Get These Gym Bag Essentials for Under $25 During Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
A well-stocked gym bag is a joy and a comfort. However, your gym bag is likely missing a few items that could make your life easier, so here are a few items you can pick up now for $25 or less.
Microplates
Most gyms use 2.5-pound plates as the smallest weight plates. This means you’ll need to increase the weight by at least 5 pounds at a time. Many beginners and shorter people will find it easier to train if they can load the barbell in small increments, so I think bringing your own micro-plates to the gym is a great idea.
This set of 1.25-pound weight plates costs $12.75 (regular price is $14.99), so you can increase the weight by 2.5 pounds at a time—for example, taking your overhead press from 50 pounds to 52.5 pounds. If you want even more precision, this set includes even smaller weight plates, allowing you to increase the total weight by 2 pounds, 1.25 pounds, 1 pound, or even half a pound. (Do I think a half-pound increase is beneficial for training? No. Would I use these tiny plates if I needed to set a personal record? I would definitely consider it.)
First aid kit
It’s a good idea to have a few bandages on hand in case a callus on your hand breaks or your shin gets scraped on a barbell knuckle. I always carry a few first aid supplies, and this pocket-sized kit contains bandages and antiseptic wipes, along with a few useful extras like safety pins, scissors, and tweezers, all for $8.
Packing cubes
If you bring a change of clothes to the gym and your gym bag doesn’t have a dedicated compartment for them, you’ll need one or two packing cubes. The same goes for a shoe bag to keep your sneakers clean. It’s hard to choose just one packing cube, but I recommend this $19.99 set , which includes four cubes of varying sizes, plus a shoe bag.
Straps
Straps help you hold the barbell steady during deadlifts or other pulling exercises like bent-over rows—and no, using them isn’t “cheating.” Straps allow you to continue training your legs and back when your grip would otherwise be a hindrance. (If you’re worried about your grip weakening after starting to use straps, I have some grip training tips here .)
There are several different types of lifting belts, and I have an opinion on each , but for now I’ll just say that the cheapest and most basic type is, frankly, all most of us will ever need. You can get this pair at Harbinger today for $8.39.
Knee pads
If your knees creak or hurt when doing squats, knee pads may be helpful. For most people, 7-millimeter-thick neoprene knee pads are best, as they provide cushioning and warmth. Here’s a beginner’s guide to using knee pads if you want to understand exactly what they do. Knee pads don’t help you lift more weight—at least not mechanically—but they do improve your comfort during your workout.
Most cheap knee pads are too thin to do their job properly; quality 7mm knee pads from reputable brands tend to be quite expensive. But among today’s sale items, I found these 7mm knee pads , which look pretty good, for only $21.59. I wouldn’t hesitate to get them if you’re unsure about the fit. However, if you’ll be wearing them so often that they wear out, then feel free to upgrade to something better.
SourPatch Kids
This is no joke. If you hang around weightlifters or powerlifters long enough, you’ll understand that candy is incredibly valuable both as a performance enhancer (carbs are fuel!) and as a bonding tool. Bring a stash of Sour Patch Kids or Nerds Gummy Clusters to a competition, and you’ll make friends in no time. I like to buy the mini-packs in bulk because they’re easy to share (and they won’t stain your gym bag). Here’s a kilo of Sour Patch, Jolly Rancher Gummies, and Swedish Fish in miniature format —just $9.99.