When you get into the habit of going to the gym, packing your gym bag will seem like second nature. You will grab everything that you need and be on your way before you know it.

For those who are new to working out, it can be a little intimidating at first. What should you put in a gym bag? If you forget your padlock, what do you do? There are so many unwritten rules of the locker room etiquette that can be enough to put people off from even trying to go to their local gym.

Don’t worry, we have put our heads together and come up with an exhaustive list of everything that you could need to pack in your gym bag. By including the items in this list, you will feel like a pro from the moment you walk in the door of the gym. Here are seven items you should put in a gym bag:

1. The right bag

Before we discuss what to put in a gym bag, let’s make sure that you have the right bag to begin with. You need to have a high-quality gym bag that is not too large, or too small. There is no point carrying around a large bag that could fit a whole set of hockey equipment if all your doing is running on the treadmill.

If you plan to swim or shower at the gym then you should make sure that your gym bag has a separate compartment for your electronics so that they don’t get wet on your way home. Something else that you need to consider is that your bad needs to be comfortable. This is especially important if you are planning to take public transport to and from the gym.

2. The membership card

This might seem very simple, but it’s best to keep the gym membership card in your bag and not your wallet. You may not always bring your wallet to the gym, but you will always bring your gym bag. If you do happen to forget your gym membership card, don’t despair. Most gyms will allow you to enter my giving your name to the front desk so that they can look up your profile.

3. Indoor shoes

This is very important for most gyms. You will need to bring with you a set of workout shoes that you do not wear outside. Depending on how strict your gym is you mat find that even in the summer you are forced to wear a set of clean indoor sneakers. This is not only for your comfort, but to ensure that the gym is clean for everyone who comes and goes.

When you are choosing your gym shoe, be sure to get the right shoe for the job. Many stores will be able to give you some great advice on the correct shoe for the activity that you are planning to do. If running a lot you may want to look into a pair of running shoes that support your feet where you need them to.

4. Gym clothes

You don’t have to wear the most expensive sweat-wicking fabric on the market, although it does feel pretty great. Your workout clothes will be an essential part of the gym experience, even putting them on will get you ready for a good workout. You must always bring the full outfit. There is nothing worse than getting out of the shower following a great workout only to discover that you have forgotten a fresh pair of socks.

5. A towel

Depending on the gym that you go to, some may offer towel service. This can be extremely helpful. If you need to bring your own towel then it is an essential part of your gym kit. Forgetting this can mean that you are going to be forced to head home sweaty and uncomfortable.

6. A reusable water bottle

These come in many shapes and sizes. For any workout, you must stay as hydrated as possible. There is a wide variety of reusable water bottles out there to choose from, so feel free to look around and get one that you really like. Staying hydrated is not just important for your focus and health, you will also be able to work out much longer and achieve greater results.

7. Headphones

These have come a long way in recent years. The awkward cable headphones that snake underneath your shirt into your pocket are no more. Now you can use Bluetooth headphones that play music from your watch. This revolution has made listening to music while you work out a breeze. There is one challenge with this new technology. You have to make sure that you keep them charged. Getting to the gym and putting in your headphones only to discover that they are out of power is a very upsetting feeling.