The fitness market is saturated with every product for athletes imaginable. It’s hard to know what you need, and what you don’t really stand to benefit from. Even when you narrow it down to the best of the best, you’re still left with so many choices. If you’re looking to start with just a few items and need some direction, here are five things we never forget in our gym bag.

1. Knee Sleeves

These don’t just look hardcore; the benefits of knee sleeves are real. There’s a reason you see nearly every elite CrossFit athlete and Olympic weightlifter with a pair (or several pairs). Knee sleeves come in varying levels of thickness, for different purposes and fitness intensities. They provide support and help prevent injury, by offering heat and compression to keep the knee joints warm and lubricated.

It’s not just about your knees, either — everything is connected. Knee problems could turn into ankle, hip or back problems; thus, keeping them safe and healthy is nonnegotiable. Find the right size for you, and go squat something heavy!

2. A Quick Pick-Me-Up

Do not — I repeat, do not — underestimate the power of even a tiny snack pre- or mid-workout. When you give your body a little fuel — a healthy dose of protein, fat and especially carbs — the result can be a faster WOD time, more reps or heavier weights lifted (or all three!). Even if you’re not hungry, if it’s been awhile since you munched on something, grab something like the Blue Dinosaur Paleo Bars. They’re so delicious, you won’t realize they’re good for you! Plus, they’re made with pure, clean ingredients.

3. Finger Tape

Oh finger tape, what would we do without you? When you work with barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells, your fingers can take a beating. Failing to take the proper precautions can lead to blisters and nasty tears — and nobody can train like that. Look for a tape designed with the athlete in mind, specifically. It should utilize high-grade adhesive that can stand up against even the sweatiest of workouts. Your tape should never slip and slide, and you should be able to wrap it in a way that provides support and security without restricting movement or cutting off circulation.

Best yet, the right tape will be good for not only your next WOD, but Olympic lifting and bodybuilding, too.

4. Booty Shorts

Sure, they’re cute, but they’re also functional; and we can’t live without these for a few reasons. For starters, TWL’s booty shorts for women are made with our Move-Tech® material, which provides a flexible four-way stretch. It moves with you, not against you. Secondly, they provide the ultimate support and coverage, so you can squat with confidence. Third, the material breathes easy and works in all temperatures. You won’t find shorts like this elsewhere. It’s not just about aesthetics — you need to feel comfortable and confident. (Check out our full selection here!)

5. Lacrosse Ball

Don’t underestimate these seemingly simple tools — lacrosse balls are deceivingly beneficial when it comes to recovery, mobility and pain management. You use these by trapping the ball between your body and another surface (the floor, a wall, etc.) to put pressure on specific body parts and trigger myofascial release. This can help restore range of motion, speed recovery and reduce pain. They’re small, easy to carry around and make a huge difference in your pursuit of #gainz.