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Pro Prep Diaries: What’s in My Gym Bag?

February 10, 2016 By Chanelle 62 Comments


Since I seem to be in the practice of revealing all my fitness secrets 😉 I thought I’d share what exactly I bring with me to the gym every day! It’s not all that much, but each item serves a specific purpose.

Pro Prep Diaries Gym Bag

Ole’ Faithful backpack from college

Eddie Bauer backpack

I’ve literally had this since my freshman year of college, so it’s been with me for a loooong time. I think it even came to Japan with me a couple of years ago. It is extremely sturdy and easily washed in the washing machine and hung to dry. If this quality is representative of all Eddie Bauer backpacks, I highly recommend the brand!

Combination lock

Brinks lock

I like to keep my stuff in a locker while I work out and I’m too cheap to rent one from the gym. Plus, it’s convenient to have my own lock for when I’m traveling and visiting a new gym.

Funny story: I’ve had this particular lock since college. One time it got stuck on a locker at the campus recreation center and I had to get a rec staffer to try to take it off with bolt cutters. Said staffer was TOTALLY AND OBVIOUSLY hung over from the night before and reeked of booze. Needless to say, he was unable to remove it. (Luckily, I tried again to take it off the normal way after my workout and was successful.) Soooooo that’s why my lock is all jacked up. I will say that makes it easy to pick my locker out? Soooo.

Body lotion

Twilight Woods Body Cream

‘Cuz no one likes to lift with ashy knees and elbows. (Looks like it’s about time to replace mine.)

Weightlifting gloves

Glove Girl G-loves

I use these for two reasons: to give me a little extra grip and to prevent callouses. I wear them on back day only because that’s when I do pulling movements.

Wrist wraps & weightlifting straps

Pro Fitness straps wrist wraps

Wrist wraps (left) and straps (right). I have this set from Amazon.

Wrist wraps: I don’t use wraps very often, but they are useful for supporting wrists during heavy pressing movements like overhead pressing or benching.

Weightlifting straps: These I only use when I’m going to be doing a very heavy pulling movement, like heavy deadlifts, rack pulls, or T-bar rows. They offload much of the pressure from my wrists so that my grip strength doesn’t limit how much I can lift.

Beats headphones

Pink Dr. Dre Beats

THESE ARE EVERYTHING TO ME. My mom got them for me as a Christmas gift a couple of years ago and they’ve been my staple gym accessory ever since. Not only are they cute and pink, but they sound great and block out background noise (like dudes grunting unnecessarily).

Critical Aminos XT and BCAA Capsules

Bodytech aminos BCAA

You might remember that I wrote about these guys in this Pro Prep Diaries post about my supplement sidekicks, so I won’t go on again about how much I love BCAAs.

Competition posing heels

Clear competition heels

I keep these “sexy” stripper heels in my gym bag so if I spy an empty mirrored classroom after my workout I can strap them on and get some posing practice in. I practice posing 3-4 times a week; more if I’m getting close to a competition.

Presentation means everything in bodybuilding. You could have the best physique on stage, but if your posing is bad, you will not do well. We (figure competitors and bikini competitors) wear clear heels because they lengthen your legs without any visual distractions.

Speaking of physiques, here’s my latest week to week comparison. I think I’m looking about the same, but my weight is 0.8 lbs lower.

Pro Prep Diaries 14-13 weeks

So tell me, what’s in YOUR gym bag? 

Psst: You can check out other favorites (that I can’t fit into my gym bag) on my faves page!


Read the rest of the posts in my figure competition prep series here, and follow along with my pro figure competition journey with Instagram hashtag: #proprepdiaries!


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Filed Under: Fitness Tagged With: #proprepdiaries, bodybuilding, gym

About Chanelle

Chanelle is a yogini, techie, millennial, and recovering unsolicited advice-giver. To catch a Chanelle, set a trap containing one or more of the following: sesame tofu, 70s music, memes, kittens.

Comments

  1. Cindy Merrill says

    February 17, 2016 at 8:30 am

    About the Sports Drink powder- a Urologist told me once that artificial dyes (especially the Blue and Green) are very hard on the kidneys. You should look into finding a Sports drink colored by beet, carrot, or other natural food powders.

    Reply
  2. The WoMom says

    February 15, 2016 at 10:15 am

    You are looking great! and those sexy stripper heels tickled me 😀 :D. My gym bag would normally have my weightlifting gloves, extra clothes, towel, and my basic makeup kit.

    Reply
  3. tauyanm says

    February 15, 2016 at 5:59 am

    you look so good wow! i always have my gloves with me as well, and headphones!

    Reply
  4. Shelley says

    February 15, 2016 at 5:26 am

    I love Twilight Woods. yummy. Prolly a weird question but do you have trouble finding clothes to fit or have to get them custom made? I swear if you’re over 5’4″ and a certain build, clothes just aren’t available. I’m tall so it’s always challenging.

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      February 15, 2016 at 10:05 am

      I do have trouble with clothes. I have large legs and butt, but a small waist, so I’ve had a hard time finding jeans. I have good luck at the Limited with the 917s and I also have a pair of Levi’s 535 leggings.

      As for shirts, I can’t really wear anything structured because if I buy something that fits the width of my shoulders and back it will be way too loose on the waist. I stick to loose and flowy silhouettes for the most part. When I had an office job I bought a few of the Ashton dress shirts from the Limited and I do like those.

      Hope this helps!

      Reply
  5. CourtneyLynne says

    February 14, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    Hahaha love the heels!!!! I have friends that do bikini competitions and we always giggle about the stripper shoes lol….

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      February 15, 2016 at 10:06 am

      Lol. It is quite a ridiculous thing to have in my bag!

      Reply
  6. Katarina says

    February 14, 2016 at 12:26 pm

    I have sooo many crazy stuff in my gym bag! I’m terribly girly girly with that one. Way to many useless things occupies my bag, time to clean it a bit.

    Reply
  7. Jasmine Watts says

    February 14, 2016 at 5:54 am

    Awesome! You have everything covered in your bag! My gym bag is lighter than yours!

    Reply
  8. Hannah says

    February 13, 2016 at 9:55 pm

    I love those beats! Theyre so fab in the pink color!

    Reply
  9. Janell @ Saving You Dinero says

    February 13, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    I don’t have a gym bag! When I get a chance to work out I love to exercise outside. You have everything covered in your bag!

    Reply
  10. Kristen from The Road to Domestication says

    February 13, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    Wow!!! My gym bag is significantly lighter than yours! My workout buds wouldn’t know what to do with me in those shoes LOL Awesome!

    Reply
  11. Josh Lippman says

    February 13, 2016 at 11:45 am

    Looks like you are ready for everything…..Perfect collection.

    Reply
  12. Anne | Girl Chasing Sunshine says

    February 13, 2016 at 4:10 am

    Love that super sexy heels! I know you’ll totally rock it, girl!

    Reply
  13. Rosey says

    February 12, 2016 at 6:33 pm

    I like that the Beats are in pink. That way my kids wouldn’t steal ’em. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Crystal says

    February 12, 2016 at 4:11 pm

    Thanks for the sneak peek. Your gym bag seems like it’s got all the essentials, plus some fun extras. I was worried you were going to say you do your workouts in heels. I can barely walk in them.

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      February 15, 2016 at 10:07 am

      Ha! Now that would be a workout.

      Reply
  15. Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says

    February 12, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    I love getting a little glimpse behind the scenes. Thanks for the fun post. I love that you keep your posing heels in your bag – something I never would have thought of (being on the “outside” of the bodybuilding world). I suck…my gym bag is empty.

    Reply
  16. Melissa Bernardo says

    February 12, 2016 at 2:32 pm

    Awesome post! That bag looks brand new! Sad to say, I don’t have a gym bag 🙁

    Reply
  17. Britni says

    February 12, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    I guess I don’t go to the gym as prepared as you! Most the time I just have my phone and water but I think it is a good idea to start carrying a towel and a few other items.

    Reply
  18. Cynthia R says

    February 12, 2016 at 1:42 pm

    I can’t believe your bag has been with you since college, it looks brand new! When I go to the gym, I’ve got a lock, head phones, water bottle and towel.

    Reply
  19. Jeana says

    February 12, 2016 at 1:08 pm

    I didn’t know that’s why they wear clear heels. Very interesting. I also didn’t realize posing was so important.

    Reply
  20. Jeanine says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:56 am

    I’m awful. I don’t have a gym bag at the moment. But I’d like to think I’d have water, a change of clothes and probably my phone and some sort of music contraption in there!

    Reply
  21. Teresa C. says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:47 am

    I don’t need a gym bag because my gym is at home IF I worked out, which this winter I have not. My rowing machine sits in my family room, though, just in case. Being old, I really need not to take time off from exercising since nothing ever springs back in place like it used to.

    You look great and I imagine feel even better. Healthy. We’re not meant to be overweight or non-exercisers.

    Thanks for the inspire.

    Teresa

    Reply
  22. Nicole Escat says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:31 am

    Honestly i don’t have gym bag i usually with phone and water only.

    Reply
  23. Mary Edwards says

    February 12, 2016 at 9:02 am

    My gym bag is pretty bare at the moment. I just keep water, extra clothes, headbands, and a towel in there.

    Reply
  24. mary says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:24 am

    Looking great! I guess ‘m missing some things in my bag. I usually have my headphones, water, and phone…. lol. 🙂

    Reply
  25. Nikki says

    February 12, 2016 at 7:53 am

    Honestly, I don’t have a gym bag, I think, these things are must have, I like your being fitness.

    Reply
  26. Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says

    February 12, 2016 at 3:27 am

    I don’t have a gym bag, but I live by headphones when I’m there. I feel so intimated, they make me feel better, lol.

    Reply
  27. Toni | BoulderLocavore says

    February 12, 2016 at 12:23 am

    You are so sweet Chanelle to imagine I HAVE a gym bag to wonder what’s in it LOL! Can we talk about what’s in my purse instead?! Love that you are taking us on this fascinated journey preparing for your competition! It’s so exciting.

    Reply
  28. Rebecca Swenor says

    February 11, 2016 at 11:44 pm

    These are great essentials for your gym bag. I have not went to a gym in over 20 years. When I was younger I loved lifting weights but I was told I couldn’t anymore because of the surgeries I have had on my arms. Now I just love doing Pilates which I do at home.

    Reply
  29. Carmela Mempin says

    February 11, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    Wow. These is great. I love the stuff on your gym bag 🙂 I had a gym bag too 🙂 Good Luck to your Journey

    Reply
  30. Jeni Hawkins says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:23 pm

    Great stuff in your bag! All I have is a towel, earbuds and iPod, bottled water, apple juice, a banana and my shower kit.

    Reply
  31. Anne P says

    February 11, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    Oh my goodness, you look amazing! I saw the clear heels and it took me a minute to figure out you must be a body builder–or in an exercise pole dancing class! Both are fun, I imagine.

    Reply
  32. Stefanie says

    February 11, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    I don’t have a gym bag to be honest with you BUT I love that lotion.

    Reply
  33. Miles L. says

    February 11, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    I think you have the essential gym items. When I get serious with my workout, I’d love to have these items.

    Reply
  34. Amber NElson says

    February 11, 2016 at 7:45 pm

    I definitely have deodorant, gym clothes, a water bottle and a lock.

    Reply
  35. Esti says

    February 11, 2016 at 6:12 pm

    When at the gym, having what to listen to is very important to me. I would definitely include those headphones in my bag.

    Reply
  36. Samantha Pierce says

    February 11, 2016 at 6:01 pm

    Wow – I don’t have a gym bag but your hard work sure is paying off! Keep it up!

    Reply
  37. Elizabeth O. says

    February 11, 2016 at 5:59 pm

    Who would have thought they’d see heels in a gym bag, right? Mine would include extra clothes, a towel, and a water bottle.

    Reply
  38. Michele says

    February 11, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    Well I do not have a gym bag–hey–I don’t work out or go to a gym anymore! I probably should have had those wrist straps back when I did.

    Reply
  39. Seattle Travel Blogger says

    February 11, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    My husband hits the gym in our household.
    And I know he needs his towel and boxing gloves because he belongs to a group fitness boxing gym.

    Reply
  40. Brandy says

    February 11, 2016 at 4:33 pm

    These look like great things to have in your gym bag! I love that you are so fit!

    Reply
  41. Rebecca B. says

    February 11, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    This is a good reminder that I need to get back to the gym!! I haven’t been in quite a while. You look amazing!!

    Reply
  42. Jenny says

    February 11, 2016 at 3:04 pm

    Your gym bag pretty much looks like mine!! I love to see what other people have in theirs. Mine also has my polar, headphones, and protein drinks.

    Reply
  43. Travel Blogger says

    February 11, 2016 at 1:42 pm

    Wow – you are looking awesome! Great gear in your gym bag. Those headphones look awesome I need a good pair when I work out.

    Reply
  44. Pam says

    February 11, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    I love Beats headphones. They have such great sound quality, and they’re perfect for working out.

    Reply
  45. Paula Schuck says

    February 11, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    I don’t think you look the same at all. I can clearly see more definition in your body this week.

    Reply
  46. Tori Gabriel says

    February 11, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    I love being nosy and seeing what people have in their bags. I love your backpack. I have a backpack I have had for years which I love. I am dreading the day it finally goves up the ghost.

    Reply
  47. Catherine S says

    February 11, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    That backpack sounds great. I could use a new one, I will check this brand out. I usually have ear buds and water in my gym bag.

    Reply
  48. Jaime Nicole says

    February 11, 2016 at 11:58 am

    You can’t get a proper workout without some great tunes, and Beats are the way to go. It looks like you put a lot of thought into your gear – good luck with the upcoming comp!

    Reply
  49. MyTeenGuide says

    February 11, 2016 at 11:07 am

    I love the pink beats! I don’t go to the gym anymore. When I walk, I just bring my belt bag with me and a bottle of water.

    Reply
  50. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:27 am

    I always take headphones to the gym. I need something to keep my motivated when I’m working out.

    Reply
  51. Tammilee Tips says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:13 am

    I usually have ear buds in mine. I didn’t realize they make so many things like that for weight lifting.

    Reply
  52. melisasource says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:10 am

    I learned the hard way that you need a lock in your gym back. All I had was a shirt in my gym locker, and somebody stole it. It wasn’t even that great of a shirt!

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      February 11, 2016 at 10:22 am

      That totally sucks! Sheesh.

      Reply
  53. Heather Johnson says

    February 11, 2016 at 9:43 am

    What’s in my gym bag? Absolutely nothing. My workout is chasing my kids around all day and doing chores. Lifting a laundry basket is my arm workout!

    Reply
  54. Alli says

    February 11, 2016 at 9:02 am

    I’ve taken a peek inside a few blogger’s purses, but this is the first time I’ve seen what’s in a gym bag. And I love it! And I can tell a difference in your pics. You look much leaner in that second photo. You amaze me!

    Reply
  55. Robin Masshole mommy says

    February 11, 2016 at 6:44 am

    I live about two minutes from the gym, so I don’t even bring a bag with me when I go. I just grab my iPod and a bottle of water and that’s all I need.

    Reply
    • Chanelle says

      February 11, 2016 at 10:01 am

      That’s so convenient! Jealous!

      Reply
  56. Adriana says

    February 10, 2016 at 11:14 pm

    Wow! This is awesome! I love those pink beats 🙂

    Reply
    • Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

      February 11, 2016 at 7:26 am

      Ditto. I usually use ear buds, but I am kind of wanting a pair of those now.

      Reply

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