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Top 8 Gym Essentials

By Paige Waehner, About.com

Updated May 28, 2009

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Working out at the gym means you need some serious equipment to make your workouts easy, fun and efficient. Check out my top picks for what you need during and after your gym workouts.

1. Ogio All-Terrain Gym Bag

I know I've found something great if my husband and I fight over it and we've definitely fought over this little bag. I bought this for myself and it's perfect--small enough to fit in the gym locker, but big enough to carry everything you need for your workout. It has pockets on the side and front to put your sweaty clothes as well as an audio pocket with headphone exit port.
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2. Sony S2 Sports Walkman Digital FM/AM Headphone Radio

If your MP3 player doesn't tune into the radio, this headset radio is perfect for exercise. The controls are easy to find with your fingers, it fits snugly without moving when you run and it gets good reception. The only issue I've had is that the headset is a little bulky and might be uncomfortable for smaller heads.
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3. Merrell Primo Breeze Slides (for Men and Women)

The most important part of your workout is when you're finished--it's crucial that you have something comfortable to wear post-exercise. These comfortable slides are perfect after a workout and stylish enough to wear to dinner. Merrell is known for high quality shoes, so these will last you a long time.
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4. philosophy 3-in-1 shampoo, body wash and conditioner

Saving time is something I constantly try to do. This little gem is one of the best things I ever bought and perfect for after your workout. One bottle allows you to wash your face, hair and body and it's perfect for a quick shower after your workout.
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5. Brokks Podium Half-Zip Top for Men

This top is perfect to slip on after a workout and it also does double duty as a great performance top for chiller weather with advanced moisture transfer fabrics. It's good-looking and comfortable enough to wear post-workout.
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6. Patagonia Women's Cozy Daze Hoody

I have this and I love, love, love it. It's soft, comfortable, warm and did I mention I love it? It's one of those hoody's you'll wear until there are holes in the elbows. It's made of a soft blend of 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex and it has a fleece interior to keep you warm if you feel chilled after your workout.
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7. BodyMinder Workout Journal

My husband is the kind of person who goes to the gym and just picks random machines...hey, why listen to me? I'm just a trainer, right? Anyway, I bought him this journal (which I also use myself). I'm still waiting to see if he'll actually use it.

8. Clif Energy Bars

I always hesitate to recommend any type of energy bar because they're all different and some are loaded with sugar, fat and other unhealthy ingredients. However, having a post-workout snack can help your body repair and recover and an energy bar is often the easiest way to fuel your body. I like Clif Bars because they tend to be low in saturated fat and high fiber content and protein. Also, they don't taste like chalk as some other energy bars do.
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