My Gym Bag Essentials

My gym bag is like a bag of tricks. I need to be prepared to workout, shower, get ready and attend a lunch meeting pretty much every day. As a trainer, my day oftentimes goes like this: wake up, walk the puppy, make coffee, eat breakfast, train clients, workout, shower, snack, train more clients and catch up on emails. Obviously being prepared is key.

If I don't wash my face after a workout, my pores get clogged and I end up with a blemish, so having face wipes on hand is imperative. Sometimes I can get my entire workout done in one session (dry shampoo, ya feel me?) and other times I have to break it up into two in between clients (real shampoo). I thought I would share some essentials that I always have in my bag - they make my days a little easier, so maybe they can help you too!

Neutrogena Hydrating Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes: I love these because they smell amazing, are super hydrating and leave my face feeling refreshed. The added hydration calms the redness on my cheeks post workout.

Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner: This stuff is delicious. It leaves my hair hydrated and smelling amazing - my mom introduced me to it, and I always love the way her hair smells, so I was pleased when my hair colorist suggested it.

Passion Planner: Yes, I still use a planner. Each Sunday I write out my schedule for the week, and because this is the greatest planner ever created, I also have allotted space to brainstorm, write out goals for the months ahead, and keep track of positive things that happened each week.

Smith's Rosebud Lip Balm: It glides on your lips like I imagine butter would glide. Only it smells like roses. Enough said.

NARS Tinted Moisturizer: This tinted moisturizer is a game changer. I'm not huge on makeup - I don't love the way it feels on my face and I don't have makeup application skills. It's just not my strong point. But the tint in this moisturizer is subtle enough that it doesn't look like anything full coverage (I like freckles to show through), but provides a little boost so my skin is glowy. Plus, it's super easy to apply with a beauty blender and doesn't come out streaky.

Lollia Shea Butter Hand Cream: I have a fear being dry. Anywhere. Dry eyes, lips, mouth, hands - hate it. I actually have a ritual where I wake up in the middle of the night, take a sip of water, put eye drops in, apply lip balm and hand lotion. This hand cream is the perfect amount of silky without being sticky or too thick. Plus, every scent I have tried is impressive.

Bobble Bottle: One of my clients/friends gave me this bottle. It's great because the water stays cold for 24 hours (not that I would leave water in a bottle for that long. I'm like a damn camel). It's also leak proof so I can toss it in my gym bag and not worry about having a flood.

Jaybird Freedom Wireless Bluetooth Headphones: I love the rose gold color of these - it matches my iPhone. The sound quality is great, but I have yet to figure out how to keep these type of headphones in my ears. Maybe there's something wrong with me, but it's a constant issue.

Almonds: I always keep a pack of raw almonds in my bag. It's an easy snack I can much on while training clients or in the car.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Intensive Lip Balm: Yes I carry around two lip balms in my bag. Sometimes three. What can I say, I like variety. And that thing about me having a fear of being dry is very, very real.

Invisibobble Ponytail Holders: My hair is in a ponytail 75% of the time. My hair colorist showed me these because the regular rubber bands were causing my hair to break off. Because of the design (telephone cord shape), the ponytail stays tight and in place, but doesn't pull or break hair and leaves no kink when you take your hair down.