Quick Tips to Elevate Your Gym Gear

Just like you want to be prepared for work and have the correct tools for a job, you should also be prepared to go to the gym. Being prepared for the gym is not only about having the correct mindset and making a schedule, but it’s about having the correct gear to support your workout routine. 

No matter where you go in Las Cruces, gym gear includes not only the correct clothing and shoes but any items you need to help maximize the experience. 

Regardless if you are planning on working out at the gym for thirty minutes, multiple hours, every day, or a few times a week we have a set of suggested gear for any situation.

The Gym Bag

The gym bag is a pretty easy starting point. The assumption is that the things you wear at the gym might not be exactly the same as the things you wear at any other point in the day (and this might include more than just clothes). So, you bring a bag to hold your stuff.

It’s really not any more complicated than that. If you have any type of bag that you want to use as a gym bag, that’s great. Use it.

If, however, you’re in the market and want a few ideas that can help you get a good bag that can handle a variety of functions, we have some tips for you.

First, think about the material. Soft materials are fine, but something made from canvas is going to be stronger and more durable than a softer fabric. Gym bags experience more abuse than you might assume, so durability is important.

Second, it’s nice to have something that’s easy to wash and keep clean. We use gym socks as a benchmark for bad smells for a reason. You’re probably going to put sweaty, smelly clothes in your gym bag. Some of those odors will linger. If you can pop the bag in your washing machine every once in a while, it makes life easier.

You also want to think about size. Yeah, it needs to be big enough for the things you bring to the gym, but beyond that, smaller is usually better. Lugging around a large bag can be a pain. Smaller bags get in the way less, and sometimes, you’re going to be too tired to want to carry a massive bag with extra stuff you don’t need.

Other than that, it’s really a matter of what you like. If you want a simple bag where you throw all of your stuff into one compartment, that’s fine. If your inner child gets excited about extra zippers and hidden pockets, it’s your bag. Have fun with it.

Gym Clothes

Next up are gym clothes. For obvious anatomical reasons, ideal workout clothes are going to depend a lot on your body type and what kinds of exercise you’re doing. Shorts are a popular choice because workouts can make you hot, and shorts typically provide good mobility. But, if you prefer a tracksuit or yoga pants or anything else, it’s fine — provided your clothes live up to a few expectations.

Most important is range of motion. If your clothes inhibit your workout, that’s not good. Pants should be loose and/or flexible enough to accommodate your workout routine. Keep in mind that a good workout includes stretching, so consider testing your clothes before you take them to your Las Cruces gym.

Safety is equally important. Clothes need to be loose enough to accommodate movement, but you don’t want them so loose that they get caught in machines. You’re going to the gym for a workout. Athletic wear is designed for this stuff. You don’t need to get super creative.

It really is ok to just wear a t-shirt and some shorts. Again, athletic pants are fine too.

But alongside your clothes, you want to consider some supportive wear. This might include a sports bra for the ladies and a jock strap or similar support for the guys.

Lastly, think about sweat. It’s normal to sweat at the gym, and most clothing options are fine. You can consider wristbands or headbands to keep your hands and eyes dry. Hats and workout gloves perform similar functions. It’s all a matter of preference, but if you find that sweat is a problem, then invest in some technology to help you control that sweat.

Workout Shoes

Shoes are extremely important at the gym. A good pair of workout shoes should improve mobility and prevent foot injuries, so here’s a short checklist of things to look for in your gym shoes:

• A closed toe for protection and support 
• Laces and/or straps that keep the shoe in place (you do not want to accidentally slip out of a shoe on a treadmill)
• Enough of a cushion to absorb the impact of the workout and prevent injury (consider additional insoles if necessary)
• Tread for a grip so you do not slip (especially helpful when you have hundreds of pounds on your shoulders during a lifting exercise, for example) 
• Additional support for your arch and ankle if needed   

With shoes, we highly recommend trying them out at a store and actually practicing some of the workout movements from your exercises. Put on the shoes, run around the store a little, go up a few stairs, and really find a pair of shoes that is comfortable. 

A good pair of gym shoes is a great investment. Take care of your feet. They are the foundation of your body and feet injuries can be detrimental to workout goals. 

Oh, and remember socks. They provide a little extra cushion and keep your shoes from smelling, so gym socks are a good idea. They also help with preventing blisters and keeping your feet healthy across the board.

Water Bottle

Even though gyms have water fountains and faucets, having a water bottle next to you accessible during a workout will help keep hydration at the forefront of your mind. 

We recommend a reusable bottle like a Nalgene style or stainless steel that is easily identifiable and can live in your workout bag. Again, it’s all about preference.

Music and Headphones

Playing music or listening to a podcast really helps people working get in the zone. Music also serves to motivate and has a direct impact on the brain. Many people have specific gym playlists to help pump them up, set their pace with tunes that have a specific cadence, and calm them down after a workout. 

There are a lot of headphones out there for active people and the earbud style is very popular in a gym environment. If you’re someone who prefers the sound of iron bars clanking, that’s fine too. But if you’re going to wear headphones, make sure they can stay put during a vigorous workout. That’s the only requirement.

Freshening Up Items

Especially if you are headed out after a workout or have a routine in which you go to work or school, you might want some freshening-up items in your gym bag. 

Gyms have showering facilities, hair dryers, mirrors, etc. so the following items might be helpful:

• small towel
• Brush/comb
• Deodorant 
• Also, deodorant

It’s Ok to Ask for Suggestions

If you are a new member or new to working out and have questions about what gear to bring to the gym, just ask. Our team of trainers and fitness professionals is more than happy to discuss your goals and point you in the right direction.