1. Sports Watch
Any light-weight sports watch with a stopwatch is a great accessory to have with you at the gym. Using a stopwatch is a great motivator when performing holding exercises such as holding the plank position or the squatted chair position - especially if your goal is to beat your previous time. Many of us tend to use our cell phones as stop watch, but having your phone out at the gym can be distracting (you end up texting instead of focusing on your workout).
2. A motivating playlist
Speaking of not being distracted by your phone at the gym, it’s important to have your uplifting gym playlist on a separate device, not on your smartphone. To intensify your workout, create a playlist with beats you can see yourself working hard to.
3. Mini resistance bands
Mini resistance bands stretch up to three times their length and are a great addition to your workout. You can use them for lateral steps to work your outer thighs, or use their resistance to do tricep extensions, or use them to do leg extensions for a better butt workout. Many gyms such as She’s Fit supply resistance bands for communal use, but if you aren’t sure whether or not your gym supplies resistance bands it’s a great idea to bring a mini band with you to they gym.
4. Wrist sweatband
A wrist sweatband will come in handy when you’re at the gym as it’s a convenient way to wipe the sweat away. It’s the portable version of a gym towel, and it’s one less thing to bring with you from machine to machine at the gym. Plus, since they come in a variety of awesome colors, it’s a great excuse to add a fun bright color to your workout outfit!
5. Lotion wipes
Having a pack of scented lotion wipes is the perfect way to freshen up after the gym. If you prefer to wait until you get home from the gym to shower rather than use the gym showers, lotion wipes are a great solution for that interim period so that you smell sensual instead of sweaty.
6. Foam roller
A travel sized foam roller is small enough to fit in your gym bag and will make a world of difference in your muscle recovery. Lactic acid builds up in your muscles due to strenuous exercise, and rolling out each muscle on the foam roller helps break down that lactic acid buildup, massage out the muscles, and repair any tears or adhesions. This will not only reduce soreness the next day, but will also improve your mobility.