This post is sponsored by adidas, however all comments, opinions and enthusiasm remain my own.

I live for summer workouts, the weather is beautiful, my schedule is looser and the opportunity for adventure is virtually unlimited. That’s why I always keep my gym bag packed and stowed in the car, ready to accommodate my every workout whim – whether that be hitting the trail for a run, taking on the turf for an impromptu boot camp, jumping in the lake for a paddle board session or any other fitness fun I can dream up.

Take a peek to find out what’s actually inside my workout bag including all of my gym bag essentials for anywhere summer workouts:

Take-Along, Packable Equipment: There’s no need for a lot of fancy gym equipment to accomplish a productive workout wherever I am this summer, whether it’s a neighborhood part or vacation hotel room. In fact, body weight exercises and simple equipment that fit in a gym bag can make for a serious sweat session that gets heart rate up while improving strength, flexibility and agility. These are some of my top picks in take-along, packable workout equipment:

• Mini Resistance Band Loops: Compact and easy to pack, these stretchy rubber loops (think giant rubber band) can be used for a variety of upper and lower body strengthening exercises as well as mobility. Try side steps with one above both ankles, glute bridges with one above both knees or pec flys with one around both forearms.
• Jump Rope: Don’t be fooled, jumping rope for fitness is anything but child’s play! I use a jump rope to up heart rate, boost coordination and hone agility in whatever location I find myself.
• Core Sliders: I stick these sliding discs (or even disposable plastic plates) on my feet or hands to add extra challenge to mt favorite core moves (and other body parts too)! Need some ideas? Try mountain climbers, alligator walking, plank jacks and sliding push-ups.
• Yoga Mat: Yoga mats make a great layer of protection while workout out in parking lots, on the sand, on the boat dock and other places where I don’t want to stick my bum right on the ground. Afterward, you can even actually do yoga (haha) or lay back and catch some rays.
• Weight Vest: Wearing a weight vest (try a vest weighted up to 10% of your bodyweight) is a great way to add challenge to everything from HIIT workouts to hiking.

Clothes ‘n Stuff: I always pack a few extra gym outfits in my bag in the summer, because . . . sweat, swimming and staying comfy. Here are some of the other important clothing items in my bag:

• Swimsuit: There is always an athletic bikini, or the equivalent (like a cute sports bra from adidas) and bikini bottoms, because I’ll never know where I’ll want to make a splash. Honestly, I like wearing sports bras as bikini tops to ensure the girls stay protected and in place while I’m partaking in water sports. Plus, no accidental free peep shows! Also, sunscreen and lots of it!
• Sunglasses: It’s hard to keep that razor-sharp workout focus when the sun is blinding, so I always have a pair (and often a spare) packed in my bag. The women’s sunglasses from adidas are both functional and fashionable, definitely some of my favorite shades to wear around town.
• Hoodie: While it might be hot outside, it’s always super cold inside with every eating and shopping spot cranking down the air-conditioning. I ALWAYS have a hoodie in my bag, and the from 3 Stripe Hoodie from adidas is one of my favorites ‘cause it’s soft, stylish and summery in white.

Food ‘n Drink: Honestly, as much as I rely on certain foods and drinks to fuel my active lifestyle, this could be a whole ‘nutha post. But, let me list a few of my go-to choices that I like to stash in my gym bag.

• Water: Good old-fashioned H20. Adequate water consumption helps flush waste, prevent fatigue, boosts mood, encourages better brain function and primes your body for peak performance. On hot workout days, I aim to drink up to 1 ounce per pound of body weight. You can read more about my hydration strategies in this post
• Fruit: Everyone knows how much I loooooooove watermelon, but it’s not the most convenient thing to carry along in a gym bag – however, watermelon juice is a winner and makes a great post-workout beverage. I HAVE also successfully stashed and kept watermelon chunks cool in a Yeti type insulated drink cup (even with tasty seasonings). Not only is it hydrating, but has the amino-acid l-citrulline which research suggests may help offset delayed onset muscle fatigue – – aka, next day sore muscles! Of course, a banana is also good choice, it’s filling provides quick energy and replenishes potassium stores.
• Protein Bars: I stash a few protein bars in my bag to squash the hangries during long adventures and to boost my muscle gains after a workout. In hot weather, the best choices are those that aren’t going to get melty in the sun.

Do you have any big summer adventures planned? Tell me one or two must-haves you keep in your gym bag. Share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer