For many people getting ready to start working out on a regular basis, buying the correct gym clothes is on the to-do list. Simply wearing shorts and a T-shirt isn’t going to cut it, and can even be detrimental. You’ll also quickly learn to avoid swimsuits and denim (common rookie mistakes). But picking out the right ensemble also doesn’t need to be stressful – much less something that might prevent you from feeling like you’re “ready” to join and get down to business.
Some people are overly concerned about their appearance at the gym. We consider our Pivotal Fitness Greenville sports club a place where you come to feel good about yourself, not worry about what other people will think of you. You don’t need to max out your credit cards buying top-of-the-line fitness gear. But there are a few basics you should have in order to be comfortable and safe while making the most of your workout.
- Good sneakers. If there’s any area where you might want to splurge, it’s your footwear. You want shoes that fit correctly, provide arch support and feel comfortable. You also want to look for non-slip soles. Remember, you’re not just running out to the grocery store a few times a week. You’re going to be putting your shoes through a total workout with you each and every time, and you’ll want sneakers that can endure all levels of fitness and last you for about 6 months.
- Sports bra. Men, you don’t have to worry about this one. Ladies, sturdy straps, comfort and support are your priorities. Some padding in appropriate areas can help if you don’t intend to wear tanks or shirts over your bra support top.
- Trim top. Wear a shirt that fits close to the body. You don’t need to wear anything too tight. But avoid anything loose that can get caught on equipment. You may want to choose materials that deflect sweat well and won’t show it while you’re working out, such as a polyester/Lycra blend.
- Stretch pants. You’ll get more mileage out of pants or shorts with some stretch that will give you a full range of motion, such as those made of a Spandex blend material. Also look for materials that will prevent chafing, such as between your thighs, while you’re running or biking. For comfort, you may want to choose an elastic waistband rather than something with closures. Pockets can be useful for carrying things from one station to another, but be sure to empty them before you get started, since items can weigh you down or throw off your balance.
You’ll want about 2-3 outfits with pieces that are easy to mix and match. Among these should be layerable, multi-length options such as shorts/pants and long- or short-sleeved shirts, as well as bras and tanks as necessary. One pair of shoes and several pair of comfortable socks should suffice. The Internet offers many retail outlets where you can find affordable, quality sports apparel. We can even help you select some merchandise if you’re unsure. And then you’re all set to buckle down and start meeting your fitness goals at our Greenville gym.