If we learned one thing from peeking inside the gym bags of 23 wellness influencers and fitness experts, it’s that despite the rapid rise of niche fitness apparel brands, Lululemon still remains incredibly popular (especially when it comes to gym bags). We also saw insanely chic separates and accessories, including bedazzled cycling shoes and brightly branded water bottles, making…
Wellness Experts Open Up Their Gym Bags
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Jessi Lucatorto
Instructor at Speir Pilates
“This is my sturdy, lifesaving gym bag from Lululemon. It is usually stuffed with all of the things that I cannot live without, like my Booda Butter lip balm, water bottle, EO Lavender Hand Sanitizer and Tom's deodorant to help me stay fresh throughout the day. This yoga mat has traveled with me to four different countries — it is my absolute favorite. I love to use the blue resistance band and the yoga tune up therapy balls with my clients and myself. I keep my grippy socks for Pilates classes, my Nike Frees to keep my feet comfy, my sunglasses for my eyeballs and my helmet to keep me safe on my bike! When I do cardio, I like to listen to podcasts, music or books on tape, so I never ditch my wireless headphones. I usually have a break in the middle of the day and I love to take that time to get some reading in, so I always have a book handy. I wear at least two outfits a day. I try to do one type of workout every day, so an extra pair of clothes is more than necessary!”
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Isabella Boylston
“I love using my Fjällräven mini backpack because it can surprisingly fit a lot, but it's not huge, so I can't overload it or make it too heavy to carry. Some of my essentials: Moleskine notebook for writing thoughts and to-do lists, Beats headphones, my vintage Nike sweatshirt, lipstick from Chanel, Bobbi Brown and RMS lip gloss, books to read on the subway and on breaks, 2XU compression sleeves for my calves, Leica film camera and obviously my pointe shoes!”
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Tamara Hill-Norton
Founder and creative director of Sweaty Betty
“I love our All Sport Backpack as it’s the ultimate bag for carrying your workout kit and laptop. I swear half of our office owns it. You’ll usually find me with a change of clothes so I can go straight from class to drinks with the girls, this slogan flow vest works for both. I’m also currently obsessed with our Reversible Sweat Dress as I can wear it two ways. Alongside these, I always carry my favorite fragrance Le Labo Santal 33 and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and hydrating primer as it’s really hydrating and contains SPF 20. Finally, in case of occasional sunshine, a pair of sunglasses (I live in London) and Altoids — I have to stock up on these every time I go to New York.”
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Doriel Koblenz
Personal and group fitness trainer and Microsoft corporate head coach
“The most useful item I carry with me is water — I make an effort to stay hydrated throughout the day, not just when I’m working out. Since I train personal clients as well as large groups, my deodorant is definitely also necessary! The Polar A360 watch helps me stay on time, track my steps, calories and heart rate. I also have a 'bookkeeper' to keep track of all my clients, a small face towel, an extra sports bra, sunglasses, easy-to-use powder SPF and earphones. In between meals, I make sure to have a few almonds handy to make sure I stay energized and not get to a 'starving point' throughout my day and — even with sportswear — I love glamming it up and looking fresh with my L'Oréal rose lipstick.”
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Denise Lee
Founder and CEO of Alala
“I've been using our Alala All Day Tote as my gym bag now that the weather is warmer. The Alala Fuel Jacket is a great post-workout piece that packs a punch and I'm a big fan of bright accessories, like my Hermes neon wallet since I wear mostly neutrals. The Drop Bottle is super chic and I absolutely love our new motel-style Alala keychains. Mine says, 'You Hold The Key' — get it?!”
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Tanya Zuckerbrot
Registered dietitian and founder of F-Factor
“My F-Factor Water Bottle actually comes everywhere with me, not just to and from a workout. I recommend my clients drink 3 liters of water per day; water is especially important for F-Factor dieters because of the high amount of fiber they consume (fiber needs water to work its magic!). This bottle keeps my water cold and holds about a half a liter — 1 during workout and 1 immediately after, 4 more to go! I also have my Nike Air Zoom Strongs — I just got these and I’m obsessed. I like to mix up my workouts to incorporate strength training and weight-resistant activities, so a shoe that is multifunctional — and looks chic — is necessary. If I need a pick-me-up before my workout, I turn to Bai. It’s only 5 calories and has caffeine, so it gives me the little extra boost of energy needed, but because there’s only 1 net carb, I know it won’t spike my sugars, leaving me to crash post-workout. I also keep an assortment of accessories (Bandier Gripper socks and sunglasses) — I always like to be prepared, so if the bag fits it…”
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Meghan Chisholm
US PR Manager at Lululemon
“I'm always on the go! I literally run from one fitness class to the next while staying connected on conference calls and in-person meetings. It’s important to have all of my essentials in one place, my bag, as I really never know when I’ll return to my apartment. My bag is Lululemon’s Double Up Tote Bag (Reflective 19L). This bag is everything! With multiple essentials pockets, I have a place for my laptop, phone and those 'sweaty unmentionables' after I’m done with my daily sweat session. You can see me coming and going, especially with the bag’s exterior reflective and water-repellent material. I don’t leave my apartment without Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment, it keeps my lips super smooth with a light gloss. I want/need this balm in every color! As for my kicks, I live in APLs and I get stopped daily by strangers wanting to know what type of sneakers I’m wearing.”
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Caroline White
Founder of SukiShufu
“I have my SukiShufu Leatherback Leggings in Silver Gloss, workout gloves, CAZAL sunglasses (I'm going through an 80s hip-hop phase!), Gucci flip flops, SukiShufu Night-Lete socks, Master & Dynamic MH40 headphones, S.Pellegrino Sparkling Water (since I quit the diet sodas...sob...), Clarins deodorant and BCAA (I'm to take these before, during and after my workouts — probably just a placebo, but I feel like I'm doing 'roids in the change room, ha ha ha — as if).”
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Emily Fawcett
Instructor at Lyons Den Power Yoga
“My bag is the Lululemon Carry The Day Bag. It has space for everything and can even be used as a weekender bag. I also have a Lyons Den Nalgene water bottle, Sony headphones, various gift cards, a pink journal, a Lululemon scrunchie, Bumble and bumble Invisible Oil, Kiehl's Avocado Creamy Eye Treatment, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, Advil and extra leggings and a Nux sparkly sports bra.”
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Jess King
Instructor at Peloton
“My gym bag holds all my essentials for both before, during and after my workout. Headphones to get in the zone, extra pairs of leggings (these are my favorite ones from Peloton!), a filled water bottle for essential hydration and, of course, my fantastic cycling shoes. And since I’m live on camera — when I teach a Peloton class, it’s actually broadcasted to 500+ people riding with me in their own homes — I always like to bring lipstick and makeup for my signature bold lip.”
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Lauren Kleban
Founder of LEKfit
“I always have my MacBook, water to keep me hydrated, Adidas Ultra Boost X because it's the perfect sneaker for workouts. Ouai wave spray because I workout with my hair down and it helps to give me that perfectly lived-in hair post sweat, plus it smells wonderful! A sexy and supportive Varley sports bra, Agent Nateur because its made with good stuff and it works, little barn Apothecary coconut+mint mist to keep my skin hydrated post-sweat, a House of Intuition candle for good vibes and intentions plus Sakara's beauty water. Adidas ankle weights and a Fitjoy protein bar for when I'm on the go!"
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Geneva Simms
Lululemon ambassador, group fitness instructor, meditation teacher and founder of Empower to Power
“My bag is full of things, including a jump rope and resistance bands because they're easy to transport and very versatile, Lacrosse balls (one of my staples when it comes to mobility work and self-myofascial release with clients and myself!), a ShowerPill Athletic Body Wipe, which is a helpful alternative if a gym or client's building doesn't have a shower and Dove Dry Spray deodorant, which is great because it doesn't leave white marks on clothes and lasts all day. I also pack almonds because they're high in fiber, protein, healthy fats, minerals and vitamins.”
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Kory Flores
Instructor at Rumble
“Some of the things in my bag include the Nike Zoom, which are good for my flat feet, Benefit Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer (I have extremely oily, acne-prone skin), kinesiology tape, which gives you muscle and joint support, Bare Isolate Protein and an apple with almond butter (I am almost always eating, so I get little travel-size packets of almond butter to mix with an apple).”
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Nicole Pham
Instructor at CorePower Yoga
“A staple in my yoga bag is my Manduka Pro mat. CorePower Yoga classes are sweaty and the grip of this mat is essential for my arm balance and inversion practice, especially in a tough CorePower heated vinyasa class. I always wear my mala beads made of Amazonite stone in class and carry around my quartz crystal. Mala beads and healing crystals are powerful stones for setting and manifesting your intentions. I get so inspired to build new class sequences and reflect after I practice, so I always carry my journal around with me to jot down ideas and affirmations. A good pair of headphones is a must-have for putting together a great playlist. My go-to post-workout outfit is a pair of comfy Beyond Yoga leggings, Lululemon sports bra, a loose tank and denim jacket. Los Angeles is sunny, so I keep my lips moisturized and protect my face from the sun with Burt's Bees lip balm, sunblock, sunglasses and a hat. Go Bruins!”
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Riley Wafful
Director of athletic education at F45 Training
“I use the TUMI Calais Voyageur Backpack for everything because it is stylish, spacious, has a padded laptop section and black and gold are always on trend. I also keep a scünci Jaw Clip because I put my hair back often, but I hate having a crease or breaking strands. This brand is the best heavy-duty clip and trust me, I've tried them all. Sunday Riley Tidal is also in there because after a good sweat, I always need to wash my face.”
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Jessica Bellofatto
Founder of JBYOGA and SUP
“Whether I am teaching yoga, stand up paddleboarding or headed out for a run, I pack my Lululemon gym bag so that I am ready for anything. The bag itself is big enough for all of my stuff with lots of compartments for toiletries and wet stuff. In my bag? My New Balance Minimus sneakers for running, Sand Cloud Turkish Towel because it's pretty AND lightweight, Graced by Grit leggings — two pairs as I often wear them on the water, my large Hydro Flask goes with my everywhere to stay hydrated and I absolutely hate buying plastic, Polar heart rate monitor, which is also my GPS watch to track distance for running and paddling, Honest Beauty products, which are organic and totally awesome and last but definitely not least, doTERRA Deep Blue Rub for sore muscles as well as a sampling of all of my favorite on-the-go oils.”
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Gina Bradley
Founder of Paddle Diva
“My gym is an outdoor one, so two essential items are a phone bag to keep my phone dry and my paddle rom Quickblade the Trifecta 86, it's light and ensures a perfect stroke every time the paddle touches the water! My new fave bikini tops are the new T-neck designs and Kacey|Shana have perfected this style with a suit that is so sexy with tassels, that is quick-drying and stays on! I never go anywhere without my LX Polarized Sunglasses, Raw Elements Tinted SPF 30 for the face and body and, of course, my Graced by Grit hat to keep me protected from the sun! As an ocean conservationist, I only have reusable water bottles and love the Klean Kanteen ones because they keep my drinks cool even if they are left out in the hot sun. I never go anywhere without tea tree oil, it's the best thing to use to rub on my feet after I have rinsed off to ensure healthy soles.”
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Felicia Walker
Instructor at New York Health & Racquet Club
“Whether I’m teaching a spin class or heading to the gym for a workout, I always take along my Y-3 messenger bag. I have owned it for over 10 years and won't replace it. It’s stylish and holds all my necessities: spin shoes, plastic box with Samson AirLine 77 receiver along with two headsets (always have a backup), iPod touch with playlists, extra batteries, business cards, microphone covers, iPod stereo cord and a bike ratchet set for tightening bindings. And not to be forgotten — my wallet with MetroCard, house keys, extra hair pins/pony holders, Kleenex, Aquaphor — good for almost anything, lip gloss, water bottle, deodorant and a lock.”
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Lanae Rhodes
Director of training and development at SLT
“I'm constantly on the go, running from workouts to meetings to teaching, so it's all about staying and feeling fresh! I love my SLT sock bag to keep my grippy socks from touching things like my headphones and phone. These little Sweat Cosmetics wipes are perfect on the go and I swear by La Mer lip balm. The sports spray keeps me smelling and my clothes feeling a little fresher and the Sweaty Betty massage ball is a lifesaver after a tough Megaformer sesh! Oh, of course a snack...I always have snacks.”
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Emily Kulas
Fitness instructor at Club Med Sandpiper Bay
“It's all simple but necessary to my daily life here at Club Med Sandpiper Bay. As a fitness instructor on property, I use my phone and speaker to play music in any class I’m teaching, whether it’s yoga, spinning or Pilates at the Club Med Fitness Center. My notebook helps me with everything from keeping track of schedules to writing down ideas for class themes. My tingsha cymbals are perfect for ending a yoga class and I don’t go anywhere without my water bottle. I also always have my bathing suit and sunscreen for Aqua Gym at the pool. My Club Med 45 pocket bag carries it all, so I don't have to worry about having pockets and can easily commute through the resort.”
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Tanya Becker
Co-founder and chief creative officer at Physique 57
“I love these Beats wireless headphones! Whether I'm prepping a playlist for class or making calls, nothing beats my Beats. RXBARs and Manuka Honey Nuggets are my go-to snacks. I also always have water. Most days I'm either teaching or taking a Physique 57 class, which means I always need a good pair of socks. These from Lucky Honey are so unique and pretty plus they make everyone's legs look like a ballerina’s. My LUMION Mist is key for days that I'm on the go. It sets my makeup, refreshes and cleanses my skin after teaching or taking class and is so natural, even my kids can use it! I spray the mist all day long and know it will be key this summer when I teach in the Hamptons.”
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Erica Stenz
Instructor at Barry's Bootcamp
“Along with my backpack, I always bring my amazing 6 Pack bag to all my workouts. It's actually designed as a meal-prep bag and comes with containers and ice packs to store food, but I use it as my workout/makeup/hair bag instead! I put my clothes and socks in the center, makeup on the right pockets and hair products on the left side pockets. As you can see, I like to carry all of the hygiene and beauty essentials, including my magic EXPANDA volumizing powder dust and Giorgio Armani Si perfume, curling iron, comb, deodorant, toothbrush, extra workout outfit, hair ties and bobby pins plus Aquaphor to remove my makeup.”
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Nikki Warren
Founder and co-CEO of Kaia FIT
“I always carry this Nike hat to cover up sweaty hair days! I also never leave home without my Fitbit. I carry extra shorts and an extra sports bra with me and I love these items from Lululemon. I’m never caught without easy, healthy snacks like these from Vega and Hammer Nutrition; I particularly like to keep energizing gels with me so I can quickly give myself a shot of vitamins for a quick and natural energy boost! You never know when you’ll be able to squeeze in an outdoor workout between meetings, calls and other obligations, so I always keep on hand this Rx jump rope, Nathan water bottle and a recovery roller. Additionally, since I’m usually bouncing around throughout the day, I keep my makeup with me and I stick to natural beauty products with little chemicals and fragrance, such as EO deodorant wipes, Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant, Tarte BB cream, Alba Botanica sunscreen, Action Wipes and COOLA lip treatment.”
