by Tess Chavez
Sometimes packing your gym bag feels like packing for a weekend getaway, doesn’t it? No matter what time of day you work out, whether you shower at the gym and go to work right afterwards or are barely squeezing the time in and are always on the go, having everything you need can feel overwhelming.
Here are a few gym bag gems that you might not be thinking of to help you prep, get through your workout, and freshen up when you’re done.
Gem #1: Of Course, Food! (And Other Good Stuff)
Starting out with the basics, as a girl on the go, I always keep a quick and healthy snack on hand. Right now I’m enjoying the No Cow protein bars. No Cow bars are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, and there’s no sugar added. Plus, they’re easy to grab in a hurry. I also always pack some water to keep hydrated.
Staying hydrated is very important, especially when working out. I personally prefer to have an eco-friendly, reusable water bottle on hand, but if I don’t, I like to stay sustainable, so I’ll have a JUST water, which comes in a variety of infused flavors and is 100% recyclable.
Last on my list for consumable goods are vitamins and supplements. The brand Rae Wellness carries a variety of options such as multivitamins and formulas to enhance metabolism, collagen, hydration, energy, and more. Depending on my goals for a particular week, I may just bring one or two of them as needed. They are easy to purchase at your local Target.
Gem #2: Gym Glam for Nails
I also like to carry a few essentials that serve me well both at the gym and throughout the day. For example, I like to keep a nail polish on hand for any needed touch-ups: I use the non-toxic Talon nail polish and then apply their Pretty Filter Topcoat to smooth over any rough spots.
Gem #3: The Skinny on Gym Skin (and Hair) Essentials
Last, but certainly not least, are the take-along products I use for my best skin and hair during and after workouts.
I highly recommend purchasing a pack of some clean and biodegradable face wipes to help prep your skin before you work out. One of my personal favorites is by Arbonne: Dissolve the Day Facial Cleansing Cloths. They remove makeup and sweat and are also compostable.
If you wear full-face makeup, I recommend taking along a makeup remover like the Versed Day Dissolving Cleansing Balm. (Versed is also available at Target.)
Cleansing your skin after your workout is equally important. I am currently loving the OSEA Ocean Cleanser, which leaves my skin feeling light and balanced and perfectly prepped for a bare face or more.
But every so often I switch my cleanser back to one of my favorites, the bioClarity Cleanse, which has calming ingredients like green tea and cucumber that help cool my heated face after a workout. Finally, since I’ve usually sweated at the gym, I like to treat my skin to a little Versed treat: Hydration Station Booster helps combat dryness and plump up my skin by enhancing its hydration.
If you wash your hair after working out, you’ll want to try OWA Haircare‘s recently launched Moondust Collection: Hair Wash. It’s a powder, so no need to worry about spills in your bag. This shampoo is water-activated and free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, synthetic color, and synthetic fragrances.
Keeping a few scrunchies on hand is always a good call, too: I like to carry my Kooshoo scrunchies, which are simple and plastic-free.
After you shower, mist yourself with a light glow with Versed‘s Keep It Supple Body Oil. What if you want a brighter, “midnight” shine for a night out? No worries: Jafra has a delicious-smelling Royal Almond Body Oil with Vitamin E that will have you radiating!
As for scent, while some prefer to use a body mist, my personal preference is to spritz on an aroma that lasts. Jafra’s White Orchid or Flores fragrance makes the perfect finishing touch for me as I head into my day feeling — and looking — healthy and fresh.
About the Author
Quintessa “Tess” Chavez is VEGWORLD Magazine’s Style Editor and a lover of all things beauty and fashion — of course, vegan and cruelty-free! She is also the owner and founder of Vegan Bites Guide.com, a dine-out vegan options guide. Her vegan journey started with her love of animals; soon the health benefits came along, and then the environmental welfare, and it was a done deal. Based in Dallas, TX, Tess continues to carry out her vegan mission of spreading awareness.
