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There's no time like the present to get stocked up on essentials for going back to the gym. Whether you have new fitness goals for 2023 or are already an avid gym fan - there's no time quite like the present to get your equipment in order.
Be it your first or your fiftieth time, there's no shortage of gear that you can pick up to improve and enhance your gym performance and experience - and depending on your level of expertise, some pieces may prove more valuable than others.
To save you hours of research and endless scrolling, here are the best gym essentials to add to your gym bag for both casual gymgoers and seasoned veterans.
Shop: 19 essentials for the gym
BEGINNER
If you are a newcomer to hitting the treadmill or picking up the weights, it helps to have a host of these useful items at hand to ensure you make a smooth start to life at the gym.
ADORIC Sports Water Bottle
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ADORIC This handy 1-litre water bottle from ADORIC, available in 10 colours, will prevent the need to make endless trips to the water fountain. With a lightweight, compact, nonslip, and easy-to-hold groove design, it's perfect for any workout session.
Warrior Protein Shaker Bottle
WarriorEnsuring that your fluids don't run dry is half the game, but it's picking out what's best to keep up your protein intake that's just as vital too. This 600ml-protein shaker from Warrior favours a mix-ball approach over the common mesh whisk found elsewhere, giving it a more thorough and effective edge over its rivals with its methodical approach.
Grenade Carb Killa Protein Bars
Grenade A protein bar is a great replacement if you're pressed for time and can't make a protein shake to rejuvenate those sore muscles. Grenade's recognisable brand is one of the best on the market. This selection box offers a comprehensive taster for the array of flavours available- from delicious white choc chip cookie to mouth-watering fudge brownie.
TOZO T10 Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds
TOZO Some may prefer the background sound of their fellow gymgoers, but for many, blocking out the noise helps them keep their rhythm. These earphones from TOZO come with a nano-protective coating and wireless Bluetooth functionality, meaning nothing is getting in the way of your exercise. Coming in at just under £20, they're a well-priced option too.
Under Armour Undeniable Sackpack 2.0
Under ArmourThis bag is perfect for you if you're a casual gymgoer who only takes the essentials when attending the gym. Quit juggling your wallet, phone, water bottle and various other accessories with this portable drawstring bag. Its sleek design has three different compartments and a practical concealed zip pocket to store valuables.
Get it from Under Armour for £17.97
Under Armour Streaker Run T-Shirt
Under Armour Don't get caught out when it comes to your attire at the gym - some materials will only weigh you down, even if they may feel light to the touch. This short-sleeve tee has a micro thread fabric that wicks away sweat and ultra-light mesh panels to help ventilation. Throw on some reflective details, and this is great for runners on dark evenings.
Get it from Under Armour for £31.00
Under Armour Men's Challenger Training Pants
Under ArmourLike the Under Armour top, these lightweight joggers are ideal for running as they employ the same material, which wicks away sweat and dries almost instantly. They are perfectly stretchy, allowing maximum flexibility for exercises such as squats. They are slim, fashionable, and tremendously comfortable, making them ideal for working out or lounging.
Get it from Under Armour for £36.00
Under Armour Women's HeatGear® Racer Tank
Under ArmourFor women, Under Armour's HeatGear range functions as an effective base layer for workout sessions - alone, this makes a pretty sturdy option for gym sessions, consisting of a super-soft pin-hole mesh that provides breathability without excess fabric to be concerned about.
Get it from Under Armour for £23.00
Under Armour Women's HeatGear® Ankle Leggings
Under ArmourMatch up that tank with these high-waisted leggings that mould around your body's dimensions as a baselayer once more or as a suitably effective workout piece on its own. That HeatGear design provides a chafe-free experience - something that every seasoned gymgoer will tell you cannot be taken for granted.
Get it from Under Armour for £36.00
Under Armour HeatGear® Lo Cut Socks - 3 Pack
Under ArmourIf you need to complete your outfit, these socks are hemmed low with a dynamic arch to offer extra support to both foot and ankle during sessions - the perfect unisex finishing touch. They come with a cushioned lining, which will help provide extra comfort and eliminate the potential for footwear irritation.
Get it from Under Armour for £9.00
Nike Revolution 6 Next Nature
NikeIt's always good if you can hit the ground running without any complications, and in the shape of the Revolution 6, this Nike effort will ensure that you don't miss a step. Sophisticated to the touch, with a soft foam structure and a reinforced heel, it's a perfect piece for beginners and won't let veterans down either.
Reebok Flexagon Energy 3
ReebokThe Flexagon Energy 3 offers a high-quality shoe ready to take to the treadmill and the mats with little fuss or hassle. A zigzag tread design helps combat less-than-hospitable terrain, and the meshed upper allows for greater ventilation, resulting in a breathable, cool shoe that will be much appreciated during the summer months.
Get it from Sports Direct for £34.99
ADVANCED
If you are an avid gymgoer or perhaps want to up your game, you most likely already have the basics. However, plenty of accessories are available to take your workout to the next level. These are slightly more niche products, from health watches to wrist supports to suit serious health enthusiasts.
Under Armour Undeniable Duffle 4.0
Under Armour Carrying your kit around requires something that can take the wear and tear of repeated trips and provide plenty of space. This medium-sized duffle bag from Under Armour will do the trick nicely. Packed in a highly water-resistant finish - it's as effective as a statement piece as it is a handy carry-all.
Get it from Under Armour for £17.97
Fitbit Charge 5
Fitbit One of the most advanced cutting-edge pieces of kit for anyone who wants to monitor their workouts closely, the Fitbit offers a world of analysis at your fingertips to help improve gym performance. It can even tell your mood and stress levels by measuring your vitals - not a bad trick for a device that fits neatly on your wrist.
AQF Power Weightlifting Wrist Wraps
AQFWeightlifting will help build muscle strength across much of the body, but it's also vital not to put too much strain on your joints. These wraps neatly fit around the waist to provide additional support and resistance when in action - their compact design ensures that they are mostly without complication.
AVIDDA Knee Support
AVIDDA Much like with the wrists, ensuring you've got full support for the knee joints is vital. This knee support from AVIDDA helps take care of one of your most crucial lower body fixtures, bringing compression into the equation to ensure that you can withstand strenuous exercises that may otherwise lead to lasting pain and damage.
VITTO Compression Arm Sleeve
VITTO Complete the set and get some elbow support with this compression arm sleeve, designed to help take the strain off upper body exercises. VITTO's design is recommended to aid in combatting tendonitis and provides complete coverage of the joint to help reduce any likelihood of injury, no matter the activity.
RDX Weightlifting Belt
RDX Top off your collection of stress-aid equipment with this weightlifting belt, perfect to help absorb pressure on the lower back during compound exercises. Its leather structure will help give you sturdiness while providing a long-lasting item, and it could be crucial to staving off any muscle trauma from taking too much on at once.
Get it from Amazon for £22.99 to £23.99
Anker Soundcore A1 Bluetooth Earbuds
Anker If music is your match made in heaven for the gym, then the last thing you'll want is something that will cause you trouble mid-exercise. Helpfully, these earbuds from Anker play for up to nine hours off a single charge and fit snugly in your ear without worrying about losing them on the mats. They also offer three different sound modes - perfect for picking between bass-heavy beats and clearer sounds for an audiobook.