If you just started going to the gym, you might be wondering what you should bring along with you. There are several essentials you should keep on hand to make the most out of the time you spend exercising. Here are five gym bag essentials that every man should bring along to exercise.

1. Nutrition Bar Or Nuts
Having a nutrition bar or a small bag of nuts can help give you some energy before and after your workout. These will also help you stave off cravings for junk food after your workout is over (it’s not a bad idea to keep of few extras in the car too for backup). It’s best to buy these items for cheap at places like Sam’s Club or Costco instead of individually at a convenience store.

2. Two Towels
When you go to the gym, you’ll want a towel to wipe down equipment before and after you use it, and a separate towel for when you shower. If you use a single towel for both purposes, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Drying off with a towel after it’s been wiped with the sweat of other gym goers is both unsanitary and gross. If your gym offers towel service for a reasonable price, take advantage of it.

3. Plastic Bag And Flip Flops
If you go to a gym on a regular basis, there’s a good chance you’ll get some worts on the bottoms of your feet if you don’t wear flip flops. So bring along a pair of flip flops and put them in a plastic bag so they don’t make everything in your bag wet. It’s best to replace this bag every month or so as it can get dirty. Try using unused plastic shopping bags you would otherwise throw away. One tip is to bring flip flops that are foam because they are cheap, light, and don’t hold moisture. Make sure the strap is also made out of plastic so it doesn’t hold moisture.

4. Extra Socks
After a long workout, your body will be drenched with sweat, and so will your feet. So bring an extra pair of socks so you can quickly change out of a sweaty pair after a workout. Doing this will help keep your shoes cleaner and less smelly. It’s also very comfortable to put on a fresh pair of socks after working out.

5. Mp3 Player
Listening to music can help energize and entertain you during a workout. Keep an mp3 player loaded with tracks that will pump you up and keep you motivated while you work out. When selecting an mp3 player, try to find something that is small and won’t interfere with your workout. There are many mp3 players that are smaller than a book of matches which should be just right to accompany your workout. When using an mp3 player, make sure to keep the volume at a moderate level to avoid disturbing other gym goers and to be able to hear if people try to tell you something.

Bonus: Water Bottle
Having a water bottle will help keep you hydrated during your workout without having to make frequent trips to the drinking fountain. Staying hydrated is very important when doing a lot of physical exercise. Try putting ice cubes in your water bottle before heading to the gym and to filter the water if you don’t like the taste of tap water.