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On/Rowing Blazers
Best Gym Duffle
Rowing Blazers Duke & Duke Banker Bag
First off, you have to decide on your gym bag obviously. If you want to channel peak prep, this canvas one from Rowing Blazers is a pretty good way to start.
Best Gym Backpack
Nike Utility Speed Training Backpack
Or maybe you're more of a backpack guy, in which case Nike makes a solid one. With a laptop sleeve, cushioned straps, and mesh side for your 32-ounce water bottle, you're good to go.
Best Container for Dirty Clothes
Patagonia Black Hole MLC Cube 12L
You need a packing cube, really. This one from Patagonia is the best you can buy. At max capacity, it's got 12 liters of volume, but the roll top means you can compress it all the way down to about three liters. Toss your sweaty clothes and shoes in here, and they won't contaminate all the rest of your belongings.
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Most Essential Half Zip
Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Midweight Half Zip
A lightweight sweatshirt is a staple that your gym bag needs. You can throw it on before or after your work out, keeping you perfectly temperate in the most breathable of ways.
Most Essential Joggers
Vuori Transit Jogger
Of course you also need some joggers to put on before you leave the gym. Look no further than Vuori for some of the softest on the market.
Best Sweatpants for the Gym
Champion Sweatpants
Now 14% Off
Personally, I thin the coolest thing you can wear to the gym is classic sportswear. I'm talking cotton sweatpants. If you're cutting weight, wear a full Champion sweatsuit. If you're trying to show off the thighs, cut the sweatpants into shorts. Get freaky with it!
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Best Packable Running Shoes
On Running Cloudnova Form
If you're not lifting heavy, or sticking to HIIT and machine work, running shoes are preferable. On Running is everywhere at the moment because the shoes are so damn good. The Cloudnova Form is a nice little cross-trainer.
Best Shoes for Lifting
Converse Chuck Taylor
Now 17% Off
Anything that involves a squat, deadlift, or Olympic movement really should not be done in running shoes. If you're serious about Lifting, get a pair of weightlifting shoes. If you only lift sometimes, just get a pair of flat tennis shoes.
Loved by lifters for decades, the humble Chuck Taylor will always be the best shoe for lifting. They're flat and thin, which keeps you connected to ground and engages the tendons from your toes upward.
Best Lifting Tee
Yeah, I Work Out Big Boy Club Cropped Tee
Part of the non-technical workout look is a great graphic tee. Keep it freaky and funny with gear from one of the best brands of the moment: Yeah, I Work Out. It's all inspired by 80s Muscle Beach-type lifting culture. The stuff looks insane, and that's kind of the point. Have a sense of humor. Lighten up a bit.
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The Best Fitness Flex
Equinox Tube Sock 2-Pack
Do I make enough to afford an Equinox membership? Absolutely not. But, I can wear these socks to my shitty neighborhood gym, and everyone gets a little laugh out of it at my expense.
Best Water Bottle for the Gym
YETI Rambler 26 oz Bottle
You don't need a gallon of water at the gym, and you look like a freak with that big ass jug. All you need is between 20 and 32 ounces, so this YETI bottle sits squarely within that range.
Best Gym Towels
The Rag Company Sport Towel, 3-Pack
If you pay for a nice gym, they'll provide you with towels. If the operation is a little more barebones, you might need to bring your own.
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Best Small Massage Gun
Theragun Mini
A percussive massager that barely takes up space in your packed gym bag—everyone could use one of these.
For the Big Lifter
Arc'teryx Ion Chalk Bag
Lifting heavy? Doing a shit ton of pull ups? Your grip is always the first thing to go. Instead of going full turbo with wrist straps, use some chalk. It'll keep the friction while still making your forearms work.
(Make sure your gym is OK with chalk. Or, ask if they provide it.)
Best Gym Headphones
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Now 24% Off
According to Ashayer, headphones are a must "especially for those longer cardio workouts. I either have a motivational podcast on or I’m listening to one my class playlists to get me pumped up and in the zone."
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Best Fitness Tracker
Whoop 4.0 Health and Fitness Tracker
Make sure you have a fitness tracker, like this one from Whoop. If you're more of the watch type, we've also got the best sports watches for you to choose from.
Best Pre Workout
Liquid I.V. Hydration + Energy Multiplier
Nobody really needs pre-workout, but if you like that little kick before a session, the new energy Liquid I.V. is great. These things pair caffeine with hydration for the perfect less-intense pre-workout supplement. Though, the caffeine is about equivalent to a cup of coffee, so be strategic about when you use it.
Most Hydrating Essential
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
Liquid I.V. just released its new flavor Strawberry Lemonade, which will hydrate you like never before. Sip it before and after your workout.
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Easiest Lotion to Pack
Nécessaire The Body Cream
Your hands get fucked up in the gym, and the complimentary shower gel probably isn't incredibly hydrating. Give your skin what it needs before you head home. Conveniently, this Nécessaire cream comes in a packable little tin.
Most Essential Product
Salt & Stone x OV Deodorant Formula No. 1
Yeah, you're going to smell, there's no way around it. This deodorant is going to come in handy, keeping you odor protected for 24 hours.
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