BAGS FOR LIFE
No one wants to be laden down with unnecessary baggage, least of all the devoted exerciser. Well, you’re about to meet the gym bag so fitting to your needs, you won’t know how you ever managed without it
Whatever your fitness routine may be, carry it off with style
FOR THE OVERPACKER
Mary Poppins nailed it with her ‘pulling entire contents of home out of bag’ efforts, didn’t she? This throw-it-allin holdall will let you do the same. With a multitude of clever compartments and a wipe-clean interior, there’ll be no worries about your green juice leaking all over your office-ready clobber.
SWITCH IT UP
Carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder can make you overcompensate by leaning the other way. Alternate which side you carry it on to avoid a wonky posture.
(Previous page) Bag, £150, Andi NY Jumper, £19.99, Sportfx Leotard, stylist’s own (This page) Bag, £138, Lululemon Crop top, £25; leggings, £40, Ivy Park Watch, £76, Swatch
FOR THE YOGI
The struggle of juggling a yoga mat and a gym bag is enough to ruin your zen before you’ve even limbered up. Enter this stylish hybrid. With enough space for blocks, towels and scented candles, plus subtle straps on the underside for carrying your mat, there’s no excuse not to perfect every posture.
KEEP IT CLEAN
The inside of your bag contains more germs than a toilet (heave), so carry disinfectant wipes and wipe down your bag as well as your mat. Bag, £220, Transience at Selfridges Mat, £127, No Ka’oi Sports bra, £85; leggings, £130, Vaara Trainers, £129, Carvela at Kurt Geiger Watch, £76, Swatch
FOR THE CYCLIST
This totally waterproof backpack will not only keep your precious cargo (laptop and protein ball stash) dry during inevitable downpours, the padded adjustable straps make for a comfy commute, too.
SHARE THE LOAD
Lower back pain is common in cyclists, so to relieve tension on your spine, divide heavy loads between your backpack and a pannier affixed to the bike. Bag, £225, Hunter Jacket, £76, Urban Outfitters Top, £120; leggings, £117, Sapopa at Selfridges Trainers, £69.99, Nike
FOR THE RUNNER
Lightweight. Tick. Water-resistant. Tick. Reflective panelling. Tick. Now there’s no excuse to skip that run home from work. Soz.
STRAP IT ON
Make sure your bag stays firmly on your back as you pound the pavement with the adjustable chest and/or waist straps. Bag, £99.95; jacket, £89.95; hoody, £79.95; leggings, £89.95, Adidas by Stella Mccartney
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
A gym bag cleverly disguised as the season’s latest ‘it’ bag? Oh, go on then. With a padded compartment for your tech essentials and detachable nylon drawstring bag for stashing your sweaty kit, this functional yet fashionable trophy tote ticks every box.
FRESHEN UP
Bag smelling a bit... stale? Leave a tumble dryer sheet inside overnight – it’ll absorb nasty whiffs and leave your bag smelling fresh. Bag, £120, Sol & Selene at Fashercise Bra, £94; leggings, £113, Olympia Activewear at Net-a-porter