What’s in a personal trainer’s gym bag? The best gym essentials for working out

As the ancient proverb goes, the content of a person’s bag is the window to their soul… or something to that effect.

This time of year is the most popular for joining a gym – more so, even, than Food Coma Month (otherwise known as January) – and the race is on to snap into holiday shape.

The road to rock hard abs and chiselled biceps is a long one and whether you’re the over – prepared or under - equipped type, figuring out what you actually need to take to a workout is no simple task. It’s at times like these when professional help is needed.

Thanks to SportsShoes.com, who decided to have a rummage through the belongings of various personal trainers, we now have the answer.

Here’s what we found out.

Niki Bird

A member of the England women’s touch rugby team, Niki is a London based personal trainer specialising in fascial stretch therapy.

The bag: My number one essential item is the bag itself, I carry a Chrome waterproof backpack. It's compact, keeps my important stuff dry and looks smart too.

Spare kit: A spare change of trainers, jacket, training top and my trusty compression tights are there for when I want to squeeze a workout in between clients.

Resistance bands: I always carry some big and mini resistance bands as they're one of the most versatile and easiest pieces of equipment you can take anywhere. In addition, I take a hockey or tennis ball for trigger point release.

Recovery: Some recovery muscle spray is essential to always keep my muscles feeling as fresh as possible.

Essential snacking: Snacks!! I always have to have some in my bag. Two of my on-the-go favourites are Squirrel Sisters bars and FitBites UK energy balls.

Staying moisturised: As I’m inside and outdoors constantly, lip balm and hand cream are my life savers.

A touch of tech & traditional: Finally, I’m all for new tech, so my MacBook Air comes everywhere with me so I can work on the go as well. However, I’m still old school at heart and always carry a paperback diary/notebook and pen too.

Follow @itsnikibird

Alex Crockford

Fitness model Alex is a qualified personal trainer, but now spends his time running his Crockfit programme. His Instagram account is a one-stop-shop for achievable workout ideas and guidance on the best way to perform simple exercises.

Pre-Workout Protein: BCAAS not only gives me some energy for whatever tough workout lies ahead, but it also supports my muscles during the session.

Shaker Bottle: This goes without saying - a bottle is needed to mix the BCAAS but to also re-fill continuously with water to keep hydration on top form.

Spikey ball: When I begin my session I always do some soft tissue/muscle massage and release, whether that is with a foam roller or with my trusty spikey ball.

Resistance band: This band follows me everywhere, just in case the gym doesn't have one. I use it mainly for glute activation before a workout, stretching my hamstrings or providing assistance during pull ups.

Headphones: Often I need an extra boost from some motivational music to get me in the zone. Earphones are a must.

Camera & tripod: Lastly, my life is all about creating content and showing everyone workouts and fitness tips, so where would I be without my camera and tripod?!

Follow @alexcrockford

Jamie Lloyd

Health and fitness coach Jamie works with people looking to overcome seemingly impossible challenges. Also a trained massage therapist, he’s worked with clients including Winnie Harlow and been featured in magazines such as Women’s Health and Men’s Fitness.

A baseball: My most essential item - a baseball. It’s easy to carry around every day and is especially great for doing self- Myofascial release or self-massage before a brutal session at the gym. There’s nothing like it to get the kinks out.

Magnesium oil: Essential if you want to recover fast! After having a shower, I spray magnesium oil on my legs and arms to help my muscles recover and relax. It's the first thing I prescribe to my clients to help them to stop aching.

Whole Earth Protein Balls: Very tasty these protein balls are great for that post workout snack to replenish glycogen stores.

Amino acids: I always have my bottle of amino acids ready before hitting the gym. It's like taking a double espresso and gets me through those dreaded HIIT sessions - especially when you think you don't have enough gas! I can't live without them!

Resistance band: Again, I use a resistance band to prep the body up before any session. Great for mobilising the joints and firing up the muscles before the main event.

Smartphone: A modern essential with so many uses. In the gym, I record weights lifted and write down my goals and all the sessions I've done. I always ensure its fully charged to get me through those tough sessions.

Follow @jamielloydfitness

Aimee Victoria Long

An instructor at PaolasBodyBarre, PT Aimee’s Instagram is filled with dreamy workout gear, easy at- home workouts and some of the best smoothie bowls we’ve ever seen.

Skincare: I am obsessed with skincare so I have to carry all my products around to reapply after a sweat - sesh.

Dental care: My toothbrush and mouthwash have to come along for the ride.

Hair care: I never bring shampoo or body wash, in the hope that the places I go to provide me with those necessities, but will carry around dry shampoo just in case. Plus, it saves so much time.

Perfume: I keep my favourite perfume, Vitkor & Rolph, in my bag, to spray throughout the day, it helps mask the smell of a sweaty PT on the go!

Staying connected: I also work in marketing, so it’s a must to carry my laptop, charger and my note book. Maybe I could ditch the notebook and make my bag lighter, but I like to actually physically write things down and cross items off of my to do list once they have been completed!

Extra kit: It’s a must to have a change of gym clothes - so an extra sports bra, top, leggings, underwear, socks are all in the bag as well.

Follow @aimeevictorialong