What the Country's Top Trainers Say Are Their Fitness Must Haves

Bethany Lyons, Lyons Power Den Yoga

Gym bag essentials: Lyons Den power Yoga Bandana — must to keep the sweat out of my eyes. REVO aviator sunglasses for to and from classes — this blue-eyed girl is SENSITIVE to sunlight. ABH Health Manuka Active Honey Lozenges (because all I do is talk, talk, talk! These are so expensive, but of course, my fave). And something casual and studio-to-street chic to throw on after class. I am currently loving black and white harem pants gifted to me from Sweaty Betty.

Go-to workout equipment: A black Jade Pro Harmony yoga mat. It’s non-slip, recycled, no-frills, and takes a beating. The yoga mat is important as it gives me the space to break down, break a sweat, and break on through to the other side.

Pre- and post-workout snack: Before: a KIND bar (almond and coconut). After: Lulitonix green blend — Chill, Glow, Kick . . . Love them all!

Mandi Molnar, NYC Christopher St. DavidBartonGym

Gym bag essentials: Perform Better Resistance Bands in two resistance levels, Versa Grips, a soft ball to work out any tight muscles, and peanut butter. Always peanut butter.

Go-to workout equipment: Definitely dumbbells. They're versatile enough you can do a whole workout with one medium-weight set.

Pre- and post-workout snack: I usually shoot for rice cakes and peanut or almond butter, or trail mix. A little carb and little fat for energy, but not too heavy.

Tanya Becker, Physique 57

Gym bag essentials: I always carry my Physique 57 grippy socks or my Reebok True Studio Slippers, which are both really great to keep my feet from slipping around when I teach or take class.

Go-to workout equipment: A Physique 57 playground ball! You can get a total-body workout using the ball to sculpt your thighs, abs, and glute muscles. It’s surprisingly a versatile piece of equipment that is highly effective for toning those trouble spots (e.g. inner thighs and lower seat muscles) and also easy to travel with.

Pre- and post-workout snack: I usually have fruit or oatmeal before teaching and a NuGo Slim Bar (crunchy peanut butter) afterwards. It’s important for me to properly fuel my body and feel energized, especially on busier days packed with back-to-back classes and meetings.

Kathleen Kulikowski, SoulCycle

Gym bag essentials: I carry my vitamins with me: Daily Women's Vitamin, Fish Oil, and BCAA performance aminos for post-workout recovery drink. And I always have an extra set of workout clothes.

Go-to workout equipment: A kettlebell for sure. There are so many different and effective workouts that you can do with it!

Pre- and post-workout snack: I always make sure to have something light with lots of protein before my workout — maybe a Quest bar or a protein shake. Within 30 minutes after my workout, I grab some type of carb and protein.

Brittney Mooney, ((305)) Fitness

Gym bag essentials: My BKR water bottle, Mio Workout Wonder invigorating muscle motivating gel, and hair ties. Can't have too many hair ties!

Pre- and post-workout snack: I'll always try to bring a small tupperware of cut-up fruit, such as pineapple, melon, or apple. Super easy to pop in your mouth right before and after a workout and fuels your body without feeling too full.

Alex Silver-Fagan, CITYROW

Gym bag essentials: Cellucor C4 pre-workout and BCAA's, minty gum, a small Theraband (for using during my own workouts and clients), an extra sports bra (no one likes wearing a wet bra all day), a hat (just in case my hair is nowhere near saving).

Go-to workout equipment: Your body! A good friend of mine once read me a quote that says, "What makes you think you have the right to move a weight if you can't control your own body?" This has been the focus behind my yoga practice and my most recent training style. While I still am a big proponent of lifting heavy weights, you truly can accomplish so much with your own body weight. Dynamic movements, push-ups, pull-ups, squats, planks, lunges — the possibilities are endless. Additionally, you can find a bench or step to make some of these movements harder. Simple works for a reason.

Pre- and post-workout snack: To be honest, if I'm working out early in the morning and it's not a strength-based workout, I'll train fasted. But if I'm lifting anything heavy, it's important to fuel my body so I don't crash. Before a workout I'll have a carbohydrate but still keep it light — either an apple, half a banana, or a rice cake with a little bit of protein powder paste (1/2 scoop whey protein mixed with a tiny bit of water). I like to keep my fruit intake close to my workouts because the sugar is a great carbohydrate-fuel source. After sweating, I make sure I have a dense source of protein, either whey protein powder, hard-boiled egg, or chicken. My favorite post-workout smoothie is one scoop of Cellucor Cinnamon Swirl Whey, half a banana, a handful of spinach, and a scoop of almond butter.

Amanda Rey, SLT

Gym bag essentials: Peppermint Essential Oil has been a staple in my life since I was very young. I rub a drop or two on my temples or the back of my neck when I am feeling tense or need a pick me up. I get pretty bad migraines on occasion and the peppermint oil helps relieve the headache pains.

Go-to workout equipment: A Megaformer. I haven't worked out in a traditional gym since college. The Megaformer is a one stop shop: total body conditioning that allows me to strengthen and tone my body with slow, controlled, precise movements. I also adore foam rollers.

Pre- and post-workout snack: I really try not to eat anything too close to a workout. I just drink a lot of water. Post-workout I'm a big fan of a banana with a spoonful of peanut butter, or an Indie Fresh Mini Protein Smoothie (the Maca Root Acai is my fave).

Alycea Ungaro, Real Pilates

Gym bag essentials: Lululemon Socks in case I go for a run or walk or jump into a Pilates class.

Go-to workout equipment: Pilates Magic Circle of course! Can do arms, legs, and full-body with it anywhere and anytime, and it packs light.

Pre- and post-workout snack: Our Real Pilates produced Control Bars.

Aleah Stander, Flywheel

Gym bag essentials: I’m always prepared with extra workout clothes, socks, a headband, iPod, and headphones.

Go-to workout equipment: Aside from teaching and taking Flywheel classes, I’m always changing my workout routine to utilize all types of equipment depending on my goals. Right now, I’m all about the plyometric box because my routine focuses on improving power and performance. You can actually use any large step, including bleachers, which is fun if you want to take your workout outside.

Pre- and post-workout snack: Before and after a workout it’s best to nourish the body with clean protein and carbs (with little to no fat). I usually have a protein shake before my workout and/or egg whites and oats after.

Tiffany Conde, Xtend Barre

Gym bag essentials: I always carry Xtend Barre grippy socks, Lululemon scarf to keep warm, and a large glass bottle of water to hydrate. I occasionally add in homemade energy balls to eat before or after teaching.

Go-to workout equipment: My favorite must have for Xtend Barre is a resistance band. It allows you to sculpt and chisel your lower body.

Pre- and post-workout snack: I like to make homemade energy balls using dates, chia seeds, fresh fruit, peanut butter, and coconut. Time permitting, I will have a quick snack such as cucumbers with Greek yogurt, or an egg with avocado seasoned with cayenne.

Simone De La Rue, Body by Simone

Gym bag essentials: I carry a towel, change of workout clothes, iPhone charger, some snacks, almonds, crackers, and water.

Go-to workout equipment: I am currently obsessed with the sliding disc. They are so versatile. You can use them for a great core workout, lower body, and also upper body.

Pre- and post-workout snack: One hour before, I have protein and a carb, and one hour after, a protein. This can range from a protein shake to a boiled egg to grain free granola with almond milk or nut thin crackers and hummus.

Janet Jones, Vixen Workout

Gym bag essentials: My wireless Beats headphones and my iPod touch. Water bottle and towel. Quest bars (or another type of nutritional bar).

Go-to workout equipment: I swear by dance workouts so all I need in a mirror and music.

Pre- and post-workout snack: Before my class I can't eat anything heavy so I'll have a protein shake. After I'll have some chopped up chicken or turkey slices (I usually teach later in the evening).

Becca Pace, Equinox

Gym bag essentials: I make my own body mist and room spray from citrus and lavender essential oils. I always have one of each on my bag; might sound crazy, but the smell of a studio can affect your workout! I give a few spritzes to give the room an inviting smell . . . that's way better than sweat and stinky feet!

Go-to workout equipment: I don't go anywhere without my Yoga Tune Up balls! They are key to releasing my tight muscles throughout the day. They're small, lightweight, and absolutely necessary for me each day!