Sometimes, staying bold and confident during a workout can come down to the items you pack in your gym bag. We've partnered with Tangle Teezer to reveal what three editors keep on-hand as they strive towards their fitness goals.
From a work tote to a makeup pouch, a girl's gotta have her must haves close by at all times. The same goes for her gym bag. Whether it's filled with trainers or Spin shoes (or both), extra socks, or a handful of beauty essentials, everyone has their own way of curating a gym bag — including our editors. Ahead, we tapped three of them to do a virtual bag spill, sharing the products they always have packed and why. From fitness, to wellness, to post-workout beauty necessitites, keep scrolling to read their picks.
Maria Valdez, Lead Editor
Not only does lead POPSUGAR editor Maria Valdez love to sweat in solo workouts, but she loves to teach them, too! As a part-time Zumba instructor, her gym bag must haves help keep her feeling fresh before, during, and after a workout. The star product in her gym bag, a neon pink Tangle Teezer x Puma Compact Styler detangling hairbrush, is her secret to looking great before and after class. The neon shade pairs perfectly with her love of bold workout gear and prints. Plus, the two types of patented teeth — long ones to detangle from the root down and short ones for softness, shine, and removing tangles — are shielded from dust and dirt by a handy protective cover, making it easy to slip into your gym bag when you're on the move.
A detangling hairbrush: "I teach dance fitness classes at the gym and I love how it feels to dance with your hair down. I feel free, fierce, and sexy. Having said that, I sweat like a beast and by the end of the class and many hair flips later, it's impossible to run my fingers through my hair to fix it. I needed a good hairbrush that wouldn't pull or break my hair, and when I found the Tangle Teezer x Puma Compact Styler detangling hairbrush I felt confident that I could brush out my hair even when its sweaty and at its worse."
Towel: "Because of the excessive sweating — my classes are very high intensity — I need a towel, or else I'll end up swimming in a puddle of my own sweat."
Deodorant: "In addition to a towel, I obviously need a good deodorant that will keep any unwanted smells away."
Aviel Kanter, Senior Native Editor
An avid yogi and regular gym-goer, senior native editor Aviel Kanter has discovered a trifecta of essentials that help her stay prepared for any workout.
Oil cleanser: "A major pet peeve of mine is working out in makeup. Since I usually go to yoga or Pilates after work, I always bring a little container of oil cleanser with me and wash off my mascara so I can let the sweat clear out my pores sans makeup!"
Mini deodorant: "I'm really not a morning person — half the time I run out the door without remembering to grab my sunglasses (or wallet, or subway card, etc.) or put on deodorant. I always make sure to carry some with me so I don't become known as the stinky girl in yoga class."
Headphones: "Even if I'm taking a class rather than working out on my own, I like to spend the first few minutes before we start listening to music that gets me in the right headspace. Plus, it tunes out the chatter of other people so I can get focused."
Kathleen Harper, Associate Native Editor
Whether she's going on a morning run or taking a group fitness class after work, there are a few things associate native editor Kathleen Harper needs to have on hand.
Extra hair ties: "If my hair isn't tied up in a tight top knot during a workout, I can't focus! I don't like it to budge and I need it all the way back so I don't get distracted (this takes me two hair ties to accomplish). I probably have at least nine hair ties in my gym bag at all times. They're easy to lose and they're constantly stretching out or breaking, so I always make sure to carry a few backups and then some."
Water bottle: "Keeping hydrated during a sweat sesh is super important so I always make sure I have a full water bottle at the beginning of every workout. My go-to is a sleek stainless steel version in black. It easily fits in my gym bag and isn't too bulky to carry around with me if I'm going from machine to machine."
Mini face wash: "I keep mini bottles of face wash in my gym bag at all times. Even though my gym provides face wash, I like to bring my own because I have sensitive skin. The size of a mini bottle is so convenient too. Even if I don't have time to fully shower after working out, I at least wash my face! It's an easy way to feel refreshed and to keep facial flare-ups at bay."
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