What to wear when going to the gym
Whether you’re getting ready to make exercise a bigger part of your life or simply want to upgrade your current workout attire, you might be wondering what to wear to the gym.
Whatever your activity, your clothes should help you achieve your goals, not get in the way. Hitting the gym is one of the best ways to boost your physical and mental health, so it makes sense to make the most of every session, every time.
The good news is that by following a few simple tips, you can look and feel your best while working out. Read on for our essential guide on what to wear to the gym.
How the right clothing can improve your workout
You dress differently when you’re giving a presentation at work than when you’re going to watch the game on Sunday, right? Because the right clothes can enhance the experience. Whatever you’re doing, your clothes will make you feel more confident and comfortable.
The same goes for going to the gym: wearing the right workout clothes will improve your gym experience in several important ways.
- comfortable – When you’re moving, freedom of movement is important, so the right gym clothes should be comfortable, flexible and allow for a full range of motion. They should also prevent chafing and wick away moisture to keep you dry when you sweat.
- performance – Quality gym wear paves the way for your body to perform better, so you can perform at your best in every workout. Plus, looking good means feeling good too. A positive self-image boosts your confidence, which in turn boosts your performance.
- Preventing injuries – Some activewear, such as compression clothing, provides muscle support, absorbs vibrations, and increases blood flow. This may reduce the risk of injury and increase endurance during rigorous training.
The best way to try out new gym clothes is to see how it feels the moment you put it on. Ask yourself:
- Do I like how these look on me?
- Do they feel supported and able to move freely?
If the answer is yes, then you’ve probably made the right choice.
Gym wear essentials
Now that we’ve covered how quality activewear can take your training to the next level, let’s take a look at some of the key items you’ll want to grab before your next sweat session. Activewear is a huge industry and the options are seemingly endless, which is why it’s important to take a targeted approach when putting together your gym wardrobe.
Ultimately, there are three main clothing categories you need to consider when getting started.
Tops
When choosing a workout top, look for one that’s made from durable yet soft fabric, has a loose fit, and allows free movement of your arms and core.
You should also:
- Choose breathable fabrics – Breathable fabrics wick moisture away from your body, allowing sweat to evaporate quickly and helping you stay cool and dry. Polyester and spandex are great fabrics to have when choosing your ideal gym wear.
- Avoid cotton – It may be comfortable, but cotton is the opposite of breathable. Instead, it absorbs moisture and traps it against your skin. The longer you work out, the wetter and heavier your cotton shirt will become. Not ideal.
- Prioritize versatility – A solid fitness program will consist of a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, which is why it’s wise to choose activewear that covers your entire body. Have a few different bases handy so you don’t have to think too much about what to wear when you’re getting ready.
A quality sports bra is also a must-have for women. When buying a sports bra, remember to choose one that fits a little tighter than a regular bra, but not so tight that it makes it difficult to breathe.
If you go to the gym regularly, aim to have five top options, even if your wash days overlap with your rest days.
Bottoms
When it comes to bottoms, different activities will determine the right choice for you: if you’re running, for example, you’ll want lightweight, chafe-free shorts, while if you’re lifting weights, you’ll want tapered joggers that won’t bunch up when you’re doing squats and lunges.
No matter what type of workout you do, your gym bottoms should be:
- flexible – Pants shouldn’t restrict your movement. Stretchy, flexible fabrics are key.
- Perfect fit – Loose-fitting bottoms tend to get in the way or ride up while working out. Instead, opt for tight (but not too tight) bottoms that you can set and forget.
- Functional – Convenient features like a zippered pocket make life easier by providing a safe place to store your phone or AirPods case.
Pack a variety of bottoms for every type of workout: three pairs of shorts and two or three pairs of joggers (or yoga pants) are a good idea.
footwear
Your shoes play a vital role in the success of your training, as your feet are your foundation, and they absorb a lot of the shock when you’re running or doing HIIT training. Taking good care of your shoes will keep you performing and energized.
Just like tops and bottoms, different workouts call for different types of shoes, so it’s a good idea to have a few options on hand, such as:
- Running Shoes – Supports and cushions your feet during repetitive movements, helping to prevent ankle and heel injuries. Taking care of your feet during aerobic exercise can help increase your endurance over time.
- Cross-Training Shoes – When lifting weights or doing HIIT training, you need a firm base and a locked heel. Compared to running shoes, cross-training shoes are a bit heavier overall and have more “gripping power”.
- pumps – Sometimes you want to work up a sweat on the tennis or basketball court. Wear court shoes for these activities. They’re denser than running shoes and offer better lateral support (so you can change direction more easily without spraining your ankle).
When it comes to choosing shoes for the gym, your feet are often an afterthought, but investing in a quality pair will ensure they’ll support you through any fitness activity.
accessories
Don’t forget the accessories: Having a few handy accessories in your workout wardrobe can give you that extra boost of confidence and make you even more excited about going to the gym.
While choosing add-ons comes down to personal preference, there are a few popular items worth considering purchasing:
- Headband – During the latter stages of a cardio workout, wiping sweat from your eyes every 10 seconds can be a pain. An absorbent headband will keep the sweat at bay (and look stylish, too).
- Compression socks – Compression socks provide constant, gentle pressure that helps return blood to the heart, reducing foot and ankle pain and reducing the chances of varicose veins and blood clots.
- Weightlifting Gloves – Lifting iron takes a toll on your hands. A good pair of weightlifting gloves will prevent blisters, support your wrists, and reduce the risk of slipping and injuring yourself. After all, using chalk on your grips will make them dirty, so gloves are the cleaner option.
- Headphones – Nothing gets you more motivated to work out than listening to your favorite tunes at full volume. Having over-ear Bluetooth headphones that deliver clear, crisp audio will enhance your entire gym experience.
Investing in a sturdy duffel bag, a quality gym towel, and an insulated water bottle will enhance your gym experience, allowing you to focus on your workout instead of organizing your gym outfit and accessories.
More tips for a heavy-lifting wardrobe
Building your workout outfit is an ongoing process: you should feel free to keep updating your clothes as your workouts change or increase in intensity, and don’t be afraid to try new ones if you feel like one item is no longer serving you.
Whatever makes you feel stronger, more confident, and able to perform at your best is the right choice.
Looking good is a big plus, but when deciding what to wear to the gym, always remember to prioritize function over fashion. There are plenty of versatile options that offer both, but the goal of workout clothing is to allow you to move freely and remove any obstacles that might get in the way of your movement, so make sure your clothes do just that.
Get Active in Activewear with Chuze Fitness
A top-notch gym wardrobe will help set you up for success: after all, fitness is about going with the flow, and good clothing choices can help you get into the zone.
Not only the clothes you wear, but a great atmosphere will help you stay focused and stick to your training plan.
in Chuze Fitnesswe believe that whether you’re a seasoned strength training enthusiast or trying fitness for the first time, everyone deserves a great gym environment, which is why we infuse our gyms with the luxury feel you’d get at a corner store, plus you’ll have the opportunity to make new friends, have fun in group classes, and enjoy premium gym facilities. BenefitsSuch as red light therapy and infrared saunas.
The clothes you wear are waiting for you to succeed. member today!
source:
UPMC Health Beat. Does compression clothing help athletes? https://share.upmc.com/2022/03/compression-clothing/
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Footwear – Training shoes, also known as cross trainers. https://www.aapsm.org/aerobicshoes.html
WebMD. Compression stockings: benefits and side effects. https://www.webmd.com/dvt/choose-compression-stockings
Reviewer:
Ani is the VP of Fitness at Chuze Fitness where she oversees the Group Fitness and Team Training division. She has over 25 years of experience in club management, personal training, group exercise and instructor training. Ani lives in San Diego, California with her husband and son and loves hot yoga, snowboarding and all things wellness.
