Gym Style

I always think that finding a good gym bag is a tricky one. I’m often rushing from work to the gym or from the gym to meet friends, so want a gym bag that’s not only practical but that looks good too. I searched for pretty much the whole of 2016 for the perfect bag and began to worry that it didn’t exist, that was until I came across the Sweaty Betty Luxe Gym Bag. It was love at first sight!

I first saw it online and at £95 it isn’t cheap, but I took the risk and added it to my Christmas list anyway (thanks, Santa)! After an almost torturous wait until Christmas morning, the bag was all that I expected and more.

First off, it looks great. Padded, in all black with silver zips, it’s definitely transitional from gym to street. It’s minimal but sure gets noticed- I’ve already had several compliments. Then there’s the size; it’s large for a gym bag but for me it’s perfect. I can fit everything in without a struggle, yet it’s not so big that it’s annoying. You could even double it up as a weekend bag if you pack light.

Now to the practicality. It’s clear that this bag has been well-designed to cater to any active woman’s needs. The first thing that caught my attention was the zip compartment at the bottom of the bag; the perfect space for you to store your trainers, sweaty clothes, wet towel or anything else that you don’t want in with the rest of your gear. Inside the large main compartment there’s a waterproof lined zip pocket. This runs all of the way down one side and is great for anything that you are worried could potentially leak- I’ve been using it for toiletries. On the opposite side there’s another pocket and the bag even has a water bottle holder.

Now, for any keen yogis, there’s another feature especially for you… Underneath the bag are two straps to hold your yoga mat! It’s rare that you catch me at yoga so instead I’ll be using the straps to carry my gym mat.

It’s clearly in high demand, as currently it’s out of stock. However, you can click right here and sign up to receive an email for when it’s back in, or check in store.

sweaty-betty-bag — Source: Sweat Betty Website

sweaty-betty-bag-bottom — Source: Sweaty Betty Website

It’s a well known fact that wearing sportswear that you feel great in makes you workout harder. OK, maybe not a fact but there are plenty of studies out there (including my own experience) that back it up. So the outfit’s on point, the trainers are matching- kind of- hair’s slicked back and you’re ready for business. You hit the treadmill, your moment to shine and before long you need to take a sip of your ever-so-vital water. You reach for the bottle and…oh…suddenly not so fab. It’s the same old scruffy Tesco’s own water bottle that you’ve used for the zillionth time. It doesn’t even look attractive to drink from never mind helping to boost your gym-pro attitude.

Now perhaps it’s not as dramatic as this, but let’s face it, there’s are plenty of fun water bottles out there to make even the most exercise-hating person want to buy one (and to jazz up your gym outfit). Here’s my pick of the best! xx