up the ideal supplementation.
4. The water bottle
But what should never be missing from your gym bag? The water bottle. Because if you train hard, you also need to drink plenty. So you should definitely pack a water bottle in your gym bag. If you're unsure whether one water bottle is enough, don't worry. Usually you can refill your water bottle for free at the gym.
You can often also buy a water bottle at the gym. These, however, tend to be noticeably more expensive. So you can also bring a water bottle from home instead. These days, there are also plenty of water bottles that you can refill. A water bottle like this suits you if you want to keep refilling it, for example with tap water. This has two advantages: tap water is much easier on your body during sport, thanks to the lack of carbonation (like any other still water). Reusing a water bottle is also better for the environment. Whatever you do, remember to pack a water bottle in your gym bag.
5. The protein shake
Last but not least comes the protein shake. The protein shake is also one of the five things that belong in your gym bag. You should drink the protein shake after training. Because for up to 24 hours after a workout, your body has an increased need for protein - or rather, protein synthesis is elevated. So you should consume your first dose of protein, in the form of a protein shake, right after sport. That's why the protein shake belongs in your gym bag.
When it comes to the protein shake, you have various options. Because numerous manufacturers offer various types of protein shake, which you can buy according to taste. Making your own protein shake takes a little more effort.
Since too much protein is harmful to your kidneys, you should measure the amount in your protein shake carefully. With intensive sport, protein requirements of up to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight apply. This is the maximum amount of protein your protein shake should therefore contain. Then drinking a protein shake after training makes sense. With the protein shake, what matters is which ingredients the protein shake has. Because the biological value also depends on the other ingredients. The higher the biological value of the ingredients, the better suited the protein shake is. So a protein shake definitely belongs in your gym bag. Because effective training and building muscle require special nutrition - and that includes the protein shake too.
