When you look in a mirror and realise you haven't done any exercise for years and decide that it's time for a change, what are the steps you take? If you're like me you thought you'd join a gym and put together a plan in your head around what you'd need for your new lifestyle. I bet you didn't think once about what type of bags for gym you might need.

What sort of gym to join? An expensive one with all the latest gadgets and fancy heart rate measuring cardio machines. Or a down to earth, basic gymnasium with the bare essentials?

What sort of outfit to wear? All the latest gear made from futuristic material that 'wicks' sweat away. Or a pair of shorts and a t-shirt?

You may have even gone to the trouble of getting a pair of proper running shoes rather than just using your smelly old sneakers that you threw in the back of your closet 4 years ago.

Nowadays having the right sort of bags for gym is very important. Bags are more than just functional now, they are high fashion. Designer bags go for hundreds of dollars and fitting in at a high priced sports club means you'll have to splash the cash on something leather with a big prominent label.

The Best Gym Bags are now highly specialised.

You can get gym bags made especially for women, with more compartments for extra toiletries and in feminine colors.

Bags made for racket sports with extra room for the rackets and space for your balls(!).

Bags for yoga class with special hooks for your mat, made from environmentally friendly materials.

For me, I look at 3 things - Looks, storage space and durability.

Does it look good? The black leather ones are the best looking bags for gym goers in my opinion.

How much space does it have? Will it hold a change of clothes, spare shoes, toiletries, water bottle and a couple of towels?

Will it last? Well, if it's leather I think it will. Canvas bags for gym use don't fill me with confidence.