Do you have an empty sports bag staring you in the face? Fill it with gym essentials and carry the basics with you wherever you go! Your gym bag should be your fitness “bag of tricks.” Although every gym bag is unique and will probably reflect the personality of the person who carries it, you should however have a few essentials.Whether you’re just starting out or have been in battle for years, you’ll benefit from a well organised and stocked bag.

Above are my go-to gym essentials. If you know me or have ever spotted me in the gym then you are unlikely to see me in there without these items.

Headphones: For me, music in the gym is imperative. In fact I find it so essential I wrote a blog post about it!

Water: Every knows how important it is to stay hydrated in the gym!

Chalk bag: Personally I don’t use gym gloves, I have in the past but I find I get far more grip using chalk instead. I guess there’s a reason why Olympians use chalk. Plus if you’ve ever used gloves you’ll know how smelly they get after a few gym sessions!

Pre workout: After a long day at work, pre workout is essential for me before the gym. Have a read of my pre workout blog post to find out about some of my favourites.

Face products: I work in the City of London so for me the Clinique City Block Purifying is a must, as well as my favourite moisturiser from Neals Yard. These products work wonders for cleaning away the days sweat, especially after a hard cardio session.

Hair products: I have used Vo5 since I was a kid at school and I love the stuff. I’m currently growing my hair so I use the reWork Putty for styling but I also combine it with the mattClay. This gives a stronger hold. Finally when I need to wash these products out I use Molton Brown Purifying Shampoo. I love Molton Brown and their travel size bottles are perfect for taking to the gym.

Shower Gel: Have you heard about or use L’Oreal’s new mens range? No? Then get yourself down to the shops now and buy, buy, buy! I have used this stuff for a few weeks now and I absolutely love it. It feels like you’re showing with deep freeze! It’s aim is to make your body feel like it is at -4 degrees which can help relive aches/pains and muscle issues.

Deep Freeze: Talking of deep freeze, a lot of you would probably have heard of deep heat. However,  Deep freeze is designed for post workout muscle pain relief and I swear by the stuff. If you have just completed a heavy shoulder day nothing beats being able to put this stuff on let it do its magic.

Deodorant: Deodorant at the gym is essential, if you don’t think so than you are most likely reading this post alone! There is nothing cool about smelling grim at the gym. I use L’Oreal’s new Thermic Resistance deodorant which I find is a great all round product to prevent you from smelling even after the toughest of cardio workouts.

Aftershave: Finally I have my aftershave, nothing beats smelling nice so this makes my bag each time.

Multivitamin: Need the best all round multivitamin for health and vitality? Then join me in taking Wellman. This for me is the best all rounder supplement you get buy off the shelf.

Protein Bars: What gym bag could possibly be complete with out one or two of these bad boys in there? Personally I like to support smaller brands so I often buy the Grenade protein bars. 26g per bar and super tasty too.

What gym essentials do you have in your sports bag?