Last week, I was challenged to do a whopping 180 minutes of exercise as part of the Getting Healthy project.  I had to get creative about when and where I worked out – at home with a video, walking with a friend – but with the recent cold snap in Seattle, I wanted to stay inside as much as possible.  So I grabbed my workout clothes, stuffed them in a tote bag, and went to my office’s in-building gym.

The first time, I forgot to bring my sports bra.  The second time, I didn’t have makeup remover, extra underwear or soap for my after-workout shower.  I did remember deoderant, but only barely.

I had no idea that going to the gym meant so much more than a pair of sweats, a t-shirt and sneakers.

These snafoos made me realize that I need a dedicated gym bag. If I wasn’t transfering my workout clothes from the drawer to the tote bag every other day, I wouldn’t have to worry about forgetting some essential thing that keeps me from being comfortable, or from workout out all together.

The bright side: this new need gives me an excuse to shop!  I love handbags, and I love fashion that incorporates function, so shopping for a gym bag is doubly exciting for me.  Here are my favorites:

LeSportsac Pearl Lightning Large Weekender: $120

My workout clothes aren’t pretty – basic yoga pants and a t-shirt in bland, over-washed colors – so I kind of want my bag to be.  Can you imagine going straight from your after-workout shower to the bar for a drink with friends…and carrying this on your shoulder?  Yes please.

Crescent Moon Yoga Bag Tool Bag Navy White: $120

Check it out: you can use this bag for your yoga clothes (and shower stuff), and strap your yoga mat to the bottom of it. No extra long, strappy drawstrings or awkward carrying. Just one bag. (I really, really hate having to carry more bags than I need to. Can you tell?)

Columbia Classic Duffel Bag – Blue Vapor: $70

This one’s for all my swimmers out there. I know you can’t easily rock something other than nylon, and the construction of this bag is perfect for towels, swimsuits and all the other wet stuff you’ve got to carry, and it has enough room for a makeup bag, too.

AmeriBag Healthy Back Bag tote: $89.95

It may not be the most stylish bag I’ve ever seen, but as someone with constant back pain, I can appreciate the ergonomic shape. For those that don’t dig microfiber, it also comes in leather and cotton canvas.

The Sak Dandelion nylon foldover flap: $79.95

Sorry for the small image – you’ll want to click it to see the print up close. I like the idea of having something wildly printed on my gym bag, something that stands out…because not only will it make me smile, but it will constantly grab my attention, making it easy to find when I want to work out…and visible enough to remind me to do so!

What is one feature you must have in a gym bag?

Extra pockets, lots of room, great aesthetics?