Habits of Fit People: Pack Your Bag

By , SparkPeople Blogger
You want to be a fit person, right? That's why I'm sharing my own habits for keeping fit and staying healthy in the ongoing Habits of Fit People series.

Here's one that works for me: Packing my bag. So why does something like this matter?


I always keep my gym bag packed with the essentials, which makes it easier to grab my stuff as I head out the door in the morning. That way, everything I need is with me for my evening workouts. I always keep with me: Spinning shoes (my staple exercise program), my heart rate monitor and watch, my iPod, deodorant, a water bottle, and a change of clothes. Everything remains in the bag at all times, and only the workout clothes rotate in and out. One of my co-workers packs his bag just once—bringing all of his snacks and workout clothes for an entire week, which he keeps at his desk. That might be more feasible for you, or perhaps you could also keep things like this in your car.

Why it works: First off, it saves time. No more rushing through the house to grab all of your essentials, or using the excuse that you couldn't find what you needed before heading out the door. There really is not much reason to take all of that stuff out of your bag after an exercise session (except sweaty clothes of course), so why not just keep it all packed to make things easier on yourself? Second, I see my packed gym back in my closet every single morning when I wake up. It reminds me about my goals for the day, whether I planned to take a fitness class or hit the treadmill. When you see your packed bag, it's one more cue to bring it along and stick with your plan to exercise that day.

It may seem simple or obvious, but give it a try. If you don't already keep your gym bag stocked and ready to go, you might be surprised at how well it works.

Do you keep your gym gear handy? Does packing your bag ahead of time work for you? Share your experience in the comments below.