What To Wear To The Gym

Everyone’s motivation for going to the gym will likely be different in some respect or other, whether it’s because they want to lose weight, tone up, just be more active generally, want to spend time with friends in a different setting, want to have fun, looking for a health boost, rehabbing from an old injury… there are many reasons why people get themselves a gym membership!

But regardless of the motivation behind signing up to a gym, there is one constant that remains true for everyone… it’s essential that you invest in the best gym clothes to help facilitate a great training session.

Typically, a solid gym clothing collection will consist of shorts, leggings, men’s stringer vests, t-shirts, comfortable trainers and sports bras. What you choose to wear on any given day will likely depend on what activity you intend to do, as well as the time of year, which is why it’s useful to have different options so you can mix and match accordingly.

What’s important to note, however, is that not all training gear is created equal and while you may be tempted to go for bargain options that are less expensive (particularly if you’re new to training), this could be something of a false economy and could actually hinder your performance on the gym floor.

First of all, you want clothes that will go the distance. If you’re pushing yourself hard and your leggings and top fall apart within a few wears or your sports bra quickly stops offering you the support you need, you may find yourself less inclined to train. 

You need to be focusing on the activity you’re engaged in, not the fact that your clothes are itchy and don’t fit you well enough.

Quality of material is also important and features to look out for are breathable fabrics that are moisture-wicking, so they can remove sweat and heat as you train, helping you to stay cool as you increase the intensity of what you’re doing. 

Weight of fabric is another top concern and lighter materials may be the better option if you want to move with greater efficiency.

And, of course, you need to factor in motion. Training requires mobility and you need your gym gear to move with you. Anything that restricts your movement will mean you’re not able to exercise at your best, so make sure you’re dressed in something that prioritises both movement and comfort.

As for shoes, this will also come down to what activity you’re doing. If you’re on the gym floor or in a studio, you could even train in bare feet, which some fitness enthusiasts believe to be the best way to train. 

For running, trainers or specific running shoes may be the way to go… but this comes down to personal preference, much of the time. If you do want to wear running shoes, going for gait analysis can help you find the perfect pair.