Must Haves for Your Gym Bag

Ever wonder what I carry in my gym bag for optimal performance, recovery, prehab, and an overall successful session?


Not sure what you should ask for for the holidays this year but know you want to have some awesome things to help you on your fitness journey?


I decided to put together a list of the things that are a MUST for me in my gym bag that I know can benefit you too. I included some of my amazon affiliate links to them at the end of this write up to make it easier for you to find them.


1. FOAM ROLLERS AND OTHER SMR TOOLS
I start every workout by foam rolling and warming up the muscles I will be working on with resistance bands.
Sometimes the gym doesn't have foam rollers readily available or all the 'hard' ones are being used which is a big reason why I always bring my hand roller or suggest getting a travel roller!
This is excellent for both before and after a workout. I have never owned a travel size roller myself but the hand held SMR which has been a LIFE saver. I literally carry mine around with me everywhere. I got mine as a gift from my sister who got it at target but I included a link to one so you could see what they look like. I also love using a lacrosse ball or bouncy ball for my feet or the tougher to get spots like around the shoulders or for more deep pressure release on glutes and hips.


2. KNEE SLEEVES
When I train legs I want to make sure the joints and ligaments around and within my knee are healthy, safe, and warm. I have some knee issues and ever since I got my Rehbands, my knees have been so much happier during leg workouts and allows me to do more without pain, pressure, and instability. My boyfriend uses SBD which are a little more intense. I got Rehbands because I just needed something more basic but still very effective.


3. CHALK
Chalk is something that you really only need for things where your grip is not strong enough for yet or your hands are just sweaty af. When you are lifting heavy or doing a LOT of reps, sometimes your grip gives out before the muscles do, try using some chalk to help you from taking a break to reset grip.


4. THE NUFF SAIDS
Hand sanitizer and hairties are a non negotiable for me. Nuff said.


5. WEIGHT BELT
I used to wear my weight belt more often when I would do heavier movements but I like to keep it with me for days where I am squatting or loading my back. As many of you know I have back issues and wearing a belt helps me to prevent unwanted stress or pressure on the spine. Wearing a belt is also very helpful for recruiting core muscles as you can use it to 'brace' through your breath by pushing your abdomen and entire midsection against the belt (I recommend you learn how to do this properly as many people think they are bracing when they are really just breathing into their chest, not their belly).


6. BCAAs FOR RECOVERY
Last but not least, I love drinking bcaas either during or after my workout depending on how I am feeling. During my competition preps they are a must have. They help with recovery, growth, and sometimes fat burn depending on what brand you use. I put my favorite ones below as they taste like a watermelon jolly rancher to me.


But of course, none of this stuff matters without a plan. If you don't know what you are doing in the gym, figure that out FIRST. I am happy to give you a free trial of my VIP membership site with full training plans, instruction on how to choose the right number of reps and sets based on your specific goals, exercise video library with full instructional breakdowns on form and movement patterns, warm up and cool down routines, cardio routines, and ab workouts along with all my nutrition, self-love, confidence, mindset, well-being, and behavior change coaching.


You can get the FREE trial here: https://celeste-rainsturk.clickfunnels.com/bmtjab-official-site-homepage




For all the products referenced in the post you can find them using these links provided by Amazon, but you can also find these at your local stores or through other online searches. Let me know if you have any questions. 


Resistance bands: http://amzn.to/2xlxmD6
Heavier resistance band also good for more intense booty work, mobility, and squatting (Robbie has this and I just steal his hehe): http://amzn.to/2xjKFDX
Hand held muscle roller: http://amzn.to/2fWboyW
Foam Roller Travel Size: http://amzn.to/2y45VNj
Lacrosse Ball: http://amzn.to/2xkYbSR
Chalk: http://amzn.to/2xkSnsL
Hand sanitizer: http://amzn.to/2y379bg
Knee Sleeves: http://amzn.to/2ytbJks
Belt: http://amzn.to/2yKYO9m
BCAAs: http://amzn.to/2y38xuj
Hairties: http://amzn.to/2xlE0ta

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