You’re about to head to the gym. You’ve got your gear on, motivation is high, but then doubt strikes. Did I forget something?
Nothing is more annoying than standing in the locker room realizing you forgot your towel. Or gasping for water halfway through class while your bottle is still on the kitchen counter.
At Spallys in Amsterdam East, we love good preparation. Whether you’re coming for your very first trial class or have been training for years: with this checklist, you’ll never be unprepared. These are the essentials that belong in every kickboxing bag.
1. A Towel (Mandatory!)
This is not optional. Kickboxing is an intense sport and you will sweat. A lot.
- Why? Hygiene is our number one priority. You use the towel to wipe sweat from your face, but also to keep the mat or heavy bag clean for the next person.
- Tip: Don’t bring a tiny guest towel, but a size that allows you to comfortably wipe away sweat.
2. Water (Lots of it)
A small 33cl bottle won’t cut it. During an hour of kickboxing or bag training, you lose a lot of fluids.
- Why? Hydration is key to keeping your energy levels up and preventing cramps.
- Tip: Bring a large bottle (at least 0.75L). You can refill your bottle at Spallys, of course, but you don’t want to be running to the tap constantly during class.
3. The Mouthguard (Bitje)
This item often confuses beginners. Do you always need it?
- For Heavy Bag Training: No. Since you aren’t punching a person, a mouthguard isn’t necessary here.
- For Technique Classes/Sparring: Yes, highly recommended.
- Why? We train with control, but accidents happen. A punch can sometimes slip through. A mouthguard protects not only your teeth but also your lips and tongue from damage. Better safe than sorry!
4. Gloves & Shinguards
These are your “weapons” and your protection.
- For the beginner: Don’t have your own gear yet? No stress. We have loaner gear available at the front desk for your trial class.
- For the member: If you come regularly, we recommend buying your own set. It’s more hygienic (your own sweat smells different than someone else’s) and the fit will mold to your hand.
5. Hand Wraps (Bandages)
A pro-tip from the trainer: don’t forget your hand wraps.
- Why? You wrap these around your hands before putting on gloves. They stabilize your wrists (crucial for hard punching) and absorb the initial sweat, keeping your expensive gloves fresh for longer.
6. Clean clothes for after class
Don’t forget to bring something dry for the way back. Cycling through Amsterdam East in a wet shirt is the fastest way to catch a cold. And let’s be honest: your surroundings will appreciate it if you smell fresh after training.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gear (FAQ)
What size boxing gloves do I need? This depends on your body weight. For most women, 12oz or 14oz is common. For men, 14oz or 16oz is standard. Training for sparring? Always go a size bigger (16oz) for your partner’s safety.
Do I need an expensive custom mouthguard? For beginners, a “boil & bite” mouthguard is fine. You buy these at a sports store, put them in hot water, and bite down so they mold to your teeth.
Do I need shoes in my bag? No! We kickbox barefoot. You only need flip-flops to walk from the locker room to the mats (for hygiene), but shoes are forbidden on the mats themselves.
Do you sell gear at Spallys? Yes, we often stock the basics or can advise you on where to buy good gear nearby. Feel free to ask the trainer before or after class.
