A Workout Towel As we’re going to talk about more in a few, a workout towel is necessary to keep your sweat from flying all over the place and drenching the machines. Bring a small towel that you can use to wipe things down. This doesn’t have to be a Nike emblem, dedicated workout towel. If you need to, bring a kitchen hand towel or even a regular towel if you sweat like a champion. Just bring something as most gyms now require it. Clean Clothes Yes, you are going to get sweaty and probably stinky at the gym if you’re doing it right. This does not mean that it’s okay to show up in clothes that look like you already got the job done. You don’t have to show up in pressed and ironed clothes, but you need to show up in clothes that are at least on a friendship level with the washing machine. A Water Source Hydrate!!! Any of our military friends out there have probably heard that one a time or two (million). Staying hydrated is important, and it becomes a lot easier to remember to do when you have your own water bottle or sports drink with you. Gyms will usually have a water fountain, and you won’t be turned away if you don’t bring one, but if you want to look like you know what you’re doing, show up with a water bottle. It also helps you not have to leave your machine in between sets. In a crazy beginning of the year gym climate, you might come back and find your machine taken over by someone else which means you have to do the most awkward thing ever at the gym – talk to other people. We are kidding…sort of. Just bring a water bottle. Proper Shoes Here’s a fun experiment that you should not do. Put a flip-flop on one foot and an athletic shoe on the other. Drop a 25 lb weight on each foot. Which hurts more? We’ll save you the trouble and tell you it’s the one with the flip-flop. You don’t have to go out and spend a million dollars on athletic shoes, but at least wear something with a closed toe. This is going to protect your feet and can also help with your form and protecting your body in other ways. Weightlifting? Get a pair of Chucks. Running? Get running shoes. Only showing up to ogle the hunks and babes? Flip-flops are fine. A Clean and Healthy You This is the same reason that you’re going to be showing up to the gym with clean clothes on. It’s disrespectful to show up at the gym smelling like garbage. It can also be dangerous if you happen to show up and you’re sick. You’re going to spread that to everyone else and get the whole gym sick. If you’re a complete tool and don’t care about anyone but yourself, go for it! If you have a shred of decency, though, stay home if you’re not healthy. A Bomb Diggity Attitude Wooooooooo! Look, we know the gym is an escape and a release for a lot of people. It’s okay to show up angry and get the lead out. What is not okay is showing up and being rude or mean or disrespectful to other patrons of the gym. Show some class and take that rage out on the machine.
