The hardest part of your workout should be in the gym – not in the locker room. But between worrying about germs and modesty, trying to remember to grab everything you need and rushing to get cleaned up and on your way, that's not always the case.

Having a plan and the right products in your gym bag maximizes locker room efficiency and minimizes awkwardness, say locker-room regulars.

Debbie Bozarth, owner and instructor at Mockingbird Swim and Total Fitness in Dallas, says that after their time in the pool, her staff goes for products that get their jobs done as quickly as possible: shampoo that doubles as body wash and chamois towels that make drying off a snap.

A half-hour is all Dallas trainer and instructor Susan Williamson needs in the locker room to go from sweaty to ready to go. Her trick: compartmentalizing and limiting her routine to the basics. She has a small pouch she keeps stocked with travel-size shower essentials that's easy to cart into the shower.

Self-proclaimed product snob and gym regular Stara Hendricson of Dallas also goes with travel-size products. But not just any item will do, she says. She loads up on quality freebies any chance she gets while staying at high-end hotels or when department stores offer free gifts with cosmetics purchases. "I only use what I would use at home," she says.

Many gyms, including the new Frisco Family YMCA, try to make it easier for their clients by providing towels, shampoo, lotion and more.

Leanne Parsons, membership and wellness director, says many in the lunch-time crowd at the Frisco YMCA take advantage by using the toiletries the gym supplies. "If you've forgotten something, we have just about everything," she says.

Ms. Williamson from Lady of America Fitness in East Dallas says that by using the gym-provided hair dryer, it's one less thing she to worry about weighing down her gym bag.

It's no secret that locker rooms are full of germs, so look for items that help ward off bacteria, from the floor and from your skin. Don't get lax in your germ vigilance when you pack up your bag. Keep sweaty gear and wet equipment in separate bags. Ms. Williamson brings an extra zip-top bag to slip her flip-flops in before she closes her gym bag.

When there's no time to shower, Ms. Hendricson, who says she hits Golds Gym in Uptown six days a week, freshens up post-workout with a facial cleansing cloth – the cloths clean and exfoliate and mean less to pack in a gym bag. Their use, Ms. Hendricson says, doesn't have to be limited to faces. She prefers the cloths to other cleaners because, unlike cleansers and soaps in bottles, there's no risk of spills.

Italian-made Sensi sandals

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Sure, you could pick a basic rubber flip-flop as your shower shoe, but Italian-made Sensi sandals feature a built-in drainage system that keeps water from pooling in your shoe. They are made of PVC, which resists odors and bacteria, and can be thrown into the washing machine to sanitize. Ibiza style comes in a variety of colors, $30. www.sensi.com. 1-800-537-5238

The Flora Major

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Choose a bag that's big enough for everything and has plenty of pockets to help keep you organized. The Flora Major style from Sherpani has pockets for everything from cellphones and water bottles to wet bathing suits. The messenger-style bag also features straps on its bottom to carry a yoga mat. $69.95. Dallas retailers include Lucy and REI locations, as well as Sam Moon Luggage & Gifts, 11822 Harry Hines Blvd. www.sherpani-bags.com

Fabric Fresh sprays

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Kill the stink on your gear before you pack it away. Fabric Fresh sprays from The Laundress are nontoxic, anti-bacterial odor-removing sprays that you can use on your clothes, yoga mat and more. Available in four scents. $14 for 8 ounces. Tango Zango, 6025 Royal Lane. 214-890-0202. www.thelaundress.com.

Sammy Sports Towel

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Make quick work of drying off with the Sammy Sports Towel. The towel may be small, just 13 by 17 inches, but it's mighty, thanks to its high-tech, super-absorbent materials. The machine-washable towel, which was created by Olympic diver Samuel Lee, must be used wet to be absorbent because of the PVA polymer it's made of. $13.60 (includes plastic storage tube) in five colors at www.amazon.com.

Wordlock

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You've been keeping track of how many reps you've done, how many calories you've burned, how many laps you swam; can you really be bothered to remember the numbers for your lock combination, too? If you're more of a letter person, the Wordlock's the way to go. Create a four- or five-letter combo to keep your stuff safe. Get creative and use the lock's message as motivation. Think: S-K-I-N-Y, E-N-E-R-G, N-O-F-A-T. $9.99. Target, Walgreens or www.amazon.com.

Having smaller bags inside a main gym bag can cut down on digging-around time. For the products you'll need in the shower, pick a plastic bag that dries easily. Another trick to limit rooting around is choosing a clear pouch, so you can see what you need and grab it. Translucent Vinyl & Mesh Dopp Kit, $7.99; pouch, $5.99. The Container Store.