HAVE YOU EVER HAD SOMETHING STOLEN FROM YOU WHILE YOU WERE AT THE GYM? FOLLOW THESE TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR VALUABLES SAFE AT THE GYM.

There are few better places to go for stress relief than the gym — as long as no one steals your phone, or wallet, or jacket while you’re increasing endorphins, a sadly common occurrence at gyms. While you’re working out, you probably don’t have any of your valuables on you. But unless you store them in a safe, secure spot, a thief could snag your things while you’re easily distracted.

Here are a few ways to keep your valuables safe:

Go to places that offer lockers with one-time codes.

Many gyms now use a new locker system: You pick an open locker, follow the directions to set a code, lock up your valuables, and you’re good to go. When you’re done, the next user sets a completely different code. It’s a great, free, way to keep your valuables safe at the gym without having to bring your own lock.

Here’s the problem, though: All of the lockers look the same, so you have to not only remember  the combination you used, but also the locker number. After counting reps and laps, it can be tricky to remember those details, too.

Another problem is that these lockers are on a first-come, first-served basis. If you go to the gym at a peak time, you may not be able to claim one of these free lockers. You can sit around and wait until a locker becomes available, or try to find a different safe place to hide your valuables. Which brings us to…

Use a Money Belt.

The next best thing is to keep your valuables on you, but out of your way, and a money belt is the perfect way to do that. It’ll keep your valuables right next to you — literally — but tucked away so that they won’t interfere with your workout.  Wrap the strap around your waist, put your valuables inside, and go on about your routine. It’s so inconspicuous that others may not even know you’re wearing it — you might even forget, too!

Bring a Combination Lock.

Most gyms offer open lockers you can use to secure your valuables, with your own combination lock. Compared to the lockers with a one-time code, you’ll be able to more easily identify your locker by the lock you brought and put on it.

To make things even easier on yourself, pay to reserve a locker, and be guaranteed to have that locker every time you walk into the gym, for a small fee.

Use a Lock and Cable.

As a last-ditch effort, you can lock your bag, with your valuables inside, to something that can’t be moved. Find a pole or something similar, then wrap a cable around it and your bag (with your valuables inside), lock it up. It’s not ideal, because you have to find something stationary to attach your cable to, but at least you have a chance of keeping your valuables safe while you’re at the gym.

It may be tempting to just throw your bag into a cubby or open coatroom when you workout, but it’s worth it to take these extra steps to make sure your valuables are safe and secure. Do you have any other tips? Share in the comments!