Getting started at the gym can be intimidating enough just walking into that space, not knowing what you’re doing. While I’m here to help with the “doing” part, you might want to think about things you’ll need to work out better. This isn’t to say you can’t get a good workout without one, or many of these things, but the more prepared you feel, the more confident you’ll feel as well.
Here’s your starting guide to what you need to bring to the gym:
1. A good pair of shoes
If you’ve ever seen an athletic shoe commercial, you’d think shoes are THE key to a good workout. While that’s not the case, a comfortable pair of shoes will help you exercise better. You usually have 100 percent of your weight pressing on your feet. In and out of the gym, getting the support you need will help you with posture, prevent foot problems, and (let’s be real) look and feel super cool.
2. Comfortable clothes
Would you want to go running without a bra? Would you want to do yoga in jeans?
Most workout clothes are comfortable to some extent, but making sure they work for you and your activities is important. For example, if your leggings are too tight, it might restrict your range of motion. Or if they’re too loose, some activities may pull them down, and you DON’T want to spend your whole workout pulling and adjusting your clothes.
Also, feeling confident in your clothes is important. How many of you slouch or try to hide when you don’t feel like you look good? *Raises hand*
Being self-conscious will likely affect your posture, movement, and efficiency. Feeling comfortable in your clothes will help you get down to business.
3. Practical headphones
Similar to comfortable clothes, you don’t want to spend your time putting your earbuds back in after every set. Some people prefer over-ear headphones, while some prefer earbuds. Test them out ahead of time. Do a few exercises you think might cause problems (burpees are my go-to earbud test).
4. A cute water bottle
We all know we need to drink more water, and when you go workout you need even more! Get a cute water bottle you’ll want to keep with you throughout the day. Most gyms have a water fountain, but walking back and forth between sets might keep you from getting as much as you need.
Then, throughout the day, keep hydrated by refilling your bottle. Don’t forget to wash it every night to get it ready for the morning.
5. Headband/bobby pins/hair ties
This is a no-brainer, right? If you’ve got hair, it’s probably getting in the way. Bring a hair tie, or whatever hair accessories keep your hair secure and out of the way.
6. A good playlist
I can’t work out without upbeat jams to keep me going. Find a music energy you like and curate a playlist that you know will get you moving. Again, most gyms play music, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be music you’ll want to work out to. I recommend anything that makes you feel powerful or happy.
7. GOALS
This is the most important of all. You have a reason to be there, and the best way to keep yourself moving is to identify what that reason is. You may have one simple goal or several goals. Take the time to sit down and assess what you want and WHY.
All goals are valid, but I encourage you to have healthy goals. For example, improving health, reducing fat, gaining strength, gaining coordination, sports training, and improving your mental health are healthy goals. What isn’t healthy is wanting to look like a model, wanting to fit into an unrealistic pant size, or hating your body.
Be honest with yourself and thoughtful about what you want from your fitness routine, and you’ll give yourself a precedent to see your goals through.