A gym bag is like an athlete’s training partner — workouts aren’t the same without it. Many athletes have handpicked training tools in their gym bags that help improve their training performance with the hope of better results. Discovering what’s in an elite athlete’s gym bag could be informative for upgrades for the casual gym-goer, potentially saving them time and effort by not having to test various training tools.
On Oct. 7, 2023, former Women’s Physique Olympia champion Dana Linn Bailey published a video on her YouTube channel wherein she revealed what earns its keep inside her gym bag. Check it out below:
[Related: 2023 Mr. Olympia Preview]
FlagNorFlag Momentum Pro Backpack
Bailey’s gym bag of choice is the FlagNorFlag (Bailey’s company) Momentum Pro backpack. The 32-liter gym bag can store all her workout essentials. She finds the bag’s multiple compartments allow for better organization than a typical duffle bag.
What’s In Bailey’s Gym Bag?
- Knee Sleeves
- Weightlifting Belt
- Fabric Loop Hip Resistance Band
- Lifting Straps
- Pre-Workout
- Protein Bar
- Water Bottle
- Tampons & Toiletries
- Laptop, Charger, Cables, & Tripod
- Personal Effects
- Wallet
- Sunglasses
- Earphones
- Car Keys
- Clothes
- Hat
- Shoes
[Related: These Are the 10 Best Carbs to Eat for Bodybuilding]
Knee Sleeves & Resistance Band
Compression knee sleeves promote blood flow, provide support, and can reduce pain and discomfort while lifting. Knee sleeves are more convenient than knee wraps and fit more seamlessly into a wider range of training routines. Bailey also carries a loop resistance band in her gym bag for glute workouts.
I like to have [a resistance band] when I’m in hotels. I don’t always have the time to [hit the gym].
[Related: Learn To Grow Your Glutes Like Dana Linn Bailey]
Lifting Straps & Belt
Bailey uses Versa Gripps lifting straps on back days. During heavy pull days, the forearms and grip usually give out larger muscle groups like the lats. Lifting straps prevent grip strength as a limiting factor so the athlete can load more weight without stopping before reaching mechanical failure. The rubber straps of the Versa Gripps allow a better grip on the barbell than most fabric or leather lifting straps.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CyEQfKtReo4/
Weightlifting belts can be bulky and take up space in a gym bag. However, Bailey’s choice — the Momentum Pro — features a compartment designed for securely looping a weightlifting belt around the backpack, saving valuable real estate inside. Wrapping the belt around the bag holds everything together, and the belt acts as an additional layer of security.
Pre-Workout, Protein Bar, & Water Bottle
RedCon1 Total War is Bailey’s go-to pre-workout supplement. Bailey limits herself to half a scoop before leg training. She keeps a protein bar in her gym bag and stays hydrated with via water bottle or shaker that live in the bag’s side mesh pockets.
Personal Effects
“I know guys don’t understand this,” said Bailey, talking about tampons. “But girls, you need to be prepared.” Bailey’s toiletry bag contains hair and make-up products in case she needs to shoot impromptu photos and videos for social media.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxvqU8KRy0v/
[Read More: Our Favorite Forearm Workouts, + the Best Forearm Exercises]
The bodybuilder-turned-fitness influencer has a dedicated compartment for chargers and a tripod in her bag for when she travels. Bailey stores her wallet, sunglasses, earphone case, and car keys in her bag’s smaller compartment for easy accessibility. Bailey carries a spare t-shirt and shorts to change post-workout, and has a pair of trainers handy for when combining strength and cardio.
More Training Equipment
- The Best Lifting Gloves For Grip, Pull Ups, Wrist Support And More
- Best Wrist Wraps
- Best Cross-Training Shoes of 2023
Featured image: @danalinnbailey on Instagram
