Whether you’re a gym rat, a runner, a cyclist, a yogi, a swimmer, or anything in between, there are a few common accessories you should always keep in your gym bag. They will help you to minimize the little inconveniences of your workout and maximize your workout time by keeping a few of these items nearby.
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An Outdoor Watch
Outdoor watches are the essential accessory for the man or woman who lives an active lifestyle, especially those who like to get their workout on in the great outdoors. These watches are designed to withstand water (so you can get your sweat on without worry). They come with nylon straps for maximum flexibility, and are made with sturdy materials to withstand even the most active of lifestyles. What’s especially appealing about outdoor watches is their versatility—designers have made outdoor watches that are both fashionable and functional from the trail to the cocktail hour.
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A Ball or Roller
Every physical activity brings about some aches and pains. Muscles grow injuries happen, and there is no better way to relieve those knots and sore muscles than with a roller. Rollers come in all shapes, sizes, and materials and they are designed so that you can give your aching muscles a massage.
Do you have sore feet?
Get a small ball-shaped roller with nubs all over it that you can roll your pained arches over while you sit comfortably in a chair.
Got a Sore back?
Put the ball between your shoulder blades and roll it up and down while lying on the floor. A cylindrical foam roller can massage larger portions of your body, such as your back, legs, and shoulders.
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Yoga Strap
You don’t need to be a yogi to dig a yoga strap. The simple cotton strap usually comes with a ring in which you can loop the strap through. The yoga strap is used to deepen stretches. Loosen those hard-to-stretch muscles such as your IT band by lying on the floor, stretching your leg directly in the air above your hip, looping the strap around your foot, and folding your straight leg over the opposite side of your body. Feel the relief in muscles you didn’t even know existed with a simple strap.
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Athletic Socks
You simply can’t wear athletic shoes without athletic socks. Athletic socks are designed with your foot and alignment in mind. Generally, athletic socks provide more support to the arch of the foot to protect against foot injury. These socks also serve to hold better against wear and tear.
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Grip Socks
Toeless socks with grip on the bottom provide more stability if you work out in an environment that doesn’t require shoes. Never slip around the gym floor again when you stretch or exercise with socks that provide stability.
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China Gel
China Gel is a topical gel used to relieve pain. It is a greaseless therapeutic formula made of menthol, camphor, ginseng, angelica, lavender, aloe vera, and witch hazel. Because it contains these natural ingredients, the gel does not have a severe chemical or medicinal smell.
The scent is known to have a soothing and relaxing quality. Whether you have muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, tendinitis, carpal tunnel, arthritis, or many other pains, this gel can bring relief as you heal.
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Smartphone Holder
There is nothing more annoying during a workout than having to hold your phone in your hand everywhere you go. Even if you store it inside a sports bra, it is likely to fall out or get sweaty. Avoid this problem by investing in a smartphone holder.
They come in a variety of fanny packs and arm bands that allow you to keep your phone safe and clean while still giving you touch-screen access. Many packs also include extra storage so you can store your keys, ID, or other small items for safekeeping.
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Jump Rope
If you need a quick warmup before your workout, a jump rope is what you need. Jumping rope is a fast and efficient way to raise your heart-rate and activate muscles. It also requires little storage and not a lot of room. Any pre-workout routine can benefit from a one to three minute jump rope turn.
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Sunscreen
No matter your workout of choice, it is imperative that you protect your body. This includes your skin. Prolonged sun exposure will cause sun damage, which can cause burns, dryness, itchiness, sunspots, wrinkles, and even cause cancer. Get a skin-friendly, oil-free sunscreen that will protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
