I’ve never really understood the people who can go to the gym with zero belongings – just their coat and car keys. When I go to the gym, I pretty much bring luggage… however, Kyle’s gym bag is bigger than mine, so I feel slightly better.

As a fitness instructor, we need a lot of supplies with us – our music source(s), microphone belt, batteries (and backups!), water bottle, and towel. When I started to weight train, I tried to keep using the same bag and added the new supplies in… this didn’t last long before I realized two separate bags was probably the way to go.

My instructor bag always has:

• Mic belt
• Bag of batteries (also has hair supplies)
• iPod
• Music kits (for iPod backup – I’m paranoid, but one music failure is enough for me as an instructor)
• iPod cable
• Water bottle & towel
• First aid CPR kit

About once a month I start to think that this bag has gotten excessively heavy and do a clean out… usually with this result:

Just a little backup music? This might be overkill… and a sure sign that I don’t empty my bag enough.

On the other hand, my training bag has totally different items. While everyone has their own necessities when they train, these are my staple items:

• Wireless headphones (and phone)
• Wrist wraps (for chest and arm training)
• Lifting straps (for back training)
• Lifting belt (for leg and back training)
• Water bottle
• Post-workout nutrition (shake, rice cakes, and jam)

I used to wear gloves when I trained, but as I progressed to heavier weight, wrist wraps and lifting straps became necessary and more important so the gloves got tossed. My hands might not look pretty, but the safety of my arms outweighs a few callouses.

This situation makes my days so much easier and I always feel prepared. My stuff is always where it needs to be so I don’t have to search for it, and I know that I’ll have everything I need once I get to the gym. For a paranoid Type A person, stuff like this makes a huge difference – especially as I’m out the door to train or teach around 5am and finding missing items isn’t high on my list of priorities. Just another helpful way to stay on track if you’re finding it difficult to stay organized. The only downside is on days that I need to have both bags with me… then I just look like a bag lady.

On that note, we’re heading to London for the weekend to watch the OPA competition. This means packing lots of bags – luggage, cooler bag, training bag, and my purse.  Now THIS is bag lady status!  We’re looking forward to watching the competition, training at a new gym, and having some usual weekend treats (we’re hooked on Menchies – if you haven’t had it yet, find one and go!). Have a wonderful weekend!

A staple treat on the weekends.