Gym Bag Essentials Checklist With Summer's Eve

Originally published in 2017 and updated November 2025

Your gym bag should always include personal care items, breathable workout wear, a towel, a reusable water bottle, and a protein snack to keep you fresh, hydrated, and energized before and after your workout.

Having a well-packed gym bag means you can focus on your fitness routine without worrying about what you forgot at home. In this post, Barbie Ritzman of Barbie’s Beauty Bits shares her top gym bag essentials to help you feel confident, comfortable, and prepared every time you hit the gym.

Your Gym Essentials Checklist 

What Personal Care Items Should You Bring to the Gym?

If you’re heading to the gym straight from work, make sure your gym bag includes a few personal care essentials like deodorant, facial cleansing wipes to remove makeup and prevent breakouts, and one of my favorites, Simply Sensitive Summer’s Eve Cleansing Cloths. These wipes come in both soft packs and individual packets, making them perfect for tossing in your purse or gym bag.

Summer’s Eve is a trusted leader in feminine hygiene, and their cleansing cloths are a must for any gym routine. Let’s face it, women sweat during a workout, and that sweat can sometimes cause a heat rash — yuk, I know. A heat rash is not only uncomfortable, it can also be unsightly. That’s why having a product that helps maintain a natural pH and wipes away odor-causing bacteria is exactly what we need after a hard workout. And as a bonus, the light, fresh scents like Coconut Water, Mandarin Blossom, and Cucumber Lily keep you smelling just as fresh as you feel.

What Type of Workout Wear Is Best for the Gym?

Many people don’t realize that what you wear to the gym can actually impact your workout. Wearing the wrong clothes can cause discomfort, irritation, and even limit your range of motion, all of which can hold back your progress.

While you don’t need to spend a fortune, it’s worth having a few pieces set aside just for working out. Since you’ll be sweating and moving around a lot, choose breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that keep your skin dry and comfortable. These materials pull sweat away from your body, helping to prevent chafing and that sticky feeling mid-workout.

Your workout wardrobe should include shirts, shorts, leggings, tanks, and shoes that fit comfortably and allow plenty of airflow. Remember, functional pieces are what matter here. It’s not a fashion show, it’s a workout.

Why Should You Bring a Towel to the Gym?

Sweating is healthy, but nobody wants to sit in your sweat or have it splash onto them. Even though the gym I go to provides cleaner and paper towels to wipe down equipment, it’s still important to bring your own towel.

A towel helps you stay dry, keeps your grip secure, and makes your workout more hygienic. It’s also just good gym etiquette. Plus, wiping off that post-workout glow before heading out the door keeps you feeling fresh and confident. (just don't use the same towel you wiped off the workout equipment to dry yourself off!)

Why Is a Water Bottle a Gym Bag Must-Have?

Hydration is one of the simplest ways to improve your workout performance. When you exercise, your body loses water through sweat, and that needs to be replaced to keep your energy levels up.

Having a reusable water bottle in your gym bag means you’ll always have hydration on hand. Look for one that’s leak-proof and easy to clean. Bonus points if it keeps your water cold during long workouts and mix in an electrolyte powder. Staying hydrated helps your muscles recover faster and prevents that mid-workout fatigue.

Why Should You Include Protein in Your Gym Bag?.

To avoid feeling lightheaded or hangry after your workout, always pack a quick protein snack like a bar or a protein shake. Protein isn’t just good for recovery, it also helps keep you full longer and supports muscle repair.

Our bodies burn more calories digesting protein than carbs, which makes it a smart choice for anyone working toward fitness or weight goals. And let’s be honest, having something on hand to refuel right after your workout makes that post-gym drive home a lot easier.

In Summary
So there you have it, my Gym Bag Essentials Checklist. Having the right items packed and ready, from your personal care must-haves to your breathable workout clothes, makes your workouts smoother, fresher, and a lot more enjoyable. Whether it’s staying hydrated, keeping clean, or making sure you don’t leave the gym feeling drained, these small details really make a difference.

What are your must-have items in your gym bag? Share your favorites in the comments below. I’d love to know what helps you stay motivated and ready to crush your next workout.