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Just 27 Things You May Want To Keep In The Bag You Bring To The Gym

Can’t stay quiet on the creek about these awesome gym products, that’s for sure.

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by Jordan Grigsby BuzzFeed Contributor

I am a contributor and former BuzzFeed Shopping writer based in the DC/Maryland area who loves glitter, Marvel, Beyoncé, pink, wine, traveling, all things beauty and fashion, and shopping, of course!

1. A barbell pad because weighted squats are hard enough, and the last thing you need after leg day is sore shoulders from the barbell. This'll help relieve some of the pressure on your neck, shoulder, and hips while doing your heavy lifting, and it won't shift or roll around the bar, causing even more discomfort. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This squat pad is a must-have if you do squats, lunges, or hip thrusts. It fits both standard and Olympic bars perfectly and stays securely in place during lifts. The padding is thick and firm enough to protect my neck and shoulders from bar pressure, but still comfortable without feeling bulky.

Before using this, I’d always end up with sore spots after heavy hip thrusts or back squats. Now, I can load more weight and focus on form without the distraction of pain. The non-slip surface also helps keep it from shifting mid-set, which is a big plus.

Lightweight, easy to take on and off, and small enough to throw in a gym bag — super convenient. For the price, it’s one of the best gym accessories I’ve added to my routine.

Highly recommend for anyone serious about lifting!" —Armorallshine

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in eight colors).

2. A set of resistance bands — a light one, a medium one, and a heavy one, so you can tailor your exercises to what your body needs. Your legs, abs, and booty are about to get the workout of a lifetime.  

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Andddd, it comes with a booklet to help you get started!

Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised. I actually saw this product recommended on TikTok, and I had to try it. I absolutely love them. They're very durable. Comfortable, and the level of stretch is perfect. I wasn't expecting a storage bag or workout booklet. Would definitely recommend!!" —Josie Chavez

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in five sets in different colors).

3. A Dove Clinical+ Care Antiperspirant Deodorant infused with 7% serums and moisturizers to keep your extra delicate skin feeling soft, smooth, and cared for. And on top of that, this baby delivers up to 96 hours of sweat and odor protection! I know, I know, this little invisible antiperspirant sounds like a blessing from the sweat gods. 

Amazon

Promising review: "The Dove Clinical+ Antiperspirant deserves nothing less than five stars. This product truly stands out in the crowded field of antiperspirants. Its long-lasting protection keeps me feeling fresh and confident all day, even during intense workouts and high-pressure situations.

One of the best features is its advanced formula that effectively combats sweat and odor without leaving any residue or irritation. The fragrance is subtle yet invigorating, providing an extra boost of freshness. It's clear that Dove has put a lot of thought and innovation into this product.

For anyone looking for a reliable, high-performance antiperspirant, the Dove Clinical+ formula is a must-try. It's a game changer that delivers on its promises and then some. Highly recommended!" —XLARRYBEARX

Get it from Amazon for $9.27+ (available in a two-pack and in four other formulas/scents that also come in multipacks).

4. Built's "Puff Protein Bars" that'll have you believing that some sort of witchcraft was involved in crafting these because they taste like freakin' candy and are packed with 17 grams of protein. Since you're always on the move, throw a couple of these yummy chocolate-covered marshmallow bars into your gym bag for when hunger hits hard. With flavors like brownie batter and churro — gimme 10, as Melanie from Love Island would say. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Here's what BuzzFeederEmma Lord has to say about them: "Hello, I'm a walking cliché of Woman In Her Mid-30s Who Is Very Obsessed With Protein, since it took me three decades to realize I'm in a much better mood all day if I cram it in at every opportunity. I'm very, VERY picky about the protein bars I'll eat — Barebells and Nick's are my go-tos — and these Built bars knocked it out of the park! They have a truly marshmallow-like consistency and the most ridiculously satisfying texture and chewiness. The flavors I've tried have all been spot-on, and they don't leave any kind of aftertaste. I am perpetually out and about and in need of a snack, so I have one of these in my purse at all times!"

Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $26.84+ (available in 15 flavors and in variety packs). 

5. A magnetic water bottle sleeve pouch, since every time you go to the gym, your water bottle and keys won't conveniently fit in the little cup holder. It has a strong magnet that'll attach to metal surfaces in the gym, and pockets to stash your keys, phone, cards, money, and whatever else is with you that you don't wanna keep in your hands. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Gym Mate is a small biz that specializes in magnetic gym accessories for water bottles and technology. 

Check out a TikTok of the water bottle magnet attachment in action. 

Promising review: "Hands-down one of the best purchases I’ve made on Amazon. I can fit my iPhone 13 Pro with the case in the pocket, and have plenty of room for my AirPods. Magnets are super strong and hold everything perfectly!" —Nalani

Get it from Amazon for $23.99. 

6. A genius squishy claw clip, so you don't have to deal with the pain of your fave hair clip digging into your skull while you're on the leg press machine. Honestly, heck yes, where have these been our whole lives? 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Mello is a small woman-owned/founded biz that specializes in hair accessories.

Promising reviews: "I took my standard clip off and put this one on, and was immediately 10x more comfortable! It’s so lightweight, doesn’t hurt while driving or lying down, and holds all of my super thick hair in place! I wish I could give it 10 stars! Definitely buying more!" —Nicole Godbey

"SO COMFORTABLE! I can’t recommend this enough. I love it. It’s durable and comfortable. AND it’s safe to wear when driving! I’ve heard horror stories of women getting plastic prongs stuck in their scalp when getting into a car accident, which is what made me buy this! Ditch your fully plastic hair claws!!" —Rory

Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in 15 colors).

7. A pair of Nike V5 RNR sneakers that are comfy, stylish, and will earn a permanent spot in your gym bag. You'll certainly want more than one pair — a few pairs for the gym, and a few pairs to create tons of chic, cozy, chill 'fits. 

Nike

Promising review: "The most comfortable and cute shoes EVER. I’m obsessed with how they feel and look, would definitely recommend as a gym girlie." —IsabellaS86029818

Get them from Nike for $95 (available in women's sizes 5–12, men's sizes 3.5–10.5, and 23 colors).

8. An adjustable waist sweat band with a textured inner lining to help minimize slipping and bunching. It promotes heat, kinda like a little portable sauna, to intensify your workout and boost sweat. After you take it off and see the sweat dripping from it and from you, you'll feel like you just trained with The Avengers. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’ve been using this waist band during workouts and OMG — the sweat is real! It gives amazing coverage without being too bulky, and it doesn’t roll up like other belts. I feel more motivated to work out just knowing that I’m maximizing my efforts. It’s a staple in my gym bag now!" —Brittany Freeman

Get it from Amazon for $27.95+ (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and 12 colors).

9. A three-pack of Carmex moisturizing lip balm because you'll never regret *not* having chapped lips. They're super affordable, so you won't be too upset if you lose them, and they'll keep your pout nourished, soothed, and protected. Plus, it contains SPF15! 

Jordan grigsby / BuzzFeed

I mean, personally Carmex is a must-have for every bag I have. I have one in my gym bag, dance bag, every purse I own, one in my car, one in the pocket of every coat I own, and one in one of my vanity drawers. I love all the other fancy, expensive lip balms and masks I own, but this can't be beat. Plus, I don't need to wear my $20 Laneige tinted lip balm to go work out. It leaves my lips feeling nourished longer, and it's lightweight. It fits easily into any pocket without taking up too much space, and if I lose it, it's no big deal cuz it's so cheap. I always keep this on me no matter what, and have for about eight years. I love my other lip balms with fancy tints and such, but for the gym, this is for sure my top pick. My lips stay hydrated when I use this. I don't think my lips have been chapped since 2017, honestly, and that was B.C. (before Carmex). It's just so reliable that no other balms, no matter how popular, can ever make me stop using this. 

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $3.59.

10. A set of barbell clips to make sure that your weights stay in place and ensure a safe workout sesh. Plus, they'll make it so you *never* have to search the gym for theirs again, since they're rarely ever in the same spot. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love these clamps. They're lightweight. I don't notice them at all in my gym bag. Sleek, and easy to put on and off. No more having to share with people at the gym or looking for them when people misplace them." —Aryeh Pekker

Get them from Amazon for $10.98+ (available in five colors and magnetic and non-magnetic styles).

11. A splurge-worthy pair of water-resistant Apple AirPod Gen 4 Pros with a noise cancellation option so you can drown out that one person at the gym who grunts extra loud and constantly slams down the barbell. All you'll hear now is the sweet sound of your fave playlist. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The pair comes with a charging case, and they can answer Siri by simply nodding their head! A single charge provides up to four hours of usage.

Promising review: "I’ve owned several generations of AirPods, and the AirPods 4 are hands down the best yet. The audio quality is noticeably richer, especially the bass and clarity at higher volumes. The Active Noise Cancellation actually surprised me. It blocks out background noise way better than I expected for earbuds, and switching to Transparency Mode feels so natural that I forget I’m even wearing them.

The Adaptive Audio is a real game changer. It automatically adjusts the sound based on what’s going on around me, so I don’t have to keep messing with settings. And the Personalized Spatial Audio makes music and movies feel more immersive, as if the sound is coming from all around, rather than just from my ears. 

They are extremely comfortable, stay in place during workouts, and the battery life easily gets me through the day. Pairing them with my iPhone was instant, like always with Apple. If you’ve been debating upgrading, do it. These are absolutely worth it!" —Karen & Shane

Get them from Amazon for $99+ (available with or without Active Noise Cancellation, and with or without AppleCare+).

12. Or a more affordable, popular pair of wireless Bluetooth earbuds reviewers are calling AirPod alternatives *aaaand* have tons of 5-star ratings. They're cord-free, waterproof, and top-notch quality for a suuuuper reasonable price. Plus, there's a downloadable app that'll let you customize your listening experience. Faaancy. 

www.amazon.com

A single charge provides up to 15 hours of usage.

Promising review: "I was looking for a replacement for my AirPods and decided to give these a go, with very low expectations because of the price. All I can say is WOW. I appreciate a great pair of expensive, high quality headphones in the right settings (Bose etc.), but these are literally the best headphones under $50 I've ever tried —phenomenal sound quality for earbuds. They are also very light and come with a variety of sizes for the part that actually goes in your ear so you will get a great, noise-blocking fit, which in turn only increases the sound quality. What a deal." —DMC

Get them from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in six colors).

13. Orrr a pair of Bluetooth Beats Solo 4 headphones for anyone who's not a fan of earbuds but still wants a wireless way to listen to music. They're compatible with both Apple and Android devices, provide up to 50 hours of battery life on a single charge, can be folded up to easily fit into your gym bag, and have a "Fast Fuel" charging feature, so you can get up to five hours of battery life from a quick 10-minute charge! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I’ve been using the Beats Solo 4 in Cloud Pink for a few weeks now, and they’ve quickly become my go-to headphones for both travel and daily use. The first thing I noticed is how lightweight and comfortable they are — even during long listening sessions, they never feel heavy or tight. The soft ear cushions create a nice seal that helps block out background noise without the need for active noise cancellation.

The sound profile is what you’d expect from Beats — rich bass with plenty of detail across the mids and highs. It’s powerful without being overwhelming, which makes everything from podcasts to pop playlists sound great. They also handle calls really well; voices come through crisp and clear on both ends.

Battery life is another standout feature. Up to 50 hours of playback per charge is impressive; I genuinely only had to plug them in once during two solid weeks of use. Fast Fuel charging is a lifesaver — a quick 10-minute charge easily got me through a long day.

Connectivity has been smooth with both my iPhone and an Android tablet — pairing is quick, and switching devices is seamless. The Cloud Pink color is gorgeous in person: soft, modern, and subtly eye-catching without being too flashy.

Overall: If you’re looking for a balance of style, comfort, and sound performance, the Beats Solo 4 delivers. They combine premium design with everyday practicality, making them a great choice for commuters, students, or anyone who loves music on the go." —Krista Renee

Get them from Amazon for $129.95+ (available in five colors, with AppleCare+, and with a power adapter).

14. ORRRR a pair of more affordable Tozo wireless Bluetooth headphones if you're looking for quality on a budget. They've got four high-sensitivity microphones that continuously adapt to your surroundings, hybrid noise cancellation, and deliver *crystal-clear* voice quality, even when you're in someplace noisy. And the battery life is seriously top-notch — you can get up to 90 hours of continuous listening from a single charge, and up to nine hours of use from a 10-minute charge. They're truly unmatched and suuuuper affordable. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

You can download the Tozo app to customize the sound to your personal perfection.

Promising review: "I have a couple of pairs of Tozo earbudsand have always felt they were really good for the money. These headphones take it to the next level! I was looking for some inexpensive headphones to take on business trips saving wear and tear on my expensive Sony XM5s — I was not expecting greatness, just decent headphones. I was surprised by what I got. These headphones are phenomenal at any cost. The low price point makes them an even more spectacular buy. The sound is the first thing that caught my attention — they're naturally sounding with crisp highs and nice mids and bass. I think I like the sound better than my expensive Sony headphones. They're very comfortable, have innovative speech based control, and fold nicely. These are definite keepers, and in several ways outdo the much more expensive Sony headphones. Strong BUY. You will not be disappointed!" —E. Kaplan

Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in six colors and with or without a case).

15. A sweat-diffusing headband to keep your hair outta your face because nothing's worse than having a curl stuck across your forehead by sweat. And if you wanna go to the gym but don't wanna ruin your silk press or leave-out, throw this on to soak up all the sweat and preserve your beautiful blowout. 

Gymshark

Promising reviews: "This headband lives up to the hype. When I take my hair down, my silk press is not sweated out and lasts! Now I can work out and have my silk presses with no problem!" —Lon

"Came back to buy more! Edges didn't budge, headband didn't move during a 50-minute cardio blast. It is wide, BUT you can fold it if you have a smaller forehead or don't want it to cover as much of your head. So far, it hasn't lost its shape or durability, and it's comfy, too. OHHH, and it keeps my ears warm in the cold!" —Jaz

Get it from Gymshark for $20 (available in two colors).

16. A BrüMate Resa Flip water bottle, their *newest* dishwasher-safe, leakproof water bottle that'll keep your H2O cold for 24+ hours. It's equipped with a cup holder-friendly base, an easy carrying handle, a ColdKey metal straw + covered silicone straw combo to help keep plastic out of your drink, and a swappable sleeveto protect from dents and dings. And best of all, there are tons of colors and patterns to choose from. 

@brumate / Via www.instagram.com

Get it from BrüMate for $37.99+ (available in 19 colors).

17. A pair of weight-lifting gloves, so you can focus on your form rather than how sweaty your palms are. The anti-slip palms are just what you need to help keep your grip strong, while the sponge-y cushion will provide the comfort you've dreamed of. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These were exactly what I needed. My skin started pinching while lifting weights and I was afraid I was developing callouses, so I bought these. They’re super comfortable for weight lifting, breathable, washable, and overall good quality. It comes with a velcro strap on the end that lets you adjust the gloves to your wrist for comfort, too." —Lexx Nichole

Get them from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in sizes S–XL, four colors, and in two-packs).

18. A set of ankle straps to use when you're on the cable machines because you hate putting on the ones at the gym and feeling how damp they are from other people's sweat. They've got comfy, cloud-like cushioning, and they fit securely with an adjustable velcro closure. It'll feel like the best decision you ever made every time you're at the gym. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

DMoose is a small biz that specializes in gym gear.

Promising review: "I recently added the DMoose ankle straps for cable machines to my gym gear, and they have quickly become a favorite. These straps are designed with premium padding, which means no more uncomfortable digging into my skin during workouts. The one-size-fits-all feature works wonderfully, providing a snug and secure fit on my ankles, even through intense exercises.

Whether I’m doing leg extensions, hip abductors, or targeting glutes, these straps hold up well and stay put. The quality is outstanding – durable stitching and strong Velcro make a noticeable difference, especially compared to other brands I've tried. They're compact yet durable, fitting perfectly into my gym bag without adding bulk. For anyone looking to take their lower body workouts to the next level, these DMoose ankle straps are a fantastic investment." —John Kim

Get a pair from Amazon for $19.97 (available in various colors, bundles, and in single-packs).

19. A pair of hooks for your AirPods so they don't slip out of your ear into the abyss to be lost forever. Look, AirPods are not cheap, and losing one is enough to ruin your day, so go right ahead and add these babies to your cart. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are absolutely perfect. I love my AirPods but hated running with them because they always fell out. With these, my AirPods no longer fall out of my ears and stay put. It keeps the sounds quality good and they are very lightweight — I forget that they’re in my ears. Highly recommend if you have trouble keeping your AirPods in your ears." —Kristin

Get them from Amazon for $15.95+ (available in five colors).

20. A daily facial spray that'll help balance skin pH and minimize irritation, redness, and flare-ups. Formulated to mimic the makeup of our bodies, this bad boy delivers ✨hypochlorous acid, ✨ which is found naturally in white blood cells. It'll feel super refreshing on your face after your workout, and can even be spritzed on over makeup!  

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Great for after the gym; makes my skin feel clean after a sweaty workout. I feel like my forehead hasn't collected as much dirt or oil since using this spray after the gym. It's mild, and doesn't sting or irritate my face at all." —Rachel

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack).

21. A pair of unisex cycling shoes reviewers say are Peloton compatible. Keep them in your gym bag for your fave cycling classes, so you'll never have to pay extra for the shoes again. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Listen, I did not want to pay Peloton prices for new shoes. These exceeded my expectations. They make for such a comfortable ride, even over my previous shoes. They are very well constructed and durable. The clasp is ideal for riding. I especially love the quick-release top clasp. They clicked into my pedals seamlessly. I couldn’t be more pleased." —Kim Lacap

Get them from Amazon for $45.60+ (available in women's sizes 6.5–15, men's sizes 4.5–13, and 10 colors).

22. A Batiste sweat-activated dry shampoo that'll help absorb sweat so your freshly straightened hair can last throughout your workout. It also helps neutralize odors for up to 24 hours and helps reduce buildup, so your hair will smell and look fresh. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Yes, yes, and more yes! I have maybe THE SWEATIEST head and hair on the planet. No product I have tried can bring my hair back after doing anything that makes me sweat (which, at my age, is everything). This product works. It literally absorbs sweat, dries it out of your hair, and has a really nice, gentle, non-perfumed smell. Follow the directions for sure, but it works! My sweaty head is saved!!! Also gives you some body back after the sweat takes it out of you." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $8.39+ (available in two sizes).

23. An aluminum-free, lotion-to-powder anti-chafing cream for your uhh...nuts. Sweaty, smelly balls will be a thing of the past cuz this'll help you feel fresh all day long. 

www.amazon.com

Happy Nuts is a small biz that specializes in personal grooming products.

Promising reviews: "This provides relief to the heartbreak of sweating balls all day. Your balls will be cool and dry all day and will thank you for the week to come." —Tech Guy

"I like the smell. A sweatproof product that will last a hot 10-hour shift in hot weather. When I say hot weather, 90 degrees or less, it's an effective product. No chafing, and balls are bone-dry." —Robert Wind

Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (available in three scents, a fragrance-free option, and in multipacks).

24. A Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick because having your sweaty thighs rub together and become irritated wasn't exactly on your workout plan. It's crafted with aloe, pomegranate, and grapeseed oil to moisturize and soothe your skin while also protecting you from chafing. Oh, and if you thought this thing stopped at thighs, you thought wrong. You can use it for your bra lines, armpits, digging waistbands, and blistering feet, too.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Megababe is a woman-owned small biz founded by Katie Sturino, an entrepreneur, body acceptance advocate, and influencer. 

Promising review: "The Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick is an absolute must-have for anyone prone to chafing. I’ve been using this product for a while now, and it has truly been a game changer.

This anti-chafe stick is incredibly effective. The moment you apply it, it creates a smooth, protective barrier on your skin that prevents friction and discomfort. I can now walk, run, and wear skirts or dresses without worrying about painful chafing. The formula is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and comfortable.

One of the things I love most about the Megababe Thigh Rescue is its portability. The stick format makes it easy to apply on the go, and it’s compact enough to fit in my bag for touch-ups throughout the day. Plus, the ingredients are gentle and soothing, which is a big plus for sensitive skin.

Overall, the Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick is a fantastic product that lives up to its promises. It’s a must-have for anyone who experiences chafing and wants a reliable, effective solution. I highly recommend it!" —Eve

Get it from Amazon for $13.97 (also available in a two-pack).

25. A six-pack of microfiber gym towels that are lightweight, absorbent, and dry quickly — basically, everything you could want, but the cherry on top is that they're machine washable. You'll be able to sop up the sweat from your intense workout, and then it'll dry so fast that you won't have to toss a soggy towel in your bag. 

Amazon

Promising review: "These microfiber gym towels are a game-changer for my workouts. They provide ample coverage for wiping down equipment or mopping up sweat. The honeycomb texture not only feels soft against the skin, but also absorbs moisture like a champ. Plus, they dry quickly, so no more soggy towels lurking in my gym bag. One minor gripe: I wish they came in more colors to match my ever-stylish gym attire. Overall, these towels are a must-have addition to any fitness routine.​" —Ddialer

Get a six-pack from Amazon for $17.99 (available in 11 sets in different colors).

26. Some liquid chalk to help keep your grip strong and avoid sweaty, slippery hands. You can easily clip it to your gym bag or throw the bottle in one of the pockets so that you always have this quick-drying, long-lasting, convenient solution handy. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I really like how portable and practical it is to use this chalk. I can keep it in my gym bag without making a mess. I have also immediately raised the amount of weight I can pulldown since starting to use this chalk, as my grip strength is now much less of a limiting factor on the exercise." —Daniel W.

Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in multipacks).

27. A rechargeable electric protein shaker bottle because you hate getting to the bottom of your after-workout snack and finding chunks of powder. A two-hour charge will provide you with a month's worth of use — now that's one heck of a shaker bottle. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This little powerhouse has earned its spot in my gym bag. It has mixed every protein powder and pre-workout I’ve thrown at it with no problem, and I really appreciate that the agitator is separate from the electric base. That small design choice makes cleaning way easier and keeps the whole bottle feeling more practical for daily use. So far, I’ve had no leaks, no clumps, and no complaints. Definitely a solid upgrade over a regular shaker bottle." —Nicholas Buchanan

Get it from Amazon for $23.39+ (available in 18 colors).

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Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.