I may have gone slightly overboard in my chocolate binging during the holiday season, and, recently, I’ve decided to get back in shape. This means that you can find me either running around my neighborhood at night or jumping around my local gym a few times per week.

So, I wanted to share with you the few things that make the whole work out experience a lot more enjoyable. To me, all these things have become necessities, which means they always come with me to the gym, no matter what workout I’ve got planned for that day.

1. Dopper Bottle

This is really a no brainer. No matter if you go to your weekly yoga class, sweat during a five mile run on the treadmill or lift heavy weights with the big guys, you need to hydrate. I wouldn’t even go near a gym without a reusable water bottle. This one by dopper not only comes in fun colors but is also supports Simavi drinking water projects.

2. Hand Sanitizer

Keeping everything clean and sanitary while working out can be a challenge. The gym is usually full of people that sweat a lot and seem to touch everything. It’s the perfect breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria, which is why I keep this beautiful purple bottle in my gym bag at all times. Dr Bronner’s Hand Sanitizer not only smells of calming lavender, but also disinfects everything that I touch. I use it on my yoga mat and any kind of equipment before and after exercising.

3. Travel Size Toiletries

Since my bag is already heavy enough, I try to carry only travel sizes of my favorite hygiene products. Luckily my favorite hair care line John Master’s Organics offers a wide range of cute minis, including my absolute favorites: The Scalp Shampoo and the Citrus & Neroli Detangler. I especially love the peppermint in the shampoo, it has a super refreshing effect after an intense body combat class.

4. Natural Deodorant

Deo is another essential for everyone who likes to get their sweat on. Soapwalla’s Deodorant Cream not only protects you from odor while working out, it also absorbs moisture so you won’t sweat through your clothes as easily.

5. Face Oil

Ok, now you maybe a little confused. Why would I put an oil on my face in the gym? Using a face oil can be an amazing experience if your gym has a sauna. After your workout, quickly wash your face just with water and then apply a thin layer of a nourishing face oil. Then spend about 15 minutes in the sauna. It will deeply penetrate your skin and give your face a wonderful glow. Stick to high quality plant oils to get the best effect.

6. Face Mist / Toner

Nothing feels as good as a refreshing toner after you got your heart rate up in the gym. It’s a little burst of hydration that your skin desperately needs after losing so much moisture through sweating. I really enjoy the antibacterial toner from Therapi, but you can pretty much use any face mist that does not contain any irritants or alcohol.

7. Mouthwash

Since you refreshed your skin and body after your exercise, why not also freshen up your breath? Hydrophil makes a great natural mouthwash, that will leave your mouth feeling clean and luckily contains no fluoride. Super handy if you are rushing to your next appointment directly after the gym.

What product is your gym bag essential? Share your tips with us in the comments below!