You won’t know it to look at me, but I’m somewhat of a gym rat (okay, maybe not rat, but perhaps hedgehog? or… hamster?) My daily routine currently involves dropping my kids off at preschool, driving over to the gym for a workout, then perhaps squeezing in one more errand or sitting in the parking lot answering emails like a TOTALLY SANE PERSON. Then it’s time to pick up the kids again, and our day really begins. Notice what’s not in there? Much time for personal hygiene. Or, any time for personal hygiene. Really, stop standing so close to me.
I’m kinda a snoop when it comes to seeing what’s in other people’s bags– not that I peek in people’s bags, but I love segments on t.v. or blogs where people share what’s in their bag or favorite products and whatnot. So I thought you might like to see what a busy mom who “tries” to keep it simple has in her gym bag, so you can either see what helps me get through my day or judge me. Whatevs floats your boat. Especially since I’ve found a new product you’re going to love– trust me!
Here’s my gym bag must-haves:
- reusable water bottle– get one that’s easy to drink while on the move!
- small towel
- headphones
- smartphone
- ponytail holder and headband
- lip balm
- strength training workout plan (from my trainer)
- lock
- Valor essential oil for a total mood booster pre-workout
- Ban Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths (read on, my friend…)
When I agreed to work with Momtrends to spread the word about Ban Total Refresh cooling body cloths, it was purely selfish– I wanted to try these new wipes that promise to instantly make you feel fresh even if you only have 2 minutes to fix yourself up post-workout and pre-preschool pickup. What I didn’t know was that I was signing up for the equivalent of a Cabbage Patch Kid campaign circa 1983 or Frozen Toys campaign circa January 2014. Because guess what? These wipes have proven so popular they’re actually already sold out and selling on eBay. Wahhhhh! But keep your eyes open in the deodorant aisle of drugstores, grocery stores and mass retailers for when they do come back in stock, and then grab ALL THE BAN TOTAL REFRESH they’ll allow.
I’m thinking road trips, hikes, beach bags, poolside— I’m going to need these all summer and beyond. Plus they’re only 3.29 a package, which is AT LEAST what I’d pay for the luxury of a mid-day shower.
I tried them after a recent workout; I was sweating up a storm and didn’t think this one little cloth would cool me down. WRONG. It instantly cooled on contact and I no longer felt sweaty and gross but rather cool and refreshed– plus it smelled delicious. Turns out these cloths instantly remove sweat and 100% of people feel refreshed. That’s 100% of people, people. You can feel 3 times cooler in just one wipe. Trust me, it works!
As for what else is in my bag, the Valor essential oil blend really gives me a boost— I just apply it behind my ears and it puts me in such a great mood. Good headphones are a must, and a smartphone where you can stream Pandora and keep track of your workout via an app or Evernote is always helpful. Plus a lock for the lockers and a towel to wipe down the machines.
You may notice this total germaphobe is missing hand sanitizer, but that’s because I actually use the sinks to wash my hands (see, I do have SOME hygiene, thankyouverymuch). Plus they have it there if I really need it. I also don’t carry money since I can put incidentals on my account, but otherwise it’s nice to have a few dollars should you want to grab a nutrition bar or smoothie.
Truth be told, I don’t even have a fancy gym bag. Feast your eyes on this $10 Walmart special I’ve had for 6 years. Doesn’t matter, it has side pockets and fits our needs and has traveled everywhere from the gym to Disney World to OBX and beyond.
I’m now on a mission to find more Ban Total Refresh cloths, because I’m really going to need them this summer. Now that I’ve felt the magic (er, it’s actually PowderSilk technology from Japan, but let’s call it magic), noting else will suffice!
So dish– what’s in your gym bag? What am I missing?
Compensation was provided by Ban via MomTrends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Ban or Momtrends.
Oh I will def. will give these a try if I see them! Sometimes I just use one of the kid’s baby wipes LOL, but I think this would be better since it is made for ME!
I used to use baby wipes too– wait until you try these, you’ll never go back to regular wipes again!
My gym bag looks very similar! And thanks for the reminder that I am in dire need of some new songs on my ipod.
I want some of those fabulous cloths right this second. I will be on the lookout.
I don’t have a gym bag because I am afraid to go to the gym. I am too fat and totally uncool. I tried going a couple of years ago and I just felt so badly the whole time every time.
It makes me sad to hear that– but I totally understand the feeling. I finally found a gym I love without all the pressure. There’s all types and sizes there. If you have a Retro Fitness in your area check them out– I really love it there!
those sound great! I bet that would feel so good after a run… and then I wouldn’t feel like a total sweaty mess going to pick up my kids.
What a great concept! I’ll start looking for them!
I think you’ve got all of the essentials there!
Cottonelle Bum Wipes. Places are not always good at stocking toilet paper, so they are good to have!
Super smart. I’m in the 4-week-old-baby mode so workouts are only happening in my home gym so I can be there if he is hungry (read:all the time). Must teach baby to take a bottle so I can go back to my pre-baby Bar Method and snack and chat mornings:)
Now, If only they could invent a cloth that would clean my kids (including their hair), that I would pay some serious cash for:)
Jessica
I think you have a million dollar idea, Jessica! The all-in-one baby wipe!!
Oh, how I wish I had those wipes today! I went from my 9 mile run at the refuge in the heat to picking up the kids at 2 different schools without a shower in between. I could smell myself a mile away.
I need to try out that Valor essential oil. I really wish I could come to your party!
If you ever want to meet up somewhere this summer and try out samples let me know– you would LOVE the essential oils, Barb! They’re such a natural way to heal and clean without toxins, too. But Valor is my absolute favorite of them all.
I love your color coordinated gym bag – I love purple 🙂
Great idea – will keep my eye out for them at the store.
what a fun concept cooling wipes. Have to check them out.
I have neve carried cooling cloths! Must add to my bag! Thank you for sharing it!
Those cloths are a great idea! I’ve never thought about essential oils for working out. Good ideas!