If you exercise regularly at a gym or studio, you probably have a gym bag stuffed with your essentials, such as a towel, deodorant, change of clothes, etc. However, London’s heatwave has prompted to me to add a few extra things to my gym kit. Here are my top five hot weather gym bag essentials, to add to your bag.
A water flask – a fairly obvious choice. But what’s important here is to use one that is insulated, so that it can keep your iced drinks cool. In this heat, you’ll appreciate the ice! I have the Hydro Flask as it is double-walled, vacuum insulated, keeping my drinks nice and cold. It has a powder coat, so is easy to grip and hold on to. Plus, you can choose a variety of different caps; sports cap, screw cap, straw cap or flip cap, whatever you prefer.
I love my Hydro Flask, especially in hot weather. The promise of keeping your drink hot up to 6 hours, or cold up to 24 hours, really does deliver. I have taken my Hydro Flask to the tropics with me and have refreshing drinks on the beach! The time is reduced if you leave it directly in the sun though, so keep it in your bag, in the shade! Tip: Occasionally, especially when it’s hot, I add a nuun hydration, vitamin or electrolyte tablet to my water.
From £20.
Find one here – Hydro Flask
2. Super Facialist Rose Hydrate Soothing Facial Mist
Super Facialist rose hydrate soothing facial mist feels lovely, smells nice and is refreshing and hydrating. It is infused with rosehip, aloe, and hibiscus extracts, which soothe your skin on a hot day.
I take mine with me to the gym and the beach as it really does feel lovely. Tip: I often chill mine in the fridge before I go out; it feels wonderful.
From £4.99
Find one here – Super Facialist Rose Hydrate Soothing Facial Mist
It is essential to wear sunscreen, so please cover your body in SPF when you head to the lido, go for a run or even go for a walk. I love Sun Bum – it’s vegan, gluten free, cruelty free, sulphate free, paragon free and most importantly, it works and is reef friendly! Plus, it smells wonderful. Sun Bum protects your skin from UVA/UVB rays while enriching your skin with Vitamin E.
It is an American company and they are fairly new, so they don’t have their products widely available in the UK. However, Amazon are selling a selection. They are a tad pricey, but I think it’s worth it. See if you can get a friend to bring you some back from the states!
Find them here – Sun Bum and browse the selection for prices.
4. e.l.f. Beauty Shield with SPF 50
If you haven’t used e.l.f. products before, let me introduce you! e.l.f has been selling their awesome range in the states for a while now and have recently come over to the UK, with their online store and via Superdrug. e.l.f is a beauty brand that describe themselves as…
“Look good and feel good—all our formulas are 100% vegan, no animal testing and made without the nasty bad-for-you stuff. Totally guilt-free. 100% vegan and cruelty-free, worldwide. Free from phthalates, parabens,
nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. All skincare is also free from sulfates.” e.l.f.
In addition to sunscreen, you can also wear a primer and even make-up, such as tinted moisturiser, that has SPF protection. I often wear the e.l.f. Active Stay Out & Play with SPF 50, however, I haven’t seen it recently in store, but their e.l.f. Beauty Shield SPF 50 primer, which can be worn under make-up, or alone, is amazing!
I have chosen the e.l.f. Beauty Shield with SPF 50 as my primer and here’s why… This SPF 50 Skin Shielding Primer contains antioxidants to help reduce premature skin ageing. The lightweight base helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it is made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or alcohol. Simple.
From £14.49
Find it here – e.l.f. Beauty Shield with SPF
5. Innersense Refresh Dry Shampoo
Natural, organic and full of ingredients that read like a florist’s selection, it is no wonder why Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan and stocks a selection of Innersense products on her website Goop. Innersense are dedicated to purity (no horrible additives), peace of mind, and the practice of self-care (organic). They promise to deliver hydration, health, moisture, shine and protection.
I love the Refresh Dry Shampoo as it actually works and is easy to use. Perfect for a hot day, when you don’t have time to wash your hair after your gym class. Plus, it’s small and lightweight, so it is easy to add to your gym kit.
“This foam-to-powder formula absorbs excess oil, boosts volume and imparts texture – the perfect refresh for second (or third…) day hair.” Innersense.
From £22.
Find it here – Innersense
A Few More Ideas – Hat, Sunglasses and a Fan
Grab a hat and sunglasses, a portable fan and even a pair of flip flops to wear after that hot gym session. You’ll be grateful you did, when you walk home feeling refreshed and revived having used all the aforementioned products!
I often wear a hat, to further protect my face from the sun, even when wearing SPF. If it’s really hot, I wear a visor, as I find them cooler, but it’s better to wear a cap, so that your scalp is protected. People often forget to protect their scalp and this often burns!
Remember… please check the weather and be prepared.
- Always stay hydrated and carry water with you.
- Dress appropriately; so not to get too hot, or burned.
- Wear SPF.
- If you feel unwell whilst exercising, stop.
What are your thoughts? What are your hot weather gym bag essentials? Have I missed something out? Please share in the comments below. 👇
*Health Advice: Please protect yourself and take care in this heat. Please consult a doctor if you are feeling unwell.
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