This year is the year that I’ve finally been able to commit to a regular fitness routine. Both Andrew and I have been trying to be more active and build our strength to live a healthier life. I’ve wanted to write about fitness and beauty from within for some time but I’ve never been able to follow through with any kind of exercise consistently until this year. We’ve mixed things up from running and started weight training and I’m really proud of the progress we’ve made! We still have a long way to go but for me the key is consistency and sticking with it. I’ll be writing more about my fitness routine and progress later, but for now I wanted to share my gym bag essentials. I was overwhelmed (in a good way) with the amount of feedback so many of you gave me on fitness on my Instagram stories over the past few months. Anything and everything from apparel, shoes and water bottles! I think having a good gym bag whether its for the actual gym or for outdoor activities can make a huge difference. It makes the whole workout process (pre and post-workout) a lot better and enjoyable. Here are a few things I’ve enjoyed using and found helpful especially in the intense Florida heat.
First I don’t have a proper gym bag but really any tote can work. I like open roomy totes to hold everything from water bottles, extra set of clean clothes, beauty bag, etc. For the most part I use my Goyard St. Louis PM – it’s lightweight and just the right size to hold everything. When I first moved to Florida a number of you gave me recommendations and tips on dealing with the heat and said to get a S’well Bottle ASAP. These are indeed as amazing as everyone says because they are insulated, keep your drinks cold and they are condensation-free. Bkr makes really fun ones too. They’re glass with a silicone exterior. The only issue for me is they’re a bit difficult to clean and they don’t keep water cold as long as the S’well but I really like that it is glass and not plastic. Shown below is a Bkr 500 ml Bottle, S’well Traveler Bottle 16 oz (like this for the wider lid, exterior is also slightly textured), S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle 17 oz (this is nice because it fits in standard car cup holders).
For my beauty essentials I keep makeup to a minimum as I’m an afternoon kind of person for workouts. If you’re one who works out in the morning or mid-day you might need your full makeup kit if you’re going straight from the gym to work. The Daily Edited Transparent Cosmetic Case I reviewed a few months ago here is perfect for holding my fitness beauty essentials. I can fit a pack of face wipes and a tinted moisturizer in the bottom section. In the upper compartment I can fit my face mist, sunscreen bottles, mini brush, hair ties, deodorant and more. It’s perfect for travel but I love it for so many other things. Quick FYI, they’ve since changed the design a little bit but the dimensions and overall look is the same.
In general I don’t wear makeup when I’m working out. The heat in Florida makes any hope of having makeup last through even a light workout non-existent. I do love a good tinted balm, deodorant for reapplication and sunscreen is always a must. Wipes are also nice to have for convenience although if possible I’d recommend washing your face first. Things I’ve found useful for fitness beauty pre and post-workouts listed below.
My favorites:
- Sunscreen is a must if I’m outdoors. I’ve tried a number and with heat + humidity + sweat it’s hard to find one that doesn’t sting the eyes. On days that are extra hot I skip application on the forehead above the eyes and wear a hat. Ones I like include the Supergoop! Unseen Suncreen for the clear matte finish, Supergoop! Glow Stick for easy application and hydration, Fresh Sugar Sport Stick to apply on cheek bones and nose. For a quick reapplication the Supergoop! Refresh Defense Mist is probably the easiest way to touch up sunscreen throughout the day.
- Hair musts include a good set of hair ties, brush and dry shampoo. I really like the Invisibobble Spiral Hair Ties because there’s no snagging the hair and I’ve never had one break on me. They come in a lot of fun colors aside from the basic black or white. I’ve carried the Drybar mini brush with me for years now but lately I’ve been more into combs for quick and easy detangling. I ordered one from Gisou and love it! Dry shampoo for a quick post-workout fix is a must. My go to these days is the IGK Jet Lag.
- Some days a good face mist pre-workout helps calm and refresh the skin. The L’Occitane Aqua Reotier has been a nice affordable option I’ve loved for months now. They have a few other formulas I think are really good for the price.
- With the humidity and heat here, having an extra deodorant on hand for on-the-go is a must! I always reapply after a workout and my favorite is the Kopari Coconut Deodorant. It’s natural and keeps odor away, I love that it smells like sweet coconuts too. Also available in mini size in the Kopari Beauty Besties set, great for small bags or a makeup bag!
- I always have at least one Lip Balm on hand. We’re going into the dry season and there’s nothing worse than having dry or cracked lips. The Bite Agave Lip Mask has enough thickness that it sticks to your lips without sliding around even if you sweat. For a bit of color you can’t go wrong with the Dior Addict Lip Glows (I just bought the new Rose Gold color and am so excited to try it!).
- A few post workout favorites I have are from the CliniqueFIT line. There’s actually a lot more in the collection I haven’t tried but I really like the Post-Workout Mattifying Moisturizer because it really does give the skin a soft matte finish and oil-free. The Post-Workout Face and Body Wipes are super convenient for times you can’t get to a shower right away but need to wipe down. I think body wipes in general have a long way to go, but we’ve tried a number of wipes and these are the best ones I’ve found (although very spendy for how many are in a pack).
Our favorite place to run is along Bayshore Boulevard. We’ve also tried a few runs on some of the long bridges too. We love how much wildlife is here in Tampa – the view of the water is always so nice to look at.
A few extras I like to keep with me (and yes all this fits in one tote!). An extra change of clothes is always a must. Hair perfume is something I discovered last year and absolutely love the ones from Byredo. This season he has two miniature trios, one is Triple Gagnant Fleurs and the other (the one I bought) is Triple Gagnat Bois with Gypsy Water, Bal D’Afrique and Mojave Ghost. They make for nice refreshers. Having a good microfiber towel on hand is essential for me. Andrew and I have been using our Aquis Hair Towels to wipe down and dry off after runs. They’re super absorbent!
Fitness apparel favorites are from Lululemon including the Align Shorts, Align Crop Pants (my favorite workout pants for any kind of activity), Hotty Hot Shorts (2.5 inch) and Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank.
I’ve always been a Nike fan, but earlier this year I asked readers for recommendations on Instagram for favorite running and workout shoes. The top two picks were Saucony and APLs – so I tried both! I’ve really loved running in the Saucony Freedom ISO for the cushion and stability. I just ordered my first pairs of APL Techloom Pro sneakers recently and haven’t run in them yet but think they are great for weight training. The APL Instagram feed is so beautiful to look at, their photography is so crisp and simple. It made me order their new Techloom Slides in Parchment and Black. I never thought about wearing slides after workouts, but they’re really nice to change into post-run. Makes it so your feet don’t stay sweaty in your sneakers! They are also nice to wear around the house. The only downside is they come in whole sizes. I found a perfect fit with the Size 6. For reference I wear a size 7 in Nike and Saucony sneakers. In the APL sneakers I opted for 6 1/2 but could have gone with the 7. In general I’m more of a true 6 1/2 for most shoes.
That wraps up my gym bag fitness essentials for beauty and more! I hope you enjoyed this roundup. I’ve received so many recommendations from you about what you feel is the best, I’ve taken your advice and found some favorites. If you’re looking for gifts for fitness fans I hope this gives you some good ideas! I think anyone would love a new pair of APL slides, or a S’well water bottle paired with some other fitness beauty accessories. Now that I have color-treated hair some of you have suggested I add sunscreen to my hair and I have no idea where to start. Any recommendations would be amazing!
What do you have in your fitness or gym bag? Would love to hear what kinds of exercise or workouts you do. I need all the extra inspiration and motivation I can get! More on our fitness journey soon.
Press samples featured include Supergoop! Unseen, Kopari Deodorant, L’Occitane Face Mist. All other items purchased by me.
I love this post! I love looking into people’s purses and gym totes. Your bag is organized and full of lots of goodies. I love The Daily Edited cosmetic bag. I’m also a big fan of the Dior lip balm.
I love the invisibobbles!
I’ve been trying to figure out those hair ties for a while now, they look like something my hair would become a tangled mess with in a heartbeat. I have really thick wavy hair and those look like like those weird key rings we used in the early 90’s and I have gotten them stuck in my hair before….
I keep in my bag as less as possible, as I have to walk long distance to the gym, but I always have moisturizer, wipes and tinted moisturiser with SPF50+ all year round(Australian sun). I also keep my swim suit as I sometimes go to sauna after cycling session. Apple watch are keeping me motivated a lot and in addition to cycling I have downloaded a few apps for HIIT training and they are great. simple exercises I can do at home for a 20 min.
I’m an afternoon workout person aswell,I really cannot wake up earlier to go the the gym!!
Miki x
https://littletasteofbeauty.blogspot.com/
I like the Yuni shower sheets for my bag (although I kind of get annoyed at the scent sometimes). For workouts, I like strength moves that don’t require me to be near the meatheads at the gym. So, kettle bell workouts are fun. I also like Yoga by Adrienne.
I take ballet classes so I typically carry products that help me freshen up after class, including a microfiber face towel. I’m curious to try the one you mentioned in your Sephora Beauty Haul Post, the Aquis Waffle Luxe towel.
Great round up. I never though about this since I haven’t worked out in so long. At one point I did but I’ve caved into my overall laziness and not liking to sweat. hehe I wonder if those hair ties really keep straight asian hair in place..
My dogs are my motivation to go out and walk haha
For the last 8 weeks, I’ve done HIIT classes four times a week. I went from being a total couch potato to doing these really intense fast-paced classes four times a week, and I really love it! It’s very hard and I’m pretty much always sore but I love that with every class I can do something I couldn’t do before. I want to get some sort of facial wipe for my gym bag but I’m still reviewing options. I get so sweaty and gross and I hate feeling that it’s sitting on my face while I’m working out. I also really want those APL sneakers!
Dry shampoo is a must for my gym bag. I use Living Proof.
I walk my dog daily and do a set of Egoscue exercises at home to improve strength, balance and flexibility. So, just sunscreen for when I walk the dog. Usually Drunk Elephant Umbria mixed with Paula’s Choice or Australian Botanicals, all mineral sunscreens that do not irritate.
I do Orange Theory and I absolutely love it! It started in Florida so there is probably a studio near you. I never thought of using an Aquis towel for post-workout…good thing I have an extra one from when I accidentally bought a towel instead of a turban!
I started doing F45 classes, this is quite helpful! Thanks <3
My gym is 2 min drive from my house so I never take anything beauty related with me. It’s super convenient!
The clear sun stick by AHC is a must-have for me.
I like the Yuni shower sheets a lot when I don’t have time to shower. My favorite workout at the moment is Zumba – it took a few classes for me to get the moves down, but I enjoy the music and really work up a good sweat!
I only need two things in my bag: water and sunscreen. Your stash looks so good….esp that BAG! 🙂
Your post has motivated me to work out again. Love all your picks!
I love the yellow mini brush from drybar its one of my favorites items to carry around in my purse :)))
Love your bag! – I think I should finally start to go the gym again just to carry something like that myself 😀 (But with a toddler, work and a husband usually on the road for work whom am i kidding 😉
I am sooooooooo not a gym person. At home I’ve taken up yoga but I mostly like to walk or hike, and the more trees that are around me the better. I like being outdoors but intense sunshine and I do not mix well. I don’t like to take much with me when I walk (really it just depends on how long I’m planning on being out and whether or not the park is paved, has a boardwalk, etc) so usually it’s just my phone, some sunscreen, and maybe my water. I leave extra shoes, socks, etc in the car.
My exercise routine is mostly about walking (having a dog makes that mandatory) and yoga. I used to go to the gym, but I moved to an area where there isn’t one, so… I’m a DIY exercise girl now.
I do a lot of boot camp and running or biking depending on the weather.
I highly recommend Karen Lord’s arms for abs pilates video on YT. It looks deceptively simple but I have seen great progress on my arms.
I used to love Orangetheory, but now I have tendinitis in my elbow and have had to take it easy with anything that isn’t leg/cardio related. So now I just go on walks/runs with my dog in the meantime.
I’m getting into Yoga now and trying to do that regularly! These are some great tips!
I think my only essential is a water bottle!
I love this post. I wish I had more time to exercise, but I’m only 7 weeks postpartum. I hope to start walking regularly, and eventually riding a stationary bike at home to ease back into an exercise routine.
I used to love running, but my knees have revolted. I would love to look into something with less impact such as Pilates or yoga. My daughter shared her concern about aluminum in deodorant, and I’ve begun using Kopari. I like it, but I’m still adjusting to not being as dry as I’d like.
I workout at home and do weight lifting combined with cardio. I also do yoga at the end of my workout sessions.
I need to join a gym!!
I am not much of a gym person but… would sauna counts?! I usually take my bath towel from Nordstrom, no joke they sell best towels there, Hydro Flask, a face oil to put before entering sauna so that I can this oil mask effect and good smelling face mist to hydrate while in session.
Dry shampoo, deodorant and makeup wipes for me too! I don’t live too far away from my gym so it helps that I can come home and shower and put makeup on appropriately!
Gym essentals: dry shampoo, face towel, resistance bands, water bottle. I change what’s in my bag depending on he day.
That Kopari deodorant is still on my list! Thanks for sharing your gym essentials. It’s nice to see what works for people.
I always have some wet wipes and some spray on sunscreen! 🙂
I still cannot get around using dry shampoo, I do not know why…
I’ve stopped going to the gym since I had my twin girls but I do yoga every morning. I have to say dry shampoo is a staple for helping my hair to not look a sweaty mess!
I work out at home so I don’t have any essentials to share. I either do some light cardio and weights using a guided video on YouTube.
Cheers Lisa
This is awesome. I fell off the workout bus but I just carried some skincare essentials usually – cleansing wipes (I like the Sephora coconut ones) and moisturizer – since I would just be doing yoga at the gym before going home from work. I used to go to the 7am class before work and then I’d carry minis of all my skincare plus a travel makeup kit, but it was so complicated haha.
I don’t like to use public shower, so I don’t need much when I am in the gym. I do love the wide mouthed swell bottle, much easier to drink from than the original version.
I currently don’t have a fitness or gym bag because of all the health stuff, but I used to keep it pretty simple as I had a gym in my apartment building so could go up and shower right after working out. I usually just brought down a small towel, hairbrush, extra hair ties, lip balm and water and then sorted myself out properly when I got back home. I’ll have to rethink that if/when I get better as I likely won’t have an apartment gym wherever I am.
Nowadays, when I actually do workout, I workout at home. I also love my glass bkr bottle but agree that they are a bit difficult to clean. I’m still bummed that I can no longer use the Kopari deodorant (I loved it a lot: performed very well, kept me dry and loved the smell) but I’m allergic to one of the ingredients!
Presently recovering from rotator cuff repair and I do physical therapy twice a week. I wear yoga pants (Duluth – love these!) and t shirt as I get hot. I usually just carry lip balm and a hairbrush.
Dry shampoo and deodorant is a must for my gym bag. I love spinning, Pilates and Yoga.
My number one gym bag essential is miscellar water to remove makeup!
I don’t live an active lifestyle but I’m loving your lip balm and cheek tints!
Always my hydroflask and hair ties! I also love a simple facial wash and hydrating mist for post workout.
I don’t go to the gym – workout in the basement or run outside (even in the cold midwest winters!). Running, trail running, cycling and HIIT are my favorite activities. Of course deodorant and dry shampoo are a must. And water!
I wish I were more active! If I were, I would definitely need face wipes – the idea of sweating through face makeup is so gross! But I have a Bkr bottle I keep at my work desk and really do love it. It also gets tons of compliments!
Hardly got time for gymming but I do carry the L’Occitane shampoo and conditioner travel size bottles with me. I love to use Dove deodorant, since it is great for my sensitive skin. I always carry a lip balm and extra hair ties.
I’ve been loving yoga and meditation lately, it’s really helped ease stress and muscle tension. I also do rock climbing, and fit in a swim and a session of interval training every week. I always have my mini Clarins milk cleanser and toner with me, Rose Creme from Laura Mercier, Fresh tinted lip balm and Supergoop sunblock.
I’ve also been loving the Kopari coconut deodorant which I picked up after reading your review! Was sceptical at first as the natural deodorants I’ve tried have not worked for me, but these are amazing and smell great too.
I work out from home since having kids, yoga or a quick job. I love reading your recommendations though!
I like just going straight home after the gym so I don’t have to lug around a whole bunch of extra stuff
I love my S’well water bottle in the opal color scheme! I have a couple bkr’s that I had gotten before the S’well that I rarely use now, as I do prefer the S’well. I didn’t realize they made a wide-mouth option- I might have to pick up one of those!
Hank you for a great post!! i dont have gym bag essentials because i exercise at my house. I ride my bike 3 times a week and do p90x.
I love going to various classes. My essentials are really basic- a lock, change of clothes, some batiste dry shampoo, and that’s pretty much it!
Such a pretty water bottle!
All I do is walk and if it starts to rain in S FL. I run home…and I love to dance.
I play tennis and attend dance fitness at the gym
I’m am liking the Kopari deodorant- like you, I live in a hot and humid climate. It is probably the best natural deodorant I have tried! Do you prefer Bite’s Agave Lip Mask or DE’s lip balm?
Since working FT at an office, I’ve been struggling with workouts. When I do workout, I enjoy weights and the elliptical. I find the elliptical movement to be most comfortable than a stationary bike or stepper. I like the Native deodorant.
My workout used to be walking my dog! I’ll stick to water aerobics!
My workout it jumping the trampoline and swimming. I don’t like traditional workouts so I like doing things that I enjoy. It is easier for me to keep doing those things than going to the gym.
I’m a runner and am training for another half marathon right now. I basically just put in my running gear and go outside so I don’t have a gym bag to pack. I don’t wear makeup when I run, but I always wear sunblock. Right now I’m trying a sunblock stick from Shiseido on my face.
I work out mostly at home but this is a great list for those that hit the gym or workout outdoors.
Oh I sooo miss that view! Bay to Bay not only are the houses beautiful but that view doesn’t get old 😍
Sabrina, thanks for the thorough review. I use several of these products but I’ll check out those that are new to me. I have the original TDE clear travel case that I keep stocked for work trips. I was going to order another this season for holiday/personal travel. What are the new design differences?
Hi Anne, I don’t have the new one to compare but if you go to their website you’ll see the leather is bigger around the edge now in a solid line. HTH1
I either walk or do Pilates.
I love doing Zumba! But I don’t carry a gym bag.
I love yoga and running.
I swim a lot. Pool in my community. Only need a towel. I swim at night. 🙂
I like to do yoga. In my bag I always have chapstick, it’s a must have.
I mostly swim at the gym. Two essentials in my gym bag are a great body wash and a 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner, to wash away the chlorine.
I walk and hike the beautiful mountains in NH
I love S’well water bottles as well! I typically run outdoors, but if I’m working out at the gym, my must have is a facial mist (of any kind)!
I exercise at home and I walk
At home
I love walking as I have a dog. I also love going swimming….I feel so free in the water!
I usually use my elliptical at home and fo some gentle yoga.
Kopari Coconut Deodorant sounds really nice! I need to give it a try!
I do my workout at home and walk a lot 🙂
I hate working out but its important right?? Lol I have to get back to the gym. When I’m there I do cardio and strength exercises
I don’t workout out much. If any it’s taking walks.
I’ve to get into some fitness routine, I used to love stretching
Need my trusty waterbottle, makeup remover wipes, and aluminum-free deodorant!
A lot of great things in your bag and I am sure that is the stuff you would need. As for me at 67 with a lot of health problems the best I do is a few things at my apartment.
Love those comfy slides!
Right now, I’m trying to really work on toning so I have some resistance bands and light weights that I use at home. I mostly use fitness videos online. I’d like to try kettle balls.
Some of my essentials are face wipes, deodorant, multi-purpose beauty product, cleanser stick, and spare clothes. I like to run, piyo, and strength training.
I love doing Zumba and taking walks with friends
I usually only workout at home to Youtube videos, so I don’t need a gym bag. However, I just checked out the Unseen sunscreen at Sephora (rubbed some on my hand). Including that in my next online order and I hope it really is as matte and invisible as it seems to be!!
I jog at least five days a week. I wear capris with pockets to hold my keys and make sure I have a few tissues in my pocket. I also need my hair scrunchie and cell phone for emergencies.
I just go to the gym a few times per week to do stretches and cardio. My gym bag is pretty basic since I don’t shower or change at the gym. I just have my gym shoes, headphones, phone, wallet and water bottle.
I just walk and exercise at home since I have been sick. I use to take in my bag water bottle, phone shoes and a towel.
I typically go to the gym to do a bit of cardio (treadmill and elliptical) Deodorant, body splash, and a water bottle are my gym bag essentials!
I generally walk around my neighborhood so I just need my Vionics, a sun visor, my Fitbit and the dog.
I workout at home on a treadmill and hubby and I walk daily. I always make sure to carry my water bottle, phone and a towel.
I walk and hike (whenever I can) and love all the items you keep in your gym bag. I always have my reusable water bottle with me and have to always use sunscreen.
Yoga gear with a mat and towel
I actually dont have a gym bag, but since this cold and wet weather has set in I’m thinking of joining a gym. I have lost 50 pounds since June of this year by walking more mainly.
I am lucky and my yogi is across the street from my house. I am able to go home afterwards to get ready for the day. I also take tai chi and do a lot of walking.
I love your sneakers.
I do meditation and bike….both stationery and mountain biking. I also like to walk.
I do yoga and pilates
love S’well water bottle too <3