gym bag essentials

Pack your gym bag in a way that will keep you warm, healthy, and glowing all Winter long. Since your gym bag is almost of equal importance as your workout and goes everywhere with you, make the most of it this holiday season. Simple swaps like an extra pair of running tights and a Winter-worthy snack will keep you out of a cold-weather rut and going strong no matter what temperatures the weatherman predicts. Here are seven essentials we can't live without!

1. Running Tights: Running tights are a Winter must because they are perfect for layering. Not only are they a substitute to leggings — just throw on a pair of boots and you're ready for work — but the comfortable fit also makes them perfect for any girl and any workout. Running tights can also be paired under shorts for added warmth or packed in your gym bag for an extra layer under sweatpants before you head outside.
2. Sanitizer: Let's face it, the gym is a likely place to catch a cold or the flu this Winter. Take extra precaution by keeping yourself and your equipment clean. Let your inner germaphobe shine by packing cleansers in your gym bag. Mix up one of these DIY cleaners or carry a pack of sanitizing wipes for a strong immune system this Winter.
3. Dry Shampoo: Nothing is worse than wet hair in the Winter. If you don't have time to dry your hair after a shower, use dry shampoo. Dry shampoo will leave your hair smelling fresh while adding texture and volume. It is perfect for the days you need to run errands after the gym and will keep your hair healthy in between washes.
4. Fleece Headband: The perfect headband this Winter will do double duty: holding your hair in place while keeping your head warm. A fleece headband like this Lululemon Brisk Run Headband ($26) will keep your ears warm before, during, and after a workout. It also acts as an additional layer under a bike or ski helmet.

Keep reading for more gym bag essentials!

I've got wavy, long, and thick wild tresses, which, needless to say, isn't the easiest to manage post-workout. I try my best to skip washing my hair every day to prevent damage, but I love the feeling of squeaky clean hair. Even when I attempt to just rinse my hair with water, I may throw in a bit of conditioner to make my hair smell like a bouquet of fresh flowers.

For those of you like me who want that clean fresh feeling (minus any oil) and hair that smells so good you want to eat it, I turn your attention to dry shampoo. We've already talked about Oscar Blandi's Dry Shampoo and now I'd like to introduce you to my latest pick — skinnyskinny's Organic Rose and Black Pepper Dry Shampoo ($32). What I love about this dry shampoo is the fact that it goes with all hair colors — brown, black, blond, you name it. Unlike other dry shampoos that don't blend very well into your hair, with skinnyskinny's version, a little on the scalp goes a long way. Although the color is white, all you have to do is run your fingers through your hair a few times and it will easily blend in. Other pros include its spicy/floral scent and the fact that it actually adds texture and volume to your hair. I kid you not, my hair sometimes looks better after using this product than if I were to wash and blow-dry it — go figure!