01
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRAINING BAG
Imagine yourself on your way to the gym, glamorous bag on your arm… towel around your neck and a pair of dirty shoes in your hand. You open your bag. The scent of exertion (from the night before, mind you) tingles your nostrils. You dip your hand in for a good 5 minutes, looking for your membership card. You finally start to train, late and in fine fettle. Who can tell?
A bag that’s poorly adapted to your needs can quickly put the brakes on your enjoyment of sport. To make the right choice, there are three criteria to consider:
Buy a good-sized bag.
Is dragging your wardrobe to the gym your idea of happiness? Is your water bottle the size of a Hummer? Make sure you choose a bag that meets your needs and a little more, so you can dip your hand in without leaving your skin 😉
Choose a breathable fabric.
Let’s face it: your perspiration doesn’t smell like roses. Good ventilation is the key. By opting for a quality bag designed specifically for sports, you also buy the assurance of better air circulation. Your nose says thank you.
Opt for a bag with lots of pockets.
It’s the best way to get organized and make sure there are no clashes between your shoes and your post-workout snack.
02
PUT THE GOOD STUFF IN
Now comes the question on everyone’s lips: what should you pack in your sports bag? Here’s a list of essentials:
- Your gym membership card
- Your training program
- A bottle (for your water or shake)
- food supplements (such as BCAAs and the proteins)
- A towel for training
- Your sportswear
- Your shoes
- A padlock
- An elastic band and/or headband (a must for long hair)
THE EXTRAS!
- A bottle of disinfectant or disinfectant wipes
- Wrist straps (appreciated by many)
- A change of clothes (too many victims still leave the gyms without clean underwear)
- Your playlist of upbeat music and headphones
- Soap and shampoo (or dry shampoo)
- A deodorant and your beauty kit
- A bath towel
- A bath towel
Remember that your needs may vary from one workout to the next.
03
ELIMINATE UNWANTED ODORS
Conversely, there are some things we’d rather not have in our bags, and bad smells are one of them. Here’s how to get rid of them:
Tea bags.
After training, put them in your shoes for the night. Do we have to tell you to throw them away afterwards? They are now unfit for consumption.
Cat litter.
It doesn’t just absorb bad odors from your furry companion. Place a small amount in a stocking or net. Replace it with clean litter regularly.
Home-made fragrance.
Still in an old stocking, put a cup of baking soda and a dozen drops of essential oil (lemongrass, rosemary, citrus…). Leave in the bag.
HUGO'S LITTLE +
Without the precious contents of your sports bag, your workout could be in jeopardy. Plan ahead. Prepare your bag the day before your workout and leave it near the door to reduce the risk of forgetting it. Keep a spare bag in your car with the bare essentials: old trainers, workout clothes, towel, water bottle and a copy of your program. No excuses, just a clear eye on the goal!
