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Original poster

Signed up to a gym - what do I wear

44 replies

purple15 · 02/01/2014 19:44

Sorry if posted in wrong place. I have signed up to a gym, which I will start next week when all is back to normal.
~What do I wear. I don't want to make any expensive mistakes.
Does anyone one have any suggestions to the really good clothes to wear.


This thread is a little old now, so why not check out our round-up of the gym wear Mumsnetters recommend for something a little more up-to-date. MNHQ.

OP posts:
tb · 02/01/2014 19:48

Leggings and baggy tshirt. The main thing is to wear things that give you room to move in, otherwise you'll get really uncomfortable and discouraged.

FreyaFridays · 02/01/2014 19:48

Presumably a lightweight t-shirt and shorts/sports leggings, and a decent pair of supportive trainers, cotton ankle socks underneath, and carry a small towel or sweat.

FreyaFridays · 02/01/2014 19:49

*for sweat.

Don't wear pre-sweated sweat.

ManAliveThisThingsFantastic · 02/01/2014 19:50

When I first joined I just wore some black leggings and a vest top from Topshop.

Now I go more often I wear Sweaty Betty and Nike things from the shop inside the club.

Bodypopper · 02/01/2014 19:50

Er trakki bottoms and a tea shirt with good old pants and a sports bra!

Are you working out or hoping to pull? Grin

ilovepowerhoop · 02/01/2014 19:51

good sports bra, supportive pants, cropped joggies/leggings, t-shirt/sports top and a pair of trainers. Dont forget a sports cup of water

formerbabe · 02/01/2014 19:51

I always wear leggings and a long vest. Stuff I can wear in the daytime anyway. I get my vest from h&m, they are less than a fiver.

Original poster
purple15 · 02/01/2014 19:55

Ha Ha not hoping to pull.

It is a new gym, I intend to do the classes the balance and the pump. Not really the gym equipment.
I was thinking of the branded sports pants, but just plain black leggings will be sufficient.

OP posts:
everydayaschoolday · 02/01/2014 19:56

I'm in exactly the same position as you. Xmas Smile

Might depend what your planning to do at the gym. If it's a lot of cardio on the running machine/cross trainer/step classes etc, what about 3/4 length leggings and either a lycra type running top or baggy t-shirt, whatever you're more comfortable with.

If you're doing yoga/tai chi etc then what about some yoga pants/jogging trousers and a comfortable sweat top to keep you warm.

If you're in the pool, I recommend a swimming costume lol Xmas Wink.

You might find some good bargains at Sports Direct online (be sure to untick the box at the check out that takes an extra £1 off you for some magazine or something). I got some nice cheap sports wear to start me off from George at Asda (3/4 leggings and lyra t-shirt type top to match).

Top tip, only buy one or 2 'outfits' now, until you see what you're comfortable with, which exercise you're going to enjoy and stick to, and see what everyone else (doing that type of exercise) is wearing. If you see something you like that someone else is wearing, I wouldn't be afraid to compliment them and ask 'if it's not too cheeky, could I ask where you shop for your gym kit, it does look really nice?'

Good luck to us both for a fitter new year Wine

Bodypopper · 02/01/2014 19:58

God yes, go for it.

PicaK · 02/01/2014 19:59

Cropped joggies/leggings definitely. No-one seems to wear full length ones. Good bra essential. To be honest tho just get yourself there - I did this last year sweating like a pig in jogging trousers and some ancient t-shirts. No-one actually pays any attention... All the really serious health fanatics are checking out their OWN reflection.
A water bottle is a good idea. As is doing a proper gym induction. I put that off for months and missed out learning about interval training which is SO much more effective than just sitting on an exercise bike for twice the time.
Good luck.

EmmaBemma · 02/01/2014 20:01

I wear capri-type leggings in summer, longer leggings in winter, sports bra and vest top. If you sweat buckets when you exercise, as I do, it's worth wearing dark colours and paying a tiny bit extra for lightweight "wicking" type material so you don't get visible sweaty arse/crotch syndrome. Doesn't have to be expensive, I think my leggings were a tenner each, Karrimor, off ebay.

ilovepowerhoop · 02/01/2014 20:02

if you're going to do body pump then get there a wee bit early to give yourself time to set up your equipment - some of our pump classes offer a 15 minute clinic beforehand to take you through different moves/techniques.

Financeprincess · 02/01/2014 20:50

I'd actually advise against wearing a baggy t shirt. It just makes you feel a bit crap and scruffy. Presumably you joined a gym to feel and look better? In which case, buy some nice workout gear (capris, as recommended by others, plus a nice wicking sporty top). I'm always more inclined to exercise if I can do so wearing something that makes me feel good.

daisychain01 · 02/01/2014 21:35

Great technical fabrics available now in lots of nice colours. Really good for keeping cool and comfie.

Also, you can get nice fitted lycra tops with a secret support, even if you are a reasonable size bust. They look neat, I agree baggy Tshirts arent so nice!

Joysmum · 02/01/2014 21:40

Baggy t shirts are what I wore mist if the time do that's what I wore when I first went to the gym. I didn't want to be an 'all the gear but no idea' type. I didn't have a clue and was new and was quite happy to look like that so that people could look kindly upon me and take pity and help.

As I started to get more into it and thought I'd keep going I bought jogging top in wicking material and Lycra trackie bottoms. Didn't want to come across as a fashion victim or project myself as something I wasn't.

Financeprincess · 02/01/2014 22:13

I'd never look at people in the gym and think, all the gear no idea/fashion victim/she's pretending to be something she's not.

Nor would anybody else. You're simply wearing the appropriate clothing for the activity.

RandyRudolf · 02/01/2014 22:15

TK Maxx sell sports bras, they can be pretty expensive in some shops.

womblesofwestminster · 03/01/2014 09:49

I've been a 'gym bunny' for years. I wear: tracksuit bottoms, tshirt, sports bra, trainers, and if I'm doing a lot of resistance training - weight-lifting gloves (to prevent blisters).

Optional extra: MP3 player (unless you like being bored).

womblesofwestminster · 03/01/2014 09:51

Cropped joggies/leggings definitely. No-one seems to wear full length ones.

I do because I've got psoriasis Blush Besides, they're quite handy in the winter when you're walking to and from the gym.

BuffytheReasonableFeminist · 03/01/2014 09:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

EasterHoliday · 03/01/2014 09:59

TK maxx is fantastic for sports kit. There's no way I'll pay sweaty betty prices for something to work out in (I am not going to the gym to pull). I bought some leggings in M&S when I first joined a gym 20 yrs ago and the bastards are still going strong without a hint of fade. Have just bought some nice new capris in Gap though for the little pocket at the back (& because the old ones are now, finally, TOO BIG)
The bras are the most important part. Minimal bounce, or if you insist on a bit of underwire, M&S again.

Aliama · 03/01/2014 09:59

I always wore full length too, Wombles, because I can hardly ever be arsed to shave my legs. Seriously, until you're into the habit of going regularly, try not to put ANY unnecessary obstacles in the way of going to the gym.

Full length yoga-style track suit bottoms. Smart and comfortable. Ideally with a pocket for MP3 player.

DrNick · 03/01/2014 10:00

not old leggings and a t shirt
they DONT WICK

DrNick · 03/01/2014 10:01

the sports gear in H and M is good