Here is an athlete’s guide to contents of their gym bag.

• Shoes – everyone should have a pair of trainers in their bag. Depending on your gym activities you may need a pair of running shoes and/or weightlifting shoes in there as well.
• Extra pair of socks and underwear – you will inevitably forget a clean pair, this will help prevent it.
• Clean T Shirt – for after the workout.
• Foam Roll – a small foam roll to help improve the quality of your soft tissue.
• Lacrosse Ball – for trigger point self-therapy
• Athletic tape – the duct tape for athletes. Use strips to cover your shins if you’re deadlifting. Wrap your thumbs to help your hook grip. Macgyver a belt if necessary.
• Quality Food – a stash of nuts and fruit when you need something to eat after training.
• Ipod/headphones – don’t underestimate the importance of good music while training.
• Deodorant/toiletries – for after the workout and before the clean t-shirt.
• Training Log – track your progress.