Besides mindset, willingness, consistency, dedication, and discipline, you should bring a few other things to the gym when joining as a beginner for the first time. Gym Essentials for Beginners can make a significant difference in your experience.
If you’re a beginner with no gym experience, fret not! Our thorough guide highlights all the essential things you need to start and crush your first day at the gym.
As a beginner, you might need a lot of stuff in your gym bag, including socks, shoes, AirPods, and many others.
Spoiler Alert: We’ll share some mind blowing tips from our trainers for the first time gym goers.
Let’s begin!
What Do You Need When You Start Going To The Gym?
If you’re a first time gym goer having no idea what to take to the gym, buckle up!
We’re going to share everything you need to bring to the gym for the first time as a beginner.
A Gym Bag For Taking Essentials To The Gym
There are a dozen different things you can carry to your gym. You need a spacious gym bag, particularly a duffel bag, to easily hold your gym kit and carry different things.
Go for the bag with a separate shoe compartment and a ventilated compartment to keep your sweaty clothes and shoes separate.
Gym Clothing Needs
At the beginning of your fitness journey, anything that’s comfortable works. However, if you sweat a lot, those cotton T-shirts won’t help you in your workout sessions.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of suitable gym wear you could try.
Moisture-Wicking T-shirt
Moisture-wicking T-shirts are one of the most absolutely essential things to buy for the gym. They are quick-drying, keep you cool, don’t give off odors and are best if you have any weight loss training to attend.
Now, moisture-wicking T-shirts can be expensive, but you can easily get them from thrift shops or on sale at a better bargain.
Best Items To Wear To The Gym For Men A Video Guide
Comfortable Tank Top for Freedom of Movement
Tank tops are a great option for gym wear because they are breathable and provide unrestricted movement for your arms.
Tank tops are ideal for days when you’re lifting weights, throwing punches, or doing push-ups.
Athletic Shorts Or Trousers
Depending on your workout style, you can choose athletic shorts or trousers. If your workout routine involves cardio training (running, jumping, squats), athletic shorts are your best bet.
However, in sessions where you require more coverage, trousers might be the best choice.
Extra Underwear For Use After The Workout
Your underwear after a workout gets sweaty, wet, and very uncomfortable. Therefore, keeping extra underwear for use after the workout would be your best bet.
Moisture-Wicking Socks
Just like moisture-wicking T-shirts, moisture-wicking socks draw sweat away from your skin, keeping your feet dry and cool.
Unlike cotton socks, moisture-wicking socks do not rub against your skin and prevent blisters from developing.
Lastly, these socks evaporate sweat faster and leave less moisture for bacteria to thrive, ultimately leaving your feet odor-free.
Gym Footwear
Go for shoes that have a flat heavy sole. These shoes are perfect for lifting and keeping a strong base while squatting and deadlifting. For example, Nike Metcons are ideal gym footwear because of their versatility and flexibility.
With such shoes, you can perform dynamic exercises and even run the treadmill effortlessly.
Gym Wrist Straps
As a beginner, you need assistance with grip strength during weight lifting exercises. Therefore, gym wrist straps are one of your essential gym needs. Gym wrist straps improve your grip and help you focus on target muscles.
Separate Towels For Wiping Body Sweat And Workout Machines
Your gym starter set should always include separate towels for wiping body sweat and workout machines.
There are people at the gym who sweat like crazy and don’t bother wiping off their body fluids. To use clean equipment, you might need your towel. Also, as a basic etiquette, you should wipe off the equipment and weights after you use them.
Furthermore, towels are especially useful to mark the equipment that you’re using in case you walk away for a few seconds.
Deodorant for Eliminating Sweaty Smell
No one likes it when you stink! However, choosing a deodorant to eliminate the sweaty smell depends on your body type and individual needs. If you sweat heavily or have strong body odors, go for an antiperspirant. However, if you are sensitive to chemicals and fragrances, you can go for natural deodorants.
Water Bottle For Keeping Yourself Hydrated
Hydration is the secret to a happy and healthy lifestyle.
While working out, your body temperature rises, allowing your body to sweat to cool it down. Proper hydration prevents your body from overheating and potential heatstroke.
Keeping yourself hydrated in the gym also improves your performance and reduces the risk of cramps and joint discomfort.
AirPods or Wireless Headphones
It’s not essential to carry Airpods or headphones in your gym bag. However, it keeps you motivated and away from distractions.
Therefore, we recommend listening to your favorite songs while working out, especially to beginners.
Healthy Snacks
70% of your body is made in the kitchen.
After a workout, you’ll feel exhausted and tired. To give yourself a boost of energy, it’s crucial to keep a protein bar (granola bar) in your bag. You can also take healthy smoothies or protein shakes to drink after your workout session.
We also have a certified dietician at our gym facility to plan such meal plans which can give energy boost to your body for your training.
Shower Essentials For Getting Fresh After The Workout
While not necessary, some people prefer taking a shower at the gym to feel and smell fresh.
If you wish to shower at the gym, here are a few essentials you should keep.
Hair Shampoo
To remove dirt, sweat, and product buildup from your hair.
Shower Gel
To remove sweat, dirt, and oil from your body.
Conditioner
To keep your hair hydrated, soft, and manageable after your workout session.
Besides the bathing essentials, you can also keep a facial cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and dirt from your face.
Healthcare Items for Gym
If you’re a health and fitness enthusiast, you should definitely keep these healthcare items in handy.
Heart Rate Monitor
If you’re focused on cardio or HIIT workouts, keep track of your heart rate for optimal fat burning using a heart rate monitor.
Medical Essentials
It is wise to keep other medical essentials such as
Bandages to treat minor cuts and scrapes during exercise
OTC pain relievers to help rescue muscle soreness or headaches
Inhaler, if you have asthma
Anti-allergies, in case of allergic reactions
Sanitizer
Over a hundred people use and touch the same gym equipment throughout the day. Therefore, gyms are the breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
Keep a sanitizer with you to sanitize your hands before and after your workout to prevent the spread of germs.
You can also keep alcoholic wipes to sanitize gym equipment before use.
What are Some Expert Tips for Gym Beginners?
Now that you’ve finally got the answer to, “What to pack in a gym bag?”, it’s finally time to answer, “How to pack a gym bag?”
Here are some expert tips for gym beginners on how to do things the right way.
Avoid over packing
We understand that packing your gym bag can be exciting, but avoid overpacking.
Just keep the essentials you’ll need for your workouts, such as clothes, shoes, deodorant, AirPods, and water bottles to keep the bag light and manageable.
Post-workout
Experts recommend taking your protein shake after the workout to jumpstart the recovery process.
After a workout, we recommend taking a shower and changing to fresh and clean for more comfort.
Hygiene and Organization
Always take your used towel home and wash it properly to prevent the spread of bacteria and gym odor.
Furthermore, always keep your gym bag in the locker to keep your belongings and valuables safe.
Proper Hydration
Fill your water bottle before starting the workout for easy access to water throughout your workout session for optimal health and performance.
Now you know what Gym Essentials you need as a Beginner
Are you geared up for your first day at the gym? Gather all the gym essentials and start your journey to unbelievable transformation with great care!
Our recommended gym kit might seem too much. However, as a beginner try to stick to it and see what fits your needs. Later, you can adjust the items as per your liking.
Three things are absolute essentials for all gym goers; water bottles, gym clothing/shoes, and towels. Without these things, your workout sessions would turn out to be a disaster.
However, as for healthy snacks, expert trainers recommend keeping homemade granola bars or protein bars.
Also, drink smoothies and protein shakes after your workout for enhanced absorption and optimal performance.
All Time Fitness offers consultation where you can avail customized workouts plans prepared by our professional trainers to make the most of your fitness journey.
Sign up for our FREE consultation now!
FAQs
What do you need as a gym beginner?
Above anything, you need dedication, motivation, and discipline.
You also need a gym bag packed with essentials, including a water bottle, gym wear, and a separate towel.
Furthermore, healthy snacks, Airpods, and wrist straps would be great additions for beginners.
What is in a gym bag for beginners?
The list of essentials for beginners includes a water bottle, towel, gym clothing/shoes, and healthy snacks.
Also, you can add shower essentials, AirPods or headphones, wrist straps and other things as per your liking.
What should a beginner wear to the gym?
A beginner should wear comfortable gym wear. If you sweat a lot, moisture-wicking clothing (tank tops, T-shirts, and socks) is your best bet.
What’s best to eat before a workout?
It depends on your fitness goals and workout sessions.
If you’re aiming to lose weight, opt for smaller pre-workout snacks based on your needs.
However, if you want to build muscles, include a protein-rich diet in your pre-workout meal to help support muscles.
Which clothing item would you wear to sweat at the gym?
Moisture-wicking gym wear is the best to wear at the gym because it is quick-drying, comfortable, lightweight, and doesn’t give off body odors.
