If you're like us, packing for the gym is typically not at the forefront of your brain when preparing for work in the morning or going about your busy day. It's not until we hit the locker room that we realize we forgot everything needed to survive an intense workout (and help us look decent after the fact). Although we have every intention of being prepared with a stocked gym bag at all times, it never seems to fit into our jam-packed schedules. We are right there with you and want to help you keep your duffle stocked with all the essentials needed to get you through every stage of your workout!

If you're rushing to the gym after work or in the midst of an errand-filled day, keep a clean set of gym clothes in your bag at all times: bottoms, top, sports bra, socks and shoes. It's also wise to keep hair accessories like ties and headbands packed in case you need to whip up a workout-friendly hairstyle in a jiffy! Pack a can of hairspray to keep hair in place during your fitness frenzy (we recommend L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray).

Keep your bag stocked with items to help you while you feel the burn. A towel, water bottle and music player are essential for getting through a tough workout. Optional items include a heart-rate monitor and bandages (in case you get overzealous on that treadmill or develop blisters).

Nobody expects you to look like a beauty queen after a gym sesh, but we also don't want to look like two years of bad road either! Keep some quick-fixin' makeup in your gym bag to help you look refreshed after that strenuous cardio class. Stock up on cleansing wipes to clean off the sweat and dirt that accumulated during your workout. A light BB Cream like L'Oréal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream or tinted moisturizer will recharge your skin and give it a little coverage. To refresh your hair, pack some dry shampoo like Pureology Fresh Approach Dry Shampoo. Top it off with a little lip balm (a tinted variety like Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Lip Balm in Strike A Rose is best to give your pout some pop) and you are ready to go about your post-gym activities!

What are your gym bag essentials? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo: thinkstock