I have my “bare essentials” list for my gym bag, things I need for a good workout:
Water bottle–I use Britta’s filtered water bottle (since our city water can smell like a well-chlorinated pool at times). I like plenty of ice to keep the water chilled.
Hand towel–ok, so it’s gym policy, but great for when you work up a sweat 
Good tunes–right now, I’m using a CD player, but I’m saving up for an MP3 player
Protein bar–I tend to battle with low blood sugar, and this makes sure I eat something healthy and don’t grab the first food my eyes see when I get home.
Comfy shoes and socks–If the feet ain’t happy, neither am I LOL. Right now I wear men’s Nike (I have wide feet). I have some hemp socks, but just found some by Danskin that are awesome–really cushy with arch support. Sometimes I need to add an ankle brace, but lately I haven’t had to dig it out of my bag :::knock wood::::.
I missed yesterday’s workout because of a tiring day at the allergist’s for my son (full story over at Give Me something to Sing About). I really hated missing it (especially after indulging in a luscious bowl of ice cream), but I was just worn out.
So I added an extra quarter mile to my workout today, for a total of 2 1/4 miles, and despite an unrelenting headache, I felt energized. Losing another pound didn’t hurt either 
Weight lost: 28 (-5)
Pounds2Go: 157
8:03 pm
Hey, you are way ahead of me. I have no gym bag. Does a diaper/snack bag count?
8:27 pm
I’m afraid to go see what’s really in my gym bag, it’s been so long since I’ve peked in it. I know there’s a swimsuit, a platic bag with shampoo and conditioner, my heart rate monitor, and a lock…but there might be a very old towel that went in there all wet last JULY… :shame:
10:43 pm
I don’t use a gym bag. I get my WO clothes on and then I grab my book and my MP3 player and head to the gym. If the roads are wet or snowy, I wear my boots grab my tennis shoes and a lock so I can lock my boots and jacket in a locker. I have a specific jacket that I wear to the gym (my old Columbia) and I keep my gym card and a lock in the pockets. I suppose if I start working outside of the home, I will have to have a bag if I am going to go from work to the gym.
11:26 pm
That sounds really great!
I WO at home, with the 4 kids home all the time it’s not practical to go to a gym. So, I have everything here with no need to pack. If I did, I hope I would be as organized as you are!
11:46 pm
let’s see…..everything! lol!! plus my yoga mat, strap & some shampoo, conditioner & lotion.
and a tip! the creative MUVO MP3 player is EXCELLENT & CHEAP!! i got one for christmas from my future MIL….got a radio & voice recorder on it too!
8:02 am
I live in a very small town that has a fitness center, but not one that I can afford.
So my gym bag is empty at the moment. Good for you for the extra 1/4 mile. It’s those little things that make the difference! 
12:24 pm
*cough*
I don’t have a gym bag either.. mostly because I don’t go to the gym. *tee hee*