What to wear to the gym?

[BlackboardMonitorVimes]

I have joined a gym and have my induction session next week. I have not been to a gym for 20 years, am 46 and a wobbly size 16. What on earth do I wear? I thought joggers and a vest top but I want to avoid as much mid drift out on show as possible. Any tips on what to wear to make sure I am fully covered on all the equipment?

Leggings, everybody wears them and they’ll hold you in a bit and a bum covering t-shirt, or at least that’s what I wear!

Buy tight gym leggings that hold you in, much better than baggy joggers, even if you’re large. And much better to work out in. No need to expose your midriff - a vest that is on the long side will be perfect.

Loving 'mid drift' - I also have that 😂

You see pretty much everything worn at the gym - but I’d say most common in our age group is leggings and some kind of sporty top - like a vest top, running top, Pilates baggier top. I’d say anything that looks like it’s made for exercise is fine! If you want to buy something to feel confident, sweaty Betty are pretty standard and deffo do your size. Also, no-one is really looking - I realised this some time ago - which helps!

Agree with leggings. Just do the squat test to check that when you are doing squats they don’t go see through! Matalan & H&M are good if you don’t want to spend too much.

I wear leggings and a sports tshirt

It’s definitely more continental shelf than shallow waves 🤣

If you're using the resistance machines, you aren't going to be moving enough for a vest top to expose anything.

High lycra content leggings (high waisted are the best for support and ensuring no gaps when reaching up, sports bra/crop style, vest or t-shirt on top.

Plus decent socks (take a spare pair for going home, it feels so much better), high rise knickers (much more comfortable) and a big hoodie.

Don't forget your wireless earbuds - with a hook to keep them on - a small towel for wiping down the machines, water (lots of water) and a bag your stuff can live in to make it easy to grab and go to the gym at any point. Plus a padlock for the lockers.

Thanks, I was worried that I was too old and chubby for leggings, but it seems the way forward. I will definitely do the squat test and aim for heavy duty fabric. To be honest I would be scared to wear anything but heavy duty, it’ll have its work cut out.

You are right @NoPinkPleaseabout no one looking. I will hopefully sink into the shadows anyway, but good to have that mantra in my head.

Sweatpants are getting more popular in my gym especially with women in their 20s.

Mid 40s and wear shorts and a vest.

I'm a (short, so stocky) size 10 but comfortable about the natural "experience" of my body. While I have no qualms about going down to a sports bra for running, I don't want to get stuck onto the vinyl seats on machines. I find leggings on the warm side, but they are the more popular choice for gen X gym goers (I wear them for outdoor exercise)