Buzz
Starting your day with a workout can set a positive tone for the hours ahead, and we’ve gathered advice to help you find the motivation to exercise in the morning. However, practical challenges arise: Should you head straight to work from the gym? How do you handle sweaty attire, and what essentials should you pack? Luckily, Reddit users have shared their solutions.
Pack a separate bag for your sweaty or damp workout gear
First things first: What’s the plan after your morning workout leaves you drenched in sweat? Change out of those clothes, naturally, and consider freshening up with a shower.
“I always carry two plastic grocery bags in my backpack,” shares not_my_legal_name, “so if I end up drenched in sweat, I can stash my damp clothes in one (the other bag is reserved for my shower sandals).”
You’ll also need to figure out storage for your clean clothes. Packing cubes are a favored option among many. Alternatively, gym bags featuring waterproof sections for wet or soiled attire are available. A now-deleted user notes: “My gym bag has two sections—one large area for fresh clothes and a smaller one for sweaty gear.”
Many Reddit users mentioned drying their towels on their car’s back seat if they drive, or hanging them in a locker or at their workplace. If space allows, this method ensures your towel stays fresh and mold-free until laundry day.
Consider renting a gym locker if possible
Certain gyms offer additional paid services, such as locker rentals and towel services, which can be incredibly convenient.
Towel services allow you to use the gym’s towels and avoid the hassle of laundering your own. “It’s worth the 50 cents for towel rental,” advises Pigeonofthesea8. While some gyms provide towels for free, others charge a fee—either per towel or a monthly rate—and some don’t offer the service at all. When exploring gyms near your workplace, inquire about this and factor it into your decision.
Similarly, while some gyms require lockers to be cleared out nightly, others permit long-term storage, typically for a fee. Renting a locker allows you to store toiletries and other essentials. Willowintheev suggests: “You can also stash items like chalk and non-sweaty gym gear in there, and keep your gym shoes in the locker instead of carrying them around.”
Pack efficiently
“Invest in packing cubes, mesh bags, or zippered pouches and assign each to a specific category of items,” recommends Trackerbait. “One for toiletries, another for workout gear, and a separate one for work clothes. This way, you only need to ensure each unit is packed before you leave.”
Opting for travel-friendly items can simplify your routine and reduce the size of your gym bag. “A quick-dry towel takes up far less space than a regular one,” notes vicariousgluten.
“Prepare your toiletries as if you’re packing for a flight,” suggests aaantoniaaa_, using small bottles that can be refilled from larger ones at home when needed.
Establish a routine for managing your workout attire
Aaantoniaaa_ offers plenty of practical advice, including their method for handling laundry. “On Monday (or another chosen day), bring a week’s supply of gym clothes to work and store them in your desk or locker. I used to change at work (because otherwise, I’d skip the gym) and take all my work clothes home on Fridays.”
They also suggest commuting in your gym shoes (if your gym permits street shoes) and seeking advice from coworkers who also work out early.
Lastly, they shared this invaluable tip: “Keep a spare outfit and shoes at work. Never use this set regularly—it’s strictly for emergencies, accidents, or those ‘I forgot’ moments.”
Simplify your beauty regimen
While it’s possible to do a full makeup routine or an elaborate hairstyle in the gym locker room (or the office bathroom), many Reddit users mentioned they reserve complex looks for days they can prepare at home. “Gym days aren’t ideal for full contouring or experimenting with intricate techniques. It’s too much to carry,” notes a deleted user. Most agree that a look achievable with five or six travel-sized products is the way to go.
Dry shampoo is a go-to for refreshing hair. You can even apply it before sweating, suggests Babyumbry. For a more thorough approach, elcowi and others recommend washing only a section of your hair, like the bangs and surrounding area, in the sink, then blow-drying and styling it. “This method takes me 5 minutes, compared to 30 minutes for drying my entire head.”
A final piece of advice from an anonymous Reddit user: use zip-top plastic bags. “If your body wash leaks, you’ll avoid ruining your makeup and work clothes.”
