The Starter Kit - Essentials for Every Beginner
- Mark Potter
- May 1
- 3 min read
Updated: May 2
Starting a fitness journey is one of the best decisions you can make, but at the beginning, knowing what kit you need and what you don't can be overwhelming. I made this handy starter kit list to make things a bit simpler. If you have any questions or need some help, feel free to ask me before you buy anything.
I’ve linked to some products for convenience and picked products that my clients or I have used before.
If you buy from the links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I’ve broken down the starter kit into the absolute essentials and the "nice-to-haves".
Essentials
✅ Don't leave home without these. They solve the most common "first day" issues.
1. Water Bottle
Workouts are harder if you're not hydrated. You don't need to be chugging 5 L a day, but have a water bottle with you whenever you train and sip throughout your workout.
2. Microfibre Gym Towel
Standard cotton towels are bulky and stay damp forever. These microfibre versions are highly absorbent, quick-drying, and take up almost zero space in your bag. If you sweat as much as me, these are a godsend!
3. Combination Padlock
If you don't lock it, you could lose it. Combination padlocks are a quick and convenient way of securing your things before a workout. I've chosen a combination padlock because of the numerous times I've had to cut open a key-operated one after a member locked the key inside the locker!
💡 Tip: Use a permanent marker to write a symbol on the lock so you know exactly which one is yours. When the gym gets busy, you’ll see dozens of locks like yours on lockers, so marking yours makes life so much simpler.
4. Hand Sanitiser
Gyms are great for your health, but they are kind of a gross place. Lots of sweaty people and germs! Have a small hand sanitiser you can clip onto a bag or put in your pocket that you can use whenever you need it.
✨ Nice to Haves
These aren't strictly required to get in the door, but they solve the small annoyances that can derail a good workout.
5. Ring Wristband
Barbells and dumbbells are made of rough steel that can easily scratch or dent wedding bands and rings. This wristband keeps your jewellery safe, secure, and right on your person so you don't accidentally lose them on the gym floor.
6. Padded Gym Gloves
If you aren't used to handling weights, the rough grip on the bars can be uncomfortable. Padded gloves provide a layer of protection that prevents painful blisters while your hands adjust to your new routine.
7. Resistance Bands
Perfect for warming up your muscles or adding a bit of extra challenge to bodyweight movements. These are lightweight and fit into any bag, making them a nice portable gym accessory. Just take care when using them, they are essentially large rubber bands and taking one to the face is not a good time!
8. Smart Shaker Bottle
Convenience for your post-workout protein. This "smart" version features a detachable compartment at the bottom, so you can keep your powder dry and fresh until the moment you’re ready to mix it. Always wash them up immediately after use. Protein shakers get funky real fast!
9. High-Density Foam Roller
"Day 2" muscle soreness is a real thing for beginners. Spending five minutes on a foam roller after your session helps increase blood flow and can significantly reduce that "stiff" feeling the next morning.
10. Electrolyte Fizzers
If you find yourself feeling sluggish after a sweaty session, you’re likely losing more than just water. Drop one of these tablets into your water bottle to replenish essential minerals and stay energised.
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