The best gym bags to fit your workout personality

A well-packed gym bag is just the extra motivator we need to make sure we’re getting to the gym on the regular. (Uh, raise your hand if you’ve skipped the gym after work if you’ve realized you forgot to pack an elastic hair tie or a pair of athletic socks. We plead the fifth).

Consider a well-packed gym bag the angel on your shoulder (err, pectoral muscle) pushing you to make it to the gym. (Tip: Whether you’re an early-morning exerciser or an after-work workout warrior, pack your gym bag the night before because every fitness regimen starts with good intentions).

Here are 5 great workout bags for women — that are equal parts stylish and functional.

A backpack:

If you’ve ever felt that your workout bag is too cumbersome, go for something more compact — like this lightweight nylon and mesh workout backpack. This is the perfect to-and-from bag if you get in a quick 30-minute cardio session during your lunch break. It’s water-resistant and just the right size for your workout basics — shoes, towel, iPod, deodorant and workout clothes. Nylon Mesh Bag, $79 (plus up to 2% Cash Back), Athleta.com 

For the yogis:

Get more out of your yoga mat bag with one that will stash your must-haves. This cargo mat bag features an exterior front zip pocket as well as an exterior pocket made specially for your phone or MP3 player. It also features an adjustable shoulder strap. Citron Storm Cargo Mat Bag, $19.98 (plus 8% Cash Back), Gaiam.com 

For the commuters:

If you’re at the gym before the work day starts, you know the necessity of a well-packed bag to carry your work attire, makeup and hair dryer. Your best bet? A small duffle bag with a roomy interior. This soft gym duffle bag, with pretty damask print, can also double as a getaway pack for a weekend excursion. This bag is roomy enough to stash a change of clothes, plus it has four outer pockets to keep everything from your toiletries to makeup to electronics organized. A ventilated compartment stores shoes separately. Jenni Chan Damask Soft Gym Duffel Bag, $99.99 (plus 4% Cash Back), Kohls.com

If you require a lot of gear:

Whether you play volleyball in an intramural league or you train with workout blocks, if you’re toting a lot of gear, go with a roomy, flexible bag that will stash all of your equipment like this medium-sized Under Armour duffle. Under Armour Undeniable Medium Duffle, $44.99 (plus 2% Cash Back), Eastbay.com 

Double duty:

Got brunch plans with your girlfriends after that Saturday morning spin class? Or do you run errands after your workout or head to campus for class? Not all gym bags have to shout “Hey, I’m a gym bag.” This minimalist yet stylish leather tote can be carried around all day for those who have a jam-packed schedule. Just, um, leave the gym shoes in your trunk. Women’s Leather City Duffle Weekender, $199.99 (plus .5% Cash Back), Target.com