10 First Aid Supplies Every Home Gym Should Have

Everyone feels like a superhero when they’re working out. The endorphins are flowing, your heart is pumping, and you’re feeling good. But accidents can happen at any time and if you’re working out at home you should be prepared for such mishaps. First, you should never workout alone. It doesn’t do nearly as much good to have first aid supplies in your home gym if nobody is there to help you use them.

To keep pain to a minimum and safety at a maximum, everyone
– from weekend warriors to New Year’s resolution’ers –
should have these 10 First Aid Supplies on-hand:

1. Ice Packs
   An ice pack is standard for any household, and is crucial to have on-hand if you’re working out. Timely application of ice for strains – and sometimes after a workout – can prevent inflammation and reduce swelling.
2. Elastic Bandages
   If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to hurt joints or ligaments, you know the value of elastic bandages. Used for compression and stabilization, elastic bandages are essential to helping prevent further injury.
3. Antiseptic
   A good antiseptic should always be applied before treating an open wound or sore. More first-aid kits carry antiseptic spray
4. Pain Relievers
   An anti-inflammatory is always a good thing to have around. In addition to applying ice, an oral anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen works to keep inflammation down and relieve pain after an injury. If you or any of your workout buddies have sensitivities to ibuprofen, aspirin and/or acetaminophen are essential to have on-hand.
5. Defibrillator
   Cardiac arrest during an exercise routine is not an uncommon event. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) give an electrical shock to a stopped heart to restore a heartbeat and can be operated easily by non-emergency personnel.
6. Butterfly Wound Closures
   The familiar “butterfly” shaped closure is used to close smaller cuts and often prevent the need for stitches. A must-have for anyone who exercises outdoors.
7. Gauze
   You can never have enough gauze. Its fluid-absorbing capabilities and overall versatility make it crucial for your first aid kit.
8. Surgical Tape
   Suited for many uses, surgical tape secures bandages and gauze, protecting dressings. Surgical tape is strong and durable, but won’t stick to the skin – making its removal almost painless.
9. Milk
   Chocolate or plain, milk is one of the best workout drinks you can have. The nutrient-packed beverage helps your body recover quickly from strenuous work, and helps to prevent muscle damage. Getting your daily calcium can help prevent serious injury.
10. First-Aid Guide
    Be sure you know how to treat any exercise-related injury properly! There are many first-aid guides available that give easy-to-understand instructions on how to treat most any injury that can happen. This is an essential component to any first-aid kit!

Exercise and diet are crucial to health, but sometimes the effects of stress and/or poor habits can weaken your body in ways that may not be apparent at first. This weakening can result in an unexpected injury or even cardiac arrest while exercising.

Sam Harry works with schools, businesses, gyms and government facilities to provide defibrillators for use in cardiac arrest emergencies.