As a Barre instructor, Osteopath and women’s health practitioner, my gym bag sees A LOT of action, from early morning classes to a gym session after clients. But no matter the day, I always pack with three goals in mind: support, simplicity, and hormone-friendly care. Here’s a peek inside my gym bag and the everyday wellness essentials I never leave home without.
1. Resistance Bands
These little loops pack a serious punch, I actually used these to rehab a back injury a while ago. Whether I’m warming up glutes, rehabbing my old back injury, adding burn to a Barre session or squeezing in a mini workout while travelling, resistance bands are a staple. They’re light, versatile and easy to stash in even the smallest bag. Great for mobility and strength without needing a full gym setup.
2. Refillable Water Bottle
Hydration is essential, especially when it comes to supporting your energy, skin, and hormones. I keep a stainless-steel bottle with me at all times, not just for water, but sometimes I’ll add a pinch of sea salt and a drop of maple syrup for a natural electrolyte boost, especially post-workout or on hot days. Better yet, you can even get water bottles with built-in filters now, so you’re always sipping clean, mineral-rich water on the go.
3. Totem Eco Natural Deodorant Stick
Sweating is part of the job (and a healthy detox pathway), but I’m really mindful of what I put on my skin, especially underarms, where so many lymph nodes live. I use Totem Eco’s natural deodorant sticks because it’s gentle, magnesium-based (not bicarb), and completely free from aluminum and synthetic fragrance. Plus, it’s plastic-free, heat-stable and never melts in my car or gym bag – winner winner!
4. Protein Snack or Smoothie
As a naturopath and nutritionist, I’m big on fueling properly, especially after a class when hunger cravings can easily creep in. I usually have a protein-rich snack on hand, like a homemade bliss ball, boiled eggs, or a hemp and collagen smoothie with nut butter and berries. Getting that protein hit within 30–60 minutes of training helps with recovery, energy and hormone balance.
Photo by Mike Jones
5. Face Mist & Lip Balm
After a sweat session, I like to give my skin a quick refresh. A gentle hydrating face mist and a natural lip balm are my go-to post-workout pick-me-ups. Nothing fancy, just a simple ritual that helps me feel a little more human if I’m running straight from the studio to clinic.
6. Cotton Grippy Socks
Grippy socks are a must-have for Barre, Pilates, or reformer classes, they keep you stable and supported without slipping around on the studio floor. I always choose breathable cotton pairs that are soft on the skin and allow my feet to move naturally.
7. Corded Headphones for the Walk
I love using the walk to and from class as a little mental reset, whether it’s music, a mindful podcast, or just some movement between appointments. I stick with corded headphones over wireless ones, partly for the reliability (no charging needed), but also to reduce my exposure to EMFs (electromagnetic fields) near my head. It’s a small, simple swap that just gives me peace of mind, and honestly, they never fall out mid-walk!
About Andrea
Dr Andrea Robertson is a qualified Osteopath, Naturopath, Barre Instructor and Nutritionist. She’s passionate about helping women move in sync with their hormones, feel strong in their skin, and embrace natural, holistic care.
By Dr. Andrea Robertson, Osteopath, Barre Instructor, Naturopath, Nutritionist & Totem Eco expert.
As a Barre instructor, Osteopath and women’s health practitioner, my gym bag sees A LOT of action, from early morning classes to a gym session after clients. But no matter the day, I always pack with three goals in mind: support, simplicity, and hormone-friendly care. Here’s a peek inside my gym bag and the everyday wellness essentials I never leave home without.
1. Resistance Bands
These little loops pack a serious punch, I actually used these to rehab a back injury a while ago. Whether I’m warming up glutes, rehabbing my old back injury, adding burn to a Barre session or squeezing in a mini workout while travelling, resistance bands are a staple. They’re light, versatile and easy to stash in even the smallest bag. Great for mobility and strength without needing a full gym setup.
2. Refillable Water Bottle
Hydration is essential, especially when it comes to supporting your energy, skin, and hormones. I keep a stainless-steel bottle with me at all times, not just for water, but sometimes I’ll add a pinch of sea salt and a drop of maple syrup for a natural electrolyte boost, especially post-workout or on hot days. Better yet, you can even get water bottles with built-in filters now, so you’re always sipping clean, mineral-rich water on the go.
3. Totem Eco Natural Deodorant Stick
Sweating is part of the job (and a healthy detox pathway), but I’m really mindful of what I put on my skin, especially underarms, where so many lymph nodes live. I use Totem Eco’s natural deodorant sticks because it’s gentle, magnesium-based (not bicarb), and completely free from aluminum and synthetic fragrance. Plus, it’s plastic-free, heat-stable and never melts in my car or gym bag – winner winner!
4. Protein Snack or Smoothie
As a naturopath and nutritionist, I’m big on fueling properly, especially after a class when hunger cravings can easily creep in. I usually have a protein-rich snack on hand, like a homemade bliss ball, boiled eggs, or a hemp and collagen smoothie with nut butter and berries. Getting that protein hit within 30–60 minutes of training helps with recovery, energy and hormone balance.
5. Face Mist & Lip Balm
After a sweat session, I like to give my skin a quick refresh. A gentle hydrating face mist and a natural lip balm are my go-to post-workout pick-me-ups. Nothing fancy, just a simple ritual that helps me feel a little more human if I’m running straight from the studio to clinic.
6. Cotton Grippy Socks
Grippy socks are a must-have for Barre, Pilates, or reformer classes, they keep you stable and supported without slipping around on the studio floor. I always choose breathable cotton pairs that are soft on the skin and allow my feet to move naturally.
7. Corded Headphones for the Walk
I love using the walk to and from class as a little mental reset, whether it’s music, a mindful podcast, or just some movement between appointments. I stick with corded headphones over wireless ones, partly for the reliability (no charging needed), but also to reduce my exposure to EMFs (electromagnetic fields) near my head. It’s a small, simple swap that just gives me peace of mind, and honestly, they never fall out mid-walk!
About Andrea
Dr Andrea Robertson is a qualified Osteopath, Naturopath, Barre Instructor and Nutritionist. She’s passionate about helping women move in sync with their hormones, feel strong in their skin, and embrace natural, holistic care.
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