When I started running to the gym earlier last year, I was faced with the challenge of how to transport some of the gear I needed without being totally weighed down. I accepted the fact that my runs to and from the gym would be at a slower pace than when I am running without so much stuff with me, but I still wanted to optimize my transporting of everything. I first minimized the amount of things I take to the gym with me (when I run I only bring earbuds, a magazine, and the written out strength workout I’ll be doing) and decided a back pack would be the best way to carry everything.
This is what I had been using up until recently…
Yeah, not the best option. Sure, it was small and light weight, but I hated brining one of my nicer Vera Bradley bags to the gym. Also, the straps on this thing are not supportive at all and not only does the bag bounce a ton when you are running but the metal strap adjusters dig into my skin! So obviously not the best solution. But I made do.
That is until, Apera Bags reached out to me and offered to send me on of their ‘healthier’ bags to try out! Perfect timing! Running to the gym in the winter is hard enough…but without the proper equipment, it’s damn near impossible! 
So you may be wondering why Apera Bags are considered ‘healthier’ bags…how can a bag be healthy? Well here’s why! Apera Bags are specially designed with built-in antimicrobial product protection to inhibit the growth of bacterial odors, compartments to separate your wet, sweaty gear from your dry stuff, and venting areas to keep the bag dry and suppress odor. Pretty cool, right? And perfect for all the nastiness that can be on surfaces at the gym! I’d much rather place have a bag with me that is built for the bacteria filled environment of a gym, then one of my nicer bags that I use for regular life!
I decided to try out the Active Pack as it fit all my requirements for what I was looking for in a backpack to run to gym with! Aside from the cool technological characteristics of the bag, it’s light weight, lined, and has a TON of space for all my gear! Plus I love that the straps were adjustable and had some nice padding to them! When I run I have to make the straps really tight to reduce jostling of the bag, and these straps didn’t give me any issues or uncomfortableness at all!
The main pocket is HUGE and I love how the zipper opens all the way down so you can easily get your items in and out. There is also a cool, hidden pocket at the back of the bag for extra storage! The side pockets are perfect for storing sneakers or footwear and the small top pocket is great for keeping your electronics separate and safe! 
Needless to say, I LOVE my Apera bag! It’s made my runs to the gym so much more comfortable and I really appreciate how high quality it is! Thanks Apera for letting me try one of your awesome products! You’re really revolutionizing the world of sports bags for healthy, active people!
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Since I am on the topic of running to the gym, I thought I’d share a little bit about my routine in the days I run there as opposed to driving or biking. The run is about 3.1 miles round trip so I cut my gym routine short on the days I run there. This means I try to maximize my workout in the time I’m there by combining a shorter cardio session with some sort of strength workout! Recently I tried out a new HIIT workout I came up with after and it KICKED MY BUTT. Seriously, one of the hardest workouts I’ve ever done. My heart was POUNDING and my legs were SO fatigued afterward. Definitely a sign I gave it my all and really challenged myself! It certainly made for an interesting run home though 😉
Speaking of which, I actually enjoy that after my workout I have a short run home. It allows me to decompress, cool down properly, and shake out my legs and arms! Feels good!
But enough about that, I want to share this workout I mentioned!! It’s a high intensity incline workout that alternates walking at fast speeds and inclines with running at moderate speeds and inclines. Can you believe a workout that involves walking could be so challenging?! Well it is! Check it out for yourself!
Let me know if you try this baby out! It’s a tough one….at least for me!
How do you typically get to the gym?
Have you ever tried upping the intensity of a workout by incorporating inclines?
What’s your favorite form of cardio?
What’s in your gym bag?
Remember you have until Saturday to enter my Oh She Glows Cookbook giveaway!!!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
that workout looks like a good one! Pinned it!
Jess says
I’m a big fan of run-commuting to the gym too 🙂 Pretty much all of my runs end at the gym, and then I either walk back home or sometimes if my Mum’s out shopping she’ll swing by and give me a lift home. My gym is only 2.5 miles from my house, but obviously there are lots of longer routes I can run that still end there. I don’t carry much with me at all aside from a small waist bag, but I am lucky enough to have the time to shower/change at home…I can’t imagine running with a lot of stuff on my back! Your paces are killer given all of that added extra weight, and I’m sure that will actually help you run faster once you’re not hindered by a backpack!
xxx
Morganne @ Nut Butter Runner says
Oh man I need that bag! I am always running around from one place to the next! That incline workout looks awesome too!
Emily says
YAY! I’m going to try that workout tomorrow morning. I’ll let you know how it goes (if I survive)!
Diatta says
How do you typically get to the gym? I drive. I typically get there by 5:15 am in the morning and there is no way I am running or walking at that time of morning. It is only 2 miles away if that but too dark for me.
Have you ever tried upping the intensity of a workout by incorporating inclines?
Oh hills are no joke whether on the treadmill or the road. I definitely have no problem upping the incline but boy it feels as if my heart is going to bust out of my chest! LOL
What’s your favorite form of cardio? Honestly? jump rope. I love it. I am good at it, it gets the heart rate up and it is excellent for intervals.
What’s in your gym bag? Whoa Nelly do you really want to know? Too much stuff I don’t need but keep carrying around with me including knuckle lights, jump rope, timer, HRM (like 2 kinds Polar and Wahoo Fitness), gymboss, blog business cards, instructionals to set up the HRM watch Polar FT4, running gloves, armband to hold iPhone while running, water bottles and fitness magazines by Fitness Rx and Muscle and Fitness Hers. See told you I carry around a lot of JUNK. LOL I really need to clean it out.
Found you on SITS Girls. Loved this article.
Healthy Helper says
Thank you for stopping by!
Ray White says
Thanks for the awesome healthy related posts recently, loving these…