WHAT'S IN YOUR GYM BAG?
Dany Garcia’s gym bag, photographed by Mat Fretschel for Danimás
4 Minute Read
Dany Garcia, Sangita Patel and Claire Prince unzip their backpacks to reveal the must-pack items they never train without.
Dany Garcia
Founder of Danimás, Chairwoman and CEO of The Garcia Companies, Co-owner of the UFL
Something that I’ve realized over years of training is that my gym bag is a tool of liberation. As a founder, an investor, a multi-business owner, a mother, and a wife, my daily schedule is a carefully orchestrated puzzle. My gym bag is the accessory that enables me. The Danimás Pro backpack was designed to cater to all my training and organizational needs; there are lots of different pockets and pouches, including a jewelry pouch and a laptop sleeve. The backpack ensures that I can pack for the gym efficiently; equally, I always know where everything is within it.
Here’s what I take with me:
A fitness journal keeps my training on track. You can use them for more than just keeping record of your workouts; there's a section to track progress and daily nutrition.
Project Rock headphones. Over-ear headphones are a must-have. They help me stay super internalized and keep outside distractions and noise at bay. Plus, music is life!
My Danimás x Cardillo weightlifting belt is my trophy piece. It symbolizes my power, my gains, and my commitment to my future self. It feels beautiful to wear.
To protect my hands and enhance my grip, I always use weightlifting gloves; I am wear-testing a new pair that allows me to show off my manicures. Watch this space! I also use Harbinger’s padded leather wrist and ankle straps for added support.
I always carry hand sanitizer. My favorite is from Touchland, which comes in spray format in super juicy scents including watermelon and peach. They are infused with aloe vera to be hydrating so they don’t dry your hands out.
A cotton workout towel and deodorant are both essential. Turkish Towel Company has a useful six-piece set—one for every day of the week—and Papatui’s triple action deodorant stick in lush coconut is my current obsession. It smells wonderful.
A 24-ounce Wolfpak shaker ensures I can easily get my protein in while on the go.
A can of Zoa electrolytes keeps me hydrated and energized. Each can includes green tea as a natural source of caffeine, and is packed with magnesium, potassium, and sodium. My current favorite flavor is frosted grape.
I also pack a sachet of Pedialyte Sport electrolyte powder for post-session, and a tin of Altoids’ Arctic strawberry mints. The gym car park is a runway, so my Oliver Peoples Dresner sunglasses are a must.
Sangita Patel
Media personality, health, wellbeing, and fitness advocate
I have a gym at home, so I’m a minimal packer, but I like to keep all my training gear in this bag. It keeps all my core essentials together for easy transportation. I simply pack a clean towel, grab a drink, and I’m ready to go.
When I’m in the gym, I always wear running shoes and pack my skipping rope. Jumping rope is my only true cardio, and I love doing ‘double unders,’ which build speed, coordination, and explosive power. I take my rope with me on vacation.
Tall socks are a thing for me. I like to wear ones with crazy patterns, usually ducks or something else fun. I don’t have a particular brand I prefer, but the length is important because they stop me whipping my skin when I’m skipping.
To warm up, I’ll use an exercise band, and I always have my weight belt with me. I’ve had this sucker for 19 years and I love it.
Apple juice has become my go-to drink. It’s a little unusual, but it tastes so good and it makes me happy!
Claire Prince
Athlete and Coach at AARMY and Nike, former NCAA basketball player and Olympic boxer
A well-stocked gym bag is important to support me throughout my day. The amount I need to carry determines which bag I use. I usually pack it the night before. The nature of my work requires me to be up really early—some clients need to train at 4:25 am and as late as 7:30 pm—I don’t have much time for anything else in the morning. Over time, my essentials have changed, but my one tip I’d give anyone is to make a note of what I felt was missing after each training session, then pack accordingly. There’s no sight like hindsight.
Shoes play a vital role in my training session. All my footwear is Nike. If I’m boxing, I’ll pack the Inflict 3. If I’m heavy lifting, either the Romaleo 4 or the Metcon 10. For cross training, the Free Metcon 5, and for running, the Pegasus Plus. Electrolytes from Ultima keep me hydrated during long training days.
Hair accessories are underrated necessities because you could be ready to train, but if your hair keeps getting in the way every 10 seconds, it will throw off the entire workout. I pack hair ties, scrunchies, claw clips, and a headband. I also wear a bandana under headgear when I spar.
As someone who does not wear makeup, I take my skincare very seriously as I do not have a plan B. I use Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant cleanser, a Mario Badescu toner, serum from Barbara Sturm, and moisturizer from La Roche Posay. My lip balm is Prada.
Hygiene accessories are non-negotiable. I use alcohol wipes to wipe down headgear before I put it on to start boxing, and I always have Clean Skin Club’s face wipes for post-session. Other essentials include deodorant, fresh underwear, and socks. My favorite post-workout slides are Nike, but anything non-slip from Amazon will suffice as slides for the shower.
I always have menstrual care products no matter what. At least once a month it comes in handy, if not for me, then for someone else.
