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A well-stocked gym bag is a comfort and a delight. Your gym bag is probably missing a few things that would make your life easier, though,so here are a few items you can currently pick up for $25 or less.
Micro plates
In most gyms, 2.5-pound plates are the smallest ones available. That means you have to increase your barbell’s weight by 5 pounds at a time, minimum. Many beginners and smaller people will have an easier time training if they can load the bar in smaller increments, which is why I think it’s a brilliant idea to bring your own micro plates to the gym.
This 1.25-pound pair is $12.75, normally $14.99, so you can go up in weight by 2.5 pounds at a time—for example, increasing your 50-pound overhead press to 52.5 pounds. If you’d like to get even more granular, this set includes plates that are smaller still, allowing total increases of 2 pounds, 1.25 pounds, one pound, or even half a pound. (Do I think a half-pound increment is useful for training? No. Would I use those tiny plates if I needed them to eke out a PR? I’d definitely consider it.)
First aid kit
It’s nice to have a few band-aids on hand if you tear a callus on your hand or scrape your shin on a barbell’s knurling. I always carry a few first aid supplies, and this pocket sized kit has bandages and antiseptic wipes plus some handy extras like safety pins, scissors, and tweezers, all for $8.
Packing cubes
If you carry a change of clothes to the gym, and your gym bag doesn’t have a special compartment for them, you need a packing cube or two. The same goes for a shoe bag, to keep your gym shoes clean. It’s hard to buy just one packing cube, but I’d like to recommend this set for $19.99 that includes four cubes of different sizes, plus a shoe bag.
Straps
Straps are helpful for gripping a bar during deadlifts or other pulling exercises like rows—and no, it’s not “cheating” to use them. Straps allow you to continue working your legs and back when your grip would otherwise be a barrier. (If you’re worried that your grip might get weaker when you start using straps, I have some tips on grip training here.)
There are several different types of lifting straps, and I have opinions on all of them, but for now I’ll just note that the cheapest and most basic type is honestly all most of us will ever need. You can get this pair from Harbinger for $8.39 today.
Knee sleeves
If your knees get creaky or achy when doing squats, you may enjoy wearing a pair of knee sleeves. The best type for most people is a 7 millimeter neoprene sleeve, which gives cushioning and warmth. I have a beginner’s guide to knee sleeves here, if you want to understand what exactly they do for you. Knee sleeves don’t exactly help you lift more weight—not in any mechanical sense, anyway—but they make you feel better while you’re lifting.
Most cheap knee sleeves are too thin to do the job very well; good 7-millimeter sleeves from name brands tend to be pretty expensive. But among today’s sale items I found these 7-millimeter sleeves that look reasonably good, for only $21.59. I wouldn’t hesitate to snag these if you’re wondering whether knee sleeves are for you. If you use them so much they fall apart, go ahead and buy a nicer pair at that point.
SourPatch Kids
This is not a joke item. If you hang out long enough with weightlifters or powerlifters, you will learn that candy has immense value as both a performance enhancer (carbs are fuel!) and a social lubricant. Bring a supply of Sour Patch Kids or Nerds Gummy Clusters to a competition, and you’ll instantly make friends. I like buying mini packs in bulk, since they’re easy to share (and won’t make a mess in your gym bag). Here’s two pounds of fun size Sour Patch, Jolly Rancher Gummies, and Swedish Fish—for only $9.99.
