ReadyHarbor

Start at the gym

You joined a gym and have none of the kit

What you actually need for start at the gym — 5 things to cover, each with a pick.

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Trainers meant for the thing you are doing

Running shoes are soft and unstable sideways. Lifting shoes are flat and hard. Wearing one for the other is the most common early injury there is.

What to check
  • Decide what you will actually do most and buy for that
  • Check the return window - fit is the whole game and you cannot judge it in a photo

3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.

A gym bag with a wet pocket

Everything in the bag comes out damp otherwise. The separate compartment is the entire reason to buy a gym bag rather than use a rucksack.

What to check
  • Check for a vented or sealed shoe compartment as well
  • Check it fits a locker - the oversized ones frequently do not

3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.

A water bottle you can refill mid-session

Walking to a fountain between every set is how sessions stretch to two hours. A large bottle means one fill.

What to check
  • Check it fits the bottle holder on the machines you will use, and that the lid opens one-handed

3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.

A quick-dry towel

Most gyms require one on the equipment, and a normal bath towel takes up half the bag and stays wet.

What to check
  • Microfibre packs small and dries fast
  • Check the size - the very small ones do not cover a bench

3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.

Resistance bands for the days you do not go

The main reason a membership lapses is the first missed week. Bands at home make a missed day a short session rather than a broken streak.

What to check
  • Look for a set with different resistances and check whether handles are included, which changes what you can do with them

3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.

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