Gym Shorts and Beyond: A Workout Checklist for Men

Whether you’re lifting weights, working on your cardio, or taking a class, habitually going to the gym has proven health benefits. The gym is a place to stay active and build muscle, and getting regular exercise is also a great habit to add to your self care routines. Hitting the gym has as many mental benefits as physical – staying active may improve both your self-esteem and your cognitive function, plus exercise has been shown to improve your mood, possibly reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

But if it’s your first time ever going to the gym, you might not know what to bring. If you’ve been to the gym before, but you’re trying to get back into the habit, it can helpful to look over this checklist and make sure you’re not missing out on anything. And even if you routinely go to the gym, you can still benefit from this checklist – after all, something may be missing from your gym bag and you may not even know it!

Ready to get moving? Good, but first, let’s go over our ultimate gym checklist. With all these items packed in your gym bag, you’ll be prepared for anything.

What to Bring To the Gym

Gym essentials for men include, but are not limited to:

Clothing

Gym shorts that give you an airy feel while preventing chafing. Choose mid-thigh to knee length gym shorts to reduce friction.

Training tights or other men’s athletic pants are another essential for the gym. You can wear them under your shorts for an extra layer, giving you both warmth and extra chafe prevention.

A comfortable shirt. Gym shirts men typically rely on could include a cotton tee or one made of stretchy materials, but we recommend a compression tank with mesh cutouts. Just make sure you choose a shirt that’s breathable and moisture-wicking so that it won’t hold onto too much sweat.

Breathable underwear. Sports underwear for men should be breathable, made of moisture-wicking fabric. Porous materials like our signature FitTech fabric are ideal for working out. Try a boxer brief with mesh cutouts for added breathability.

Socks. Don’t forget an extra pair of socks! Wearing wet, sweaty socks after the gym is uncomfortable and can even be detrimental to your health. (Two words: Athlete’s foot.)

Good gym shoes. To maximize your performance, you’ll want to choose gym shoes that are comfortable and designed for whichever activity you choose to do. For example, if you’re planning to run on the treadmill, try running shoes.

Miscellaneous items

Water bottle. It’s important to stay hydrated while you’re working out. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle, whether it’s a reusable one or a plastic one.

Headphones. Build or find a workout playlist on your phone app of choice, then make sure to bring your headphones so you can jam out while you break your personal records.

Towels. We recommend you bring at least two small towels with you: one to wipe off the equipment before and after your workout, and one to wipe yourself off with as needed.

Comb/brush. It’s natural to look disheveled after a workout, but if you bring a comb with you, at least your hair won’t be a total mess.

Shower essentials. If you plan to take a shower at the gym, invest in travel sized shampoo and soap. These will fit easily in your bag, and you’ll be glad you brought them!



With that, we’ve reached the end of our gym essentials checklist for men. Be sure to pack these items in your gym bag so you can be prepared for any workout, as well as for just about any situation. Now we’re going to hand the mic over to you guys. What are your gym essentials? Let us know in the comments.