Getting yourself to the gym requires motivation, but believe it or not, what you wear plays a big part in your success. Baggy sweats and cotton T-shirts may be comfortable, but are usually the wrong choice for the gym. Choosing the right workout clothes and accessories, on the other hand, can wick away sweat, smell less, display movements clearly, and protect sensitive skin. Before you lace up your old sneakers or pull on your college t-shirt, let’s figure out what NOT to wear to the gym!
COTTON
Avoid clothes made of 100 percent cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and is slow to dry. That excess moisture weighs you down, can cause chills, skin breakouts, and an increase in chafing.
Instead, wear quick-drying synthetics and moisture-wicking fabrics to draw water away from the skin for optimal evaporation. Whatever fabric you choose, retire it if it begins to take on an odor of it’s own…there’s definitely a “shelf-life” on things that you soak with sweat on a regular basis!
BAGGY/TIGHT CLOTHES
Wearing clothing that is excessively baggy in the gym can be a safety hazard. Extra fabric can easily get caught in machines, or be tripped on. Your trainer or group exercise instructor will have a hard time seeing your body alignment and form when you’re draped in a baggy pair of sweats or t-shirt. If your alignment and form is incorrect, you subject yourself to injury.You don’t have to wedge yourself into an all-spandex outfit, but ditching the big clothing for more form-fitting gear will ultimately make you more comfortable!
If you’re doing a class like Yoga or Pilates, baggy clothing can actually be more revealing, exposing your stomach, and upper thighs during certain poses. Wear close-fitting items that won’t expose more than you’d like in those classes. For anyone who likes a looser-fitting short, wear a compression short underneath to avoid showing more than you’d like.
OLD SHOES
Shoes with worn-out soles and arch supports can keep you from establishing a solid base when moving during exercise, and can even damage joints. Good, activity-appropriate athletic shoes promote correct alignment during exercise.
For runners, the general rule is to replace your shoes every 500 miles or so. If you run a couple of days a week, a new pair once a year is recommended. If you’re running closer to 5-6 days a week, you should replace them every three months. You can apply the same timeline to shoes used for tennis or basketball, too. Pay attention to how your feet feel after a class, gym workout, or training session. Other activities may not be as hard on your shoes, but the shoe can break down on the inside even if it still looks good from the outside!
LADIES ONLY
A good sports bra is the “foundation” of a great workout! Obviously, we all come in different shapes and sizes, but regardless of size, a great sports bra protects the ligaments and tissues in your chest from excessive stretching or stress so you can train hard without worries.
When choosing a good sports bra, be mindful of the level of impact of your typical workout and the shape of your body. Low-impact sports bras are great for yoga or walking, while high-impact choices are designed for tennis, intense cardio classes, or running. The fabrics should be non-cotton and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry.
Just like your athletic shoes and apparel, sports bras have an expiration date. Replace them when they start to look or feel like they’ve lost their elasticity, or the if the fit begins to change.
LOTION, PERFUME and MAKEUP
No one wants to smell while they’re working out, but limit yourself to deodorant. There’s nothing more annoying to your class or gym mates than strong cologne, or perfume. Those scents are actually more intense as you warm up and start to sweat—no fun for someone near you who may not share your taste in aftershave!
Skip greasy lotions before a workout. They can leave your skin slippery making it more difficult to hold a weight or bar, plus, it leaves behind a film on benches and equipment. This residue can make it dangerous for the next person to use that piece of equipment.
Makeup, foundation or a heavy moisturizer can also cause sweat to run in to—and sting—your eyes. Choose light products that are scent free, or designed to be worn during exercise!
We are surrounded with great choices in workout gear, shoes and clothing for any style or budget. You can find some great, exercise appropriate styles from Target to lululemon. Keep your safety AND style in mind when you choose what to wear to the gym!
Annie Farley, MS, CPT;Spinning Certified Star 3 Instructor &Group Exercise Instructor atElite Sports Club-Mequon
2 Comments
Terrye Lucas says:
I would like to schedule a tour.
I've been deeply involved in fitness and sports for years, both as an enthusiast and a certified personal trainer. I've worked extensively with individuals and groups, helping them understand the nuances of workout clothing and accessories for optimal performance and safety.
Let's break down the core concepts from the article about gym attire:
1. Fabric Choice:
- Cotton: While comfortable, it absorbs moisture and dries slowly, leading to discomfort, chills, breakouts, and chafing. Opt for quick-drying synthetics and moisture-wicking fabrics that draw moisture away from the skin for better evaporation, comfort, and hygiene.
2. Clothing Fit:
- Baggy/Tight Clothes: Excessively baggy attire can pose safety risks in the gym, getting caught in machines and hindering the visibility of body alignment. Opt for form-fitting gear to enhance comfort and safety, especially in classes like Yoga or Pilates where baggy clothing might reveal more than intended.
3. Footwear:
- Old Shoes: Worn-out shoes affect movement and alignment, potentially causing joint damage. Replace shoes based on usage (typically around 500 miles for runners) and pay attention to how your feet feel post-exercise.
4. Sports Bras (for Women):
- Importance and Fit: A good sports bra is crucial, irrespective of size, to protect chest tissues during workouts. Choose based on impact level—low for yoga, high for intense activities like running. Replace when elasticity diminishes.
5. Avoiding Certain Products:
- Lotion, Perfume, Makeup: Skip greasy lotions that can make skin slippery and avoid heavy makeup or scents that intensify as you sweat. Choose light, scent-free products designed for exercise.
Understanding these concepts helps in making informed decisions about gym attire, ensuring comfort, safety, and optimal performance. Whether it's selecting appropriate fabrics, fitting clothing, choosing the right shoes, or understanding the importance of sports bras, these elements collectively impact your gym experience.
Articles like these serve as guides, reinforcing the significance of proper attire and grooming for a safe and effective workout routine. As a fitness enthusiast and someone deeply involved in this field, these insights align with the principles I've advocated for to optimize gym experiences for myself and my clients.
