What’s in my bag? My must-haves for training, coaching, and in-between

I may have built a reputation for my style. That includes my bags. They speak for themselves. My go-to right now is King Kong’s Plus26 backpack. But until now, what’s inside my bag has been a mystery… I’m often bouncing between teaching group classes, working with clients 1:1, or doing my own training, so I like to make sure my bag is packed and I’m prepared for whatever the day may throw at me. 

So shall we, say, let it out of the bag? >:D Here are some highlights of the contents: 

• Bottle opener / shotgun tool: Did that get your attention?! You never know when it’s time to celebrate a lift. Start with visualizing and be prepared! 

• Knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and lifting tape: These are more standard tools of the trade. Knee sleeves support your knees and can aid during heavier lifts. Wrist wraps help keep your wrists locked out; also helpful when goin’ heavy! Lifting tape adds more surface area for your grip. While these are all great tools, I generally want to rely on these as little as possible to really build my strength to handle the heavier weights. 

• Smelling salts: If you have not experienced smelling salts, you’re in for a treat! I carry two with me: a strong one and a less strong one. :) Depending on how much help I think I need, a gentle sniff of these salts will give me a boost of clarification and awaken my body. 

• Water bottle: I use an insulated Mizu bottle with a glow-in-the-dark sports cap so I can spot it inside my bag or during those dark 5am mornings in the winter. I generally fill it with FloWater, the best filtered water! 

• Food & fuel: Protein snacks, chips, BCAAs, pre-workout, protein powder… Feed the body! 

• Mint toothpicks: I love to eat but I also interact with people face-to-face, so I gotta keep the teeth clean and breath fresh. No one wants to be coached by someone with stinky breath, amirite?! 

• Pens and markers: #coachinglife. I’m always prepared to jot something down or write a workout on a whiteboard. Erasable pens and dry erase markers--because my spelling is terrible (don’t let my blog fool you! I have a proofreader…). 

• Extra set of clothes: I don’t always have time for a shower in between working out and teaching classes and working with clients! 

What items surprise you? What do you carry with you? What am I missing that you think I should include in my bag?

See you out there,

Andrew