There's nothing like getting a good workout, but it can also leave you sweaty and needing a shower. Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or just starting your fitness journey, understanding the importance of gym shower essentials is crucial. It will take a little forethought, but it's well worth the preparation.
You need to wash away germs, bacteria, and sweat on your body. A shower can help improve your skin health, reduce muscle soreness, and prevent possible infections. We're going to cover all the items you need to pack in your gym bag for a clean and refreshing shower experience.
Flip Flops or Shower Shoes
One of the most important things to bring for your gym shower is something you probably never use at home: shower shoes. Gym showers are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which thrive in warm and moist environments. If you go in without shoes, you're opening yourself up to a plethora of skin issues.
For example, MRSA is a serious infection that may look like pimples at first, then develop into large painful bumps. This infection can be mild or excruciatingly painful. In severe cases, the infection can enter your bloodstream and make you sick. Even if you don't get that particular infection, you can get a fungal infection, which symptoms include scaly, itchy feet that may develop blisters and swelling.
Shower shoes can protect your feet from all the harmful microorganisms on the floor. Additionally, shower shoes can help you from slipping and falling. Gym showers can often be covered in soap and other hazardous things. Wearing non-slip shoes will help prevent accidents.
If you don't have special shower shoes, you can use an inexpensive pair of flip flops. Just be careful when walking on the slick floor!
Body Products
The second most important product you need for your gym shower is body wash. Soap will remove all the gunk that builds up on your skin during a workout. Your body produces sweat when your heart rate is elevated to regulate your body temperature.
Sweat mixes with bacteria, dead skin cells, and other impurities on you
r body. If you don't wash all of this off, you can develop a body odor, and nobody wants to be the smelly person in the room. Soap can eliminate a lot of germs and leave you feeling and smelling clean and fresh.
Additionally, the body wash can help maintain the natural moisture balance of your skin. Your sweat can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause dryness. Replenishing your skin after a good sweat is essential to maintain healthy skin.
The other product you need is something to scrub your body. You can use a loofah, washcloth, body sponge, or buffer. However, a loofah and washcloth can harbor bacteria. A Spongellé spongette is a travel-ready buffer infused with the same moisture-rich cleansing ingredients and long-lasting fragrances found in their body buffers. Its compact size makes it perfect for the gym, the airport, or anywhere else you might roam.
Plus, our buffers come infused with nourishing body wash. It contains a combination of amino acids, glycerin, and pro-vitamin B5 to soothe and nurture your skin barrier. These products are the perfect two-in-one for your gym shower bag!
Hair Products
Hair products are not an absolute must, but they're a good idea. Even if you're not a big sweater, if you lay your head down on the gym floor when you stretch or work out, you should wash your hair.
Think about all the germs on the bottom of people's shoes. Those germs are on the floor and will transfer to your hair. Your hair touches your face and your pillow. Before you know it, the germs on the floor are everywhere, even if you wash your body.
Shampoo removes these germs, sweat, dirt, and oil buildup on your scalp and hair. Meanwhile, the conditioner will replenish your hair, leaving it shiny, soft, and healthy. Plus, using shampoo and conditioner regularly can help prevent scalp issues and promote hair growth.
You may also want to bring a hairbrush to run through your hair after your shower. Consider getting a travel-size wet brush that won't take up too much room in your gym bag.
Face Wash
Washing your face after a workout is essential for maintaining healthy and clear skin. Sweat and oil can accumulate on your face, leading to clogged pores, breakouts, and other skin issues. Washing away the impurities is crucial to help you stay blemish-free.
Adding face wash to your gym shower routine can also help you avoid irritation. The face wash product you choose will all depend on your skin type. However, a gentle cleanser generally works for everyone.
If you already have a face wash you love, add some to a travel container. The compact size is perfect for taking with you on the go. You can replenish it when it runs out, and you won't have to purchase two separate face washes. You can also look for the travel-size version of the face wash you currently use.
Towel
Once you're done with your gym shower, you will obviously need to dry off. The type of towel you bring to the gym is up to you. A beach or pool towel can work, but there are a few features you should consider.
The first factor to think about is the size of the towel you want to bring. You want a towel that's big enough to wrap around your body comfortably but not so large that it doesn't fit in your gym bag. A standard bath towel is usually around 27" x 52", which is a solid choice for most of us.
The second factor to consider is the material. A quick-drying towel is a great option for a gym shower. Moisture-wicking fabric will help absorb water and dry quickly. Microfiber towels are lightweight and dry fast, so we consider them a go-to.
Wash your gym towel after every use to avoid rubbing old bacteria and germs on your body. It's also a good idea to take it out of your gym bag as soon as you get home. Your moist towel left in your bag is the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
Deodorant
Everyone knows to apply deodorant before the gym, but you may want to re-apply after your shower. Deodorant is necessary even when you're not working out. Whenever your body temperature rises, you produce sweat, which mixes with bacteria on your skin, causing an unpleasant odor.
Applying deodorant can help to combat this odor, keeping your scent fresh and clean. Additionally, using deodorant can help control the growth of bacteria on your skin and help reduce the risk of these issues.
Plus, smelling nice can give you a confidence boost. You'll have a better day when you're feeling clean and fresh. Deodorant will also eliminate that sticky feeling of moisture in your armpits after a shower. You can find many different scents and types of deodorants in travel sizes to add to your gym bag.
Body Lotion
Showering gets rid of impurities, but it also can strip your skin of moisture. Water and soap can remove the natural oils from your skin that helps protect your skin barrier. Replenishing your skin is important to avoid a dry and dull complexion.
Additionally, moisturizers can help improve the texture of your skin. Body lotion can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. You'll have more youthful-looking skin when you hydrate regularly.
Massaging lotion over your body can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. Try a Spongellé body lotion for soft and supple skin. These lotions are made with shea butter, jojoba oil, safflower seed oil, and vitamin E for ultimate hydration. You can choose from a variety of scents to complement the smell of your body wash.
Change of Clothes
Last but not least, you need a change of clothes after your shower. You don't want to have to put back on your sweaty outfit. Your gym clothes will trap moisture against your skin and prevent it from evaporating. Your skin may become irritated, or you could develop rashes.
Changing into clean clothes also reduces the risk of spreading bacteria and helps to maintain personal hygiene. Putting on clean, comfortable clothes after a workout can help you feel revitalized and ready to take on the rest of your day. Plan out what you're going to wear after your workout when you're getting dressed for the gym.
Consider what clothes won't wrinkle while in your gym bag. Place your clothes in a smaller bag inside your gym bag to protect them from any possible spills from your shower products.
Final Takeaways
The right gym shower essentials can make your post-workout experience easy and convenient. By packing a few key items, you can avoid the stress of showering after your workout. Don't underestimate the importance of proper hygiene and self-care! Spongellé has many of these essential items for your next trip to the gym.
Sources
Body Odor: Causes, Changes, Underlying Diseases & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic
