Anytime is a great time to start working on that summer ready body, but before you decide on hitting the gym (if you aren’t already), La Vita has devised a list of essentials for your gym bag.

1. A Reusable Water Bottle

A good work out is bound to have you thirsty. And when you are at the gym, no one has the time to wait in line at the water dispenser for your fill. By carrying a water bottle you ensure that you never have to leave your lifting session to stay hydrated.

2. A Small Towel

Fact is we all sweat, and that is most prominent at any gym session. Carrying a small towel not only helps with keeping you dry, but it comes in handy when using gym equipment. We have all had an instance when you wanted to use the bench press, but the guy before you has sweated all over the seat. Now all you would need to do is place your towel on any sweaty equipment you sit on. Problem solved.

3. Perfume

Like we’ve said above, the gym is a place where you sweat. Sweating is good, but the odour isn’t. An eau de parfum would ensure that you smell great, regardless of how intense your workout is.

4. Bluetooth Earphones

Earphones is a must have. Spending an hour at the gym without good music is torture. Yes we all want to get fit, but we also want to get there with awesome background music.

5. A Fitness Tracker

Don’t forget to carry a fitness tracker, yes your smart phone has all the apps you may need, but that pedometer is no good at tracking your calorie loss on a treadmill or otherwise.

6. A Massage Cream

You’ve heard the saying – no pain, no gain. It’s always a good idea to carry a massage cream, just to knead out any cramps that may prevent you from coming back the next day.

7. Shower Gel

If your gym has a shower, we would strongly recommend carrying your own shower gel, as opposed to using the soap available at the gym.

8. Body Cream

And after your shower don’t forget to apply a good body cream. All that wear and tear from training means taking extra care of your skin.