Submitted By Contributing Blogger Joe WalshAs September stretches on, my regular runs along the banks of Boston’s Charles River are coming with some added chill. This morning, with Harvard at my heels and MIT in my sights, the lights of Fenway Park and the famous Citgo sign looming over the river to the right, and the city skyline rising up straight ahead, it occurred to me that the weather will soon push me back into the confines of the gym.
Whether its weather that is pushing you indoors or just that you are back on campus and using the gym again, take these tips to make sure you are ready for the transition with a gym bag that is as ready for action as you are.
Find Flip-Flops at Fall Sales
Gym showers can be funky. Make sure you keep your feet fungus-free by always packing shower shoes. If you want to pick up a more upscale pair, the end-of-summer sales are a great place to score sweet sandals on sale.
Make Mom Proud
Before you checkout, stop by and see if there are any bargains on boxers or briefs. Always keep your bag packed with an extra set of undergarments – it’ll make your Mom proud and besides, you never know. Be sure your extras are in a neutral or light color so that you don’t have to worry about see-through on lighter pants and try to make the socks something versatile…maybe a navy base with a stripe in some color you wear a lot of.
Get Fit, Get Clean
You eat a low-fat, high-protein diet. You check the health mags for new workouts and tips. You even carry around a notebook to keep track of your reps and weight. OK, maybe not. But, if you are going to workout that hard, don’t slack when you get in the shower. Wall-mounted soap dispenser goo, hard gym water and dry winter air are a perfect recipe for scaly, dry skin.
NIVEA for Men to the rescue. Their new Active 3 product is an all-in-one body wash, shampoo AND shaving cream. Not only will your skin thank you for it, but you just cut two extra bottles from your dopp kit.
Take Advantage of the TSA
Speaking of your kit…thanks to TSA regulations, these days any good pharmacy will have a well-stocked section of trial and travel sized skin care, shaving and other products. Stock your kit with those smaller items and don’t forget zipped plastic bags to be sure you don’t wind up oozing shave balm all over the inside of your bag. If you do this right, the added benefit will be that you will have a airport-ready shave kit ready-to-go when you pack for your next trip.
Based in Boston, Joe works in the renewable energy industry. His views on the law, policy and politics of energy and the environment are cited by worldwide news agencies like Reuters and leading media outlets like the Wall Street Journal.
