Keeping regular items in your gym bag can alleviate morning stress as you rush out the door to the office. A forgotten snack, hair elastic, or water bottle can easily derail a workout.

Make sure you are never without these gym bag essentials:

• Extra socks

Make sure you don’t go back to the office wearing your nasty sweaty workout socks. Put on a fresh pair. Make your mom proud.

• First aid

Blisters are painful and can become infected. Prevent suffering by always having at least bandages and antibacterial ointment in your bag. Over the counter pain medication for headaches and muscle soreness is ideal to have on hand too, incase you overexert yourself.

• Hair ties / hat / bandana

Keep hair and sweat off that handsome face of yours.

• Recovery snack

A good recovery snack includes simple sugars for fast glycogen replacement, and protein for muscle repair. Try chocolate milk, a protein bar, a protein shake, or fruit with nut butter.

• Water bottle

Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

• Toiletries

Lotion, soap, and deodorant are must haves.

• Sport-specific equipment

Make sure to have your yoga mat, lifting gloves, or cycling shoes so that you are prepared for your class.

Tell us: what do you keep in your your gym bag?