Thanks to Joe Wicks [1] and the shift of our favourite gyms and studios to providing digital sessions on Zoom, much of the nation discovered a newfound love of exercising during lockdown [2]. Even if you were a regular gym-goer before COVID 19 hit and want to wave goodbye to home workouts in favour of group exercise classes and gym time, things are looking very different now inside our beloved gyms and studios. There are the obvious temperature checks on arrival, hand=sanitiser stations galore, floor markings to dictate the direction of travel, and no hands-on modifications from instructors. But also gone are the days when all you had to worry about was packing your bulging cosmetics bag of lotions and potions. Since reopening as lockdown restrictions ease, the health and safety of both members and staff is the highest priority inside fitness locations around the country, and gyms and studios are taking a less-is-more approach in regards to what they offer to customers in terms of equipment and amenities.
As gyms and studios open in the UK, studios are urging you to spend the least amount of time inside their changing facilities as possible, with many studios removing all electrical styling equipment and toiletries, or some even closing changing rooms completely, which means you should prepare for any post-gym hair washing at home or bring a mini hair travel kit with you. Opt for some easy-to-pull-on loungewear [3] if you would rather not wear your sweaty spin kit home. There won't be any communal water fountains in use at any studios or gyms, and a limited supply of plastic water bottles for sale, so make sure you invest in a good-quality, reusable water bottle in an eye-catching design. That way, you won't forget to pick it up as you rush out the door. For any type of yoga class in a gym or studio, it is highly recommended that you bring your own yoga mat.
Boutique studios like Barry's Bootcamp [4] request that all customers wear a protective face mask [5] before entering its famous red room and in the reception area, but don't go for one of those ill-fitting versions. There are so many stylish options available now from a host of brands.
Obsessed with Reformer Pilates? For hygeine reasons, pack a pair of grippy barre socks instead of training barefoot. Finally, your favourite travel-sized perfume has been replaced by 2020's must-have accessory: a bottle of hand sanitiser [6].
Boxx Gel Hand Wraps
When it comes to boxing classes, clients are encouraged to bring their own pair of gloves. That being said, if you do need to borrow a pair, you can be rest assured that they'll be sterilised after every class. Hand wraps, on the other hand, are nonnegotiable and are a must if borrowing studio gloves, so make sure to invest in a pair of your own, like the Boxx Gel Hand Wraps [7] (£7).
Lululemon The (Small) Towel
For hygiene reasons, a majority of gyms and studios across the UK won't be handing out complimentary sweat towels for use throughout your session. Why not opt for the Lululemon Absorbent Microfibre Towel [8] (£20), which is perfect for all your gruelling sweat-sessions needs, including for HIIT, hot yoga, and spinning.
Boden Nonmedical Face Coverings
Many boutique studios are advising all members to wear face coverings when in and around the gym area (not when you are physically working out, though). We adore these printed Boden Face Coverings [9] (£20 for a pack of three) that come in a range of patterns and vibrant colours, so you can easily team them with your workout outfit of choice.
Lululemon Align HR Pant 25”
If you don't fancy stepping foot inside communal changing rooms after your workout, then search out the best sweat-wicking leggings possible, like the Lululemon Align HR Pant 25" [10] (£88). Expect moisture-wicking fabric, four-way stretch, a flattering fit, and the softest, most comfortable leggings you've ever slipped on.
Glacce Crystal Elixir Water Bottle
Yes, the Instagram-friendly Glacce Crystal Elixir Water Bottle [11] (£74) is a little bit pricey. However, not only is it eye-catching (making it harder to misplace), but it also has energising crystals inside each bottle to take on the go with you. Plus, with water dispensers out of action inside gyms, it would be rude not to invest in a quality water bottle like this — available in clear quartz, rose quartz, smoky quartz, black obsidian, and amethyst.
This Works Stress Check Clean Hands
Even with so many hand sanitising stations in place throughout gyms and boutique studios, it's still best to have a bottle or two stashed in your bag. This Works Stress Check Clean Hands [12] (£4) is one of our favourites. It contains 70-percent alcohol, pure essential oils of lavender, neroli, and camomile, and hyaluronic acid, which helps keep your hands hydrated even as the formula kills germs.
Pointe Studio Josie Grip Strap Socks
If you are booked for any type of Pilates or barre class, make sure you pack a pair of Pointe Studio Josie Grip Socks [13] (£10) in your gym bag before leaving the house. Fitness studios specialising in barre and Pilates style workouts highly recommend you wear a fresh pair of grippy socks, rather than exercising barefoot.
Soul Cycle Spin Shoes
According to Soul Cycle, "shoes will be rotated so that they're never worn two classes in a row. We'll only rent them out once they're entirely disinfected and dry." If you are a regular spinner, then why not invest in your very own pair of Soul Cycle Spin Shoes [14] (£166) that you'll be able to wear time and time again — and you won't have to worry about somebody else's feet ever being inside them.
With Every Atom Leopard-Print Yoga Mat
This With Every Atom Leopard-Print Yoga Mat [15] (£65) will definitely stand out in a room full of dedicated yogis. It ticks all the boxes for style, eco-friendly design, and affordability, plus it comes complete with antislip technology. It actually likes when you sweat — the sweatier you get, the grippier the mat becomes.
Aesop Vienna Travel Kit
With communal toiletries removed from all changing rooms for the foreseeable future, be sure to pack your own mini kit so you'll look refreshed and radiant by the time you leave the studio. We rate the Aesop Vienna Travel Kit [16] (£55). Inside this well-thought-out kit, you'll discover some of Aesop's skin, hair, and body heroes, such as Germanium Leaf Body Cleanser, Classic Shampoo and Nurturing Conditioner, Fabulous Face Cleanser, and useful additions like toothpaste and mouthwash, all conveniently packed inside a reusable box.
Boden Activewear Lounge Hoodie
This navy hoodie (£60) is easy to pull on after the gym and will look equally as chic on the way home. If the thought of stepping on the underground after a sweaty gym class wearing the same workout kit home is a definite no-go for you, then pack some comfortable loungewear, like Boden's first foray into the world of activewear. This Navy Boden Hoodie [17] (£60, available for preorder) is easy to pull on after the gym and will look equally as chic on the way home.