A good workout doesn’t just involve the right gym equipment. It’s often those small elements that you overlook that lead to a successful and satisfying workout. One of the most often-overlooked essentials in the world of exercise is the gym towel.
Whether you’re getting started with strength training or going for a run on the treadmill, a high-quality towel will keep you dry, comfortable and cool throughout your entire workout. From helping you maintain gym hygiene to enhancing your overall exercise performance, a sweat towel is a must-have item for your gym bag.
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The Importance of Gym Towels in Your Workout Routine
When you think of gym essentials, the first things that come to mind are probably a pair of high-quality gym shoes or a smartwatch to track your progress. However, it’s often the small elements that barely get the spotlight that truly have the power to change the course of your workout.
At first thought, a towel is just a piece of fabric, so what’s all this buzz truly about? Although towels may seem small and insignificant compared to gym clothes or other exercise equipment, they play a crucial role in maintaining gym hygiene and keeping you dry during a tough workout.
Although sweat is unpleasant and tends to make most people uncomfortable, it’s not the sweat itself that’s the problem; it’s the bacteria on gym equipment that are harmful to your health. Shared gym equipment can harbour germs and bacteria that are easily transferred through contact. That’s why you need durable and absorbent gym towels you can place on the exercise machine you’re about to use. The towel acts as a protective barrier, creating a hygienic surface on top of the shared gym equipment.
High-quality towels also absorb sweat rather than just smearing it on your skin. Having damp and clammy skin can be unpleasant during long workouts and can even make your skin slippery, which can lead to losing focus and accidentally dropping your equipment mid-workout.
Gym towels are also incredibly versatile. They are made in a wide range of sizes and types. From small hand towels for wiping sweat off your face, to larger towels for lying on benches and other gym equipment.
The Different Types Available
When it comes to carrying a gym towel in your go-to gym bag, it’s important to note that there are dozens of types of towels; you just have to find the one that is right for your needs. Here’s a list of popular towel materials, their uses, and how to choose the right one for your exercise:
- Microfibre towels – One of the most popular towel choices among regular gym-goers is microfibre, quick-dry towels. These towels are made from synthetic fibres that quickly absorb moisture and dry much faster than natural materials. Microfibre towels come in a variety of colours and even help reduce the chance of odour build-up while exercising.
- Cotton towels – Known for their softness and comfort against the skin, cotton towels are a popular choice for many people. Cotton is an extremely durable material that is extremely easy to clean. This practical towel option absorbs sweat and can be used to wipe gym equipment with ease.
- Bamboo towels – Bamboo fibre is known for its natural antibacterial properties. These towels help control odours while working out by controlling the growth of bacteria. Because bamboo fibre is gentle on your skin, many people prefer these types of towels over cotton ones. Bamboo towels are also eco-friendly and extremely durable.
Things to Consider When Buying a Gym Towel
Buying the right towel can make your trips to the gym easier and much more pleasant. Here are a few characteristics to consider to make sure your shopping trip is easier and more pleasant:
- Size: Workout towels are available in various sizes to suit everyone’s needs. From smaller hand towels to larger towels for showers and saunas, identify your gym goals before settling on a towel size.
- Weight: The weight of your towel heavily affects its absorbency and drying speed. While heavier options are thicker and more absorbent, they also dry more slowly than lighter towels. Besides drying faster, lighter towels also take up less space in your gym bag.
- Colour: Choosing a towel colour is a more visual task. Usually, people choose colours that match the rest of their gym gear. If you like to carry multiple towels to the gym, you can choose different colours for each one, or you can have a differently coloured towel for each workout day. This way, you will never get them mixed up.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Since we’ve covered the reasons you need a towel in your gym bag and the key considerations before buying one that suits your specific needs and goals, it’s also important to learn how to properly maintain and care for your gym towel. Here are some not-so-secret laundry tips to keep your towel clean and long-lasting:
- Wash it immediately: Maintaining hygiene in the gym is crucial. But all that effort goes away if you don’t wash your towel immediately after you get home from the gym. Yes, you’re probably tired, but trust us, you don’t want to let the bacteria and germs spread, or worse, your towel can get mouldy!
- Some golden rules: You can wash it with baking soda because it’s great for removing bad odours and keeping your towels looking and smelling fresh. Adding some vinegar once a month is also a good idea. It keeps odours at bay and brings out the freshness of your towel.
- The great temperature debate: It’s absolutely safe and even preferred to wash your towels in the washing machine. However, with this option, there is another challenge: What temperature should you wash your towels at? Colder temperatures are easier on the fabric, while hotter temperatures are better at killing bacteria. Washing your towels with warm water (40 °C) is a good compromise, both for dealing with stubborn stains and removing bad odours.
- Drying strategies: While machine drying is convenient, it can damage the material of your gym towels. It’s best to hang your towels on a drying rack in a well-ventilated space.
