Many people don’t have time during the day to exercise other than during the lunch hour. Working out during lunch, however, means you need to bring your heavy gym bag to work with you in addition to all the other bags you are already carrying. This inconvenience can demotivate you from going to the gym at all. Here are a few tricks to help you bring a more compact gym bag to work so you can make that lunchtime workout:

1. Head straight to the travel section in the store
Here, you can find everything in tiny sizes, such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, baby powder, and more. Having travel-sized toiletries ensures all your necessities will fit seamlessly in a small, portable bag. If you don’t want to buy these products every time you run out, you can purchase empty travel-sized containers instead, and refill them with your own products. This will cut down on costs and will also be helpful if you use specific or less-common brands.

2. Pack less bulky workout clothing
Choose your attire wisely. Packing a pair of shorts instead of leggings is a huge space saver since they are easier to fold and contain less fabric than a pair of long, thick leggings. Same goes when choosing a workout top — the baggier/bulkier the shirt, the more space it takes up.

3. Bring a couple microfiber towels for your shower and workout
Microfiber towels are total game changers! The both absorb moisture and dry out very quickly, and they are small, which saves space. Additionally, their quick drying time means a lower likelihood of a moldy smell in your gym bag.

4. Prep for makeup touch-ups
If you wear makeup then you will likely need a makeup touch-up after your midday workout. An easy way to do so without bringing your entire makeup collection (that probably would take up all the space in your gym bag) is to get some samples. You can pack a small makeup bag with samples of your favorite powder, concealer, mini eyeliner, perfume, and more. You can get samples or travel sizes of your favorites at a makeup store, or you can fill your own small containers.

5. Figure out your other essentials
The other two obvious essentials are your shoes and water bottle. Unless you’re taking a yoga, barre, or pilates class, you won’t get very far in your workout without a pair of sneakers. Another item that is wise to carry is a pair of flip-flops to wear in the shower.

If you plan ahead and pack your light gym bag the night before, you may even be more motivated to make it to the gym during your lunch break!

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