As you begin your new workout program, one thing you must ensure before stepping foot into the gym is that you have appropriate clothing and gear.
While many people feel it’s important to look good at the gym and therefore pursue the latest styles, there is more to consider than just how you look.
To get the best workout and make the most progress possible with your routine, you need to consider a few other factors when choosing what to wear.
Let’s take a quick look at the key things you should know about dressing for the gym.
Wear Comfortably Fitting Clothing
The first thing to ensure is that you’re wearing comfortably fitting clothing. One of the biggest mistakes some people make is wearing clothing that’s too tight just because it’s the “latest fashion,” as mentioned earlier.
If your clothing restricts your range of movement in any way, it will significantly hinder your workout performance.
On the other hand, you also want to avoid overly baggy clothing that makes it difficult to move. Those carrying excess weight may try to hide it under clothes that are two sizes too large, but this actually works against them.
It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident in your clothing, but also that you can easily perform the exercises in your routine.
Sometimes, your clothing selection will vary depending on the specific type of exercise you’re doing. For instance, you may wear different clothes for a yoga class than you would for an hour-long run.
Take your activity into account and be sure to choose appropriate clothing for that specific form of exercise.
Choose Good Footwear
Next, consider your footwear when selecting what to wear to the gym.
Footwear plays a big role in your performance, and certain types of shoes are better suited for different activities.
For example, if you’re doing distance running versus sprinting, you’ll need different types of shoes. While you may interchange these shoes if your training isn’t too intense, for optimal performance, you should use shoes designed for the specific type of running you’re doing.
Additionally, you can purchase weightlifting shoes, which offer more flexibility in the sole than a typical running shoe. If you’ll be focusing strictly on weightlifting, these are the shoes you’ll want.
If your workout involves both cardio and weightlifting, you can get the best of both worlds by using a cross-training shoe. These shoes provide the support you need for cardio and running while being comfortable enough for weightlifting.
Ensure Good Support
For women working out regularly, it’s essential to have a high-quality sports bra in the gym. Nothing is more uncomfortable than lacking proper support, so explore different styles and options to find a bra that fits and functions as needed.
Men may also want to consider different types of undergarments to ensure comfort throughout their chosen exercises.
Leave Scented Body Products At Home
Finally, when it comes to gym attire, avoid using strongly scented perfumes, soaps, deodorants, etc. These can quickly irritate other gym-goers. While you may enjoy the scent, others may not.
Show respect for fellow gym members by sticking to unscented body products as much as possible. However, make sure you’re using a good antiperspirant or deodorant. Not using one can be just as bothersome to others as using a heavily scented product.
So, there you have the main things to remember when dressing for the gym. Remember, you’re there to work out and feel comfortable, not to make a fashion statement. This doesn’t mean you can’t look good while working out, but it does mean that fashion shouldn’t be the top priority when choosing your workout attire.
