questions for those that get ready at work or the gym

[ijack]

Any tips? I started working out before work yesterday (and today I'm trying a class at 9am) and managed to remember most of what I needed. But it felt very disjointed and I know I can make it smoother. Any products you love or "hacks" that you have that make the whole thing smoother and easier?

[pixy0stix]

I would pack my bag at night. Inside my bag I would have duplicate items of what I had at home (deodorant, makeup, etc.) and just keep it in there so I wasn't constantly having to remember to toss my stuff back into the bag.

[ijack]

Feb 25, 2015 10:18:24 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

I would pack my bag at night. Inside my bag I would have duplicate items of what I had at home (deodorant, makeup, etc.) and just keep it in there so I wasn't constantly having to remember to toss my stuff back into the bag.

like the towel I forgot today? whoops :/

[mrshandy]

Yep, definitely pack duplicates of what you need. It's definitely odd the first time. I ran during my lunch hour for the first time in forever and it took a while to remember everything and get oriented. Then I left my backpack on the commuter train on the way home! I'm hoping I will get it back. It had my Garmin, running shoes, clothes, iPod in it.

You'll find your rhythm once you do it a billion times.

[emilyinchile]

A gym friend leaves her bag at the gym in a locker...not sure if that's an option, but it would be similar to what pixy's saying of always having your bag packed with duplicates. Because it's an every day thing, she has the full range of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash, hair styling tools, etc. rather than just taking the bare essentials like I've done the very few times I've gone somewhere straight from the gym.

[sitnspin]

Yes, duplicates and packing the night before are the key to success!!

[gt7301b]

Another night time packer signing in. When I worked out in the morning regularly I kept a spare outfit in my desk just incase.

[arch01]

Night time packer, signing in. I swam before work this morning-the first time in forever. It took awhile to pack my bag last night and get the duplicates in, but it was nice to just grab it and go this morning.

[irene adler]

I always include an emergency pair of underwear in my bag. That is what I am most likely to forget.

[ktzmoh]

Yes - ditto all who said pack everything at night and get yourself duplicates of your makeup, shower stuff etc. If you can rent a locker at the gym or find a spot in your office to store stuff, I would also highly recommend a backup bag with essentials. In my backup bag, I have a hairbrush, those body wipes, dry shampoo, underwear and a bralette. That bag just stays put until I forget something.

I just leave my towel, flip flops, makeup bag, brushes, hair brush, and shower stuff in my locker. Obviously I take my towel home to wash it, but mostly stuff just stays there so that all I have to remember is my work clothes. I dress for my workout before I leave the house, and pack my bag with my work clothes. Everything else is in my locker already.

[wambam]

Okay, serious question - how big does your gym bag have to be for this? Between my lifting shoes, CF shoes, clothes, and other gear, I am already full. Then put shower items AND a towel? I would need a car-sized bag.

[ijack]

I have a big lands end tote. But I only have one pair of shoes, makeup, a towel, a change of clothes, curling iron, and brush.

[ktzmoh]

Feb 25, 2015 12:25:10 GMT -5 wambam said:

Okay, serious question - how big does your gym bag have to be for this? Between my lifting shoes, CF shoes, clothes, and other gear, I am already full. Then put shower items AND a towel? I would need a car-sized bag.

 I don't use fancy lifting shoes or CF shoes (lol because I suck at lifting and don't CF), but on days when I need to run and then swim later, my bag (regular canvas tote bag) does get fairly full with the swim stuff. That's why it really helps to leave the shower and makeup stuff in my locker.

[breezy8407]

I work out over lunch, so I am re-getting ready.

I usually pack mine the night before. My gym has towels and soap/shampoo, so I don't need those. (I know a lot of people still bring their own but I don't care for my second shower of the day.) I never wash my hair because it's curly and if I am really sweaty I will blow dry it a bit.

I have duplicates of my makeup and deodorant that stay in that bag. I use a travel sized hairspray.

[Wines Not Whines]

I have duplicates of almost everything, and I leave a fully packed gym bag in my office at work, so I'm not carrying it back and forth every day. I also set out my workout and work clothes the night before.

[InBetweenDays]

I always pack my bag the night before (so I don't forget anything and also so I don't have to turn on the light and wake H). I basically have my travel set of toiletries and a duplicate bag of makeup. Although I still forget things - last week I forgot socks

[spunkypenguin]

Like everyone else, I have duplicates (and some extra stuff that I don't necessarily use every day) that I keep in my bag. When I get home, I take the dirty gym clothes out and put my next day's work clothes in. Forgetting things still happens sometimes, but it's become pretty routine now.

[spunkypenguin]

Feb 25, 2015 12:25:10 GMT -5 wambam said:

Okay, serious question - how big does your gym bag have to be for this? Between my lifting shoes, CF shoes, clothes, and other gear, I am already full. Then put shower items AND a towel? I would need a car-sized bag.

I have a normal sized duffle bag.  A big pocket on each end and little pocket in front.  I keep toiletries in one end pocket and flip-flops in the other.  Hair ties and other little stuff in the front pocket.  Ipod, etc goes in a little side pocket.  I am fortunate that my gym provides towels, so I don't have to pack that.  In the summer, there is plenty of room in my bag - when I pack boots, it can be a little hefty.

[andrealynn]

I take a big gym back to work on Monday with workout clothes for the whole week. I also do the duplicates of toiletries.