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Original poster

What does a newbie wear to the gym...

63 replies

FabMum1 · 04/10/2011 17:06

Help! ladies
I need some new trainers and outfit to wear to classes at my gym. All the other Mums look glam and seem to wear the perfect clothing.
Was thinking of leggings, vest top, trainers and a jacket of some sort to wear....HELP!
Any suggestions of where I can get some
Smile

OP posts:
dexter73 · 04/10/2011 17:08

I get my stuff from Decathlon. I wear 3/4 leggings and a vest top, hoody if cold. And a sports bra of course!

emsyj · 04/10/2011 17:59

I wear 3/4 Nike or New Balance capris with Nike or Cassall vests, plus Shock Absorber bra. i like Asics for trainers.

I often buy from sweatshop.co.uk but mandmdirect.com are very good for cheap branded sports wear - bought trainers from there a few weeks back and they arrived quickly with no problems.

Dress for comfort - you will be hot in full length leggings. In terms of a jacket, I wear a hoodie for warm-up and then take it off before the main section of the class.

AnnetteProfit · 04/10/2011 18:15

a wicking top
dont wear a shitty old t shirt that you swear into and look WET

Thehusbandsatcricketagain · 04/10/2011 18:28

annette.....you swear at your tops Shock

smartyparts · 04/10/2011 19:28

Agree with not wearing any old tee - not comfy or flattering.

For bottoms - I like a 3/4 length tight type thing and Asics, always Asics!

dexter73 · 04/10/2011 19:31

I always used to wear Asics but am now wearing Nike trainers and they are just as good. Can't really tell the difference tbh!

emsyj · 04/10/2011 21:07

I have really wide feet and found Nike trainers were too narrow for me - I got a ridge of hard skin on the edge of my foot which I don't get from Asics. It's actually quite weird not having it any more! In a nice way of course!

saoirse86 · 04/10/2011 22:32

I find new balance are quite wide fitting.

I also don't get the huge old t shirt thing. There are always women wearing them in my gym, and in most classes you're going to end up upside down in some way and then the t shirt is just hanging around your face so everyone can see your belly/boobs unless your boobs have fallen into your face as well as your top and you can't see anything. You'd think after one time they'd realise it's not working. Confused

So anyway, I agree, not full length leggings and definitely a vest top of some sort with a good bra and a hoody. Make sure they're proper work out clothes or you'll get sweaty and stay sweaty. I often get stuff in tk maxx.

StellaAndFries · 04/10/2011 22:38

I wear Nike cropped towelling type joggers, a long line Lycra vest (so it doesn't roll up) and a sports bra and Nike trainers.

AnnetteProfit · 05/10/2011 07:03

I wear shorts and a Nike top. I dud a thread on the top. It's hard to get ones that aren't low cut.

yummybunny · 05/10/2011 11:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PrimaBallerina · 05/10/2011 12:19

Currently 3/4 leggings by Adidas or New Balance, Adidas sports bra tops, Nike vest tops and Trainers. All sourced on the cheap from JJB, eBay and TK Maxx (except the trainers - proper trainers are a must)

I tend to get very unattractively red faced and sweaty so wearing nice gear makes me feel a bit better.

101handbags · 05/10/2011 12:34

I wear Adidas Clima Cool - vest and 3/4 leggings and Nike Train Tone trainers (1/2 price in sale..)

Original poster
FabMum1 · 07/10/2011 11:53

Is it ok to wear all black, or add a pop of colour ?

Everyone seems to look so trendy and then theres me feeling out of place.

Will def look at 3/4 leggings (will they be ok with my pure white legs)

Have seen some lovely Nike trainers, £80, is that reasonable?
Smile

OP posts:
alwaysrunninginheels · 07/10/2011 11:59

I would add a pop of colour! But there are loads of folk who wear all black too at my gym. The 3/4 leggings will be grand with your pure white legs....don't fear! Mine are so white they are almost blue and i have never noticed anyway paying attention to them. Enjoy!

AKMD · 07/10/2011 12:01

I'd add a pop of colour.

WRT the trainers, do a Google search for a running shop near you that does gait analysis. There's no point buying expensive trainers if your feet and walking/running/bopping style are the wrong shape for them.

emsyj · 07/10/2011 12:18

All black or colour is fine - you might struggle to get an outfit all in black anyway, I find they are mostly colours?? I like navy or dark grey and my favourite top is a purply pink.

My legs are veh white and I feel fine showing the calves in 3/4 leggings.

higgle · 07/10/2011 15:16

If your continence is in anyway suspect you need black bottoms.

alwaysrunninginheels · 07/10/2011 16:17

Higgle really has a point...and don't cough while running!!!!

Want2bSupermum · 07/10/2011 16:54

Navy is a great colour to wear in the gym. Hides the sweat as well as black but is much more flattering.

Live in the US so wear champion stuff from target. Running shoes are Saucony which I get discounted by doing a shopping google. Normally $120+ but have paid as little as $30. Good quality running shoes still need to be replaced after 500 miles according to my chiropractor. Have listened and noticed far less niggles. 3 miles a day, 5 times a week = new runners every 33 weeks.

If your continence is suspect don't do jumping jacks or the treadmill. Start with the eliptical/power walk around the neighbourhood. Also do lots of ab work classes and pilates.

bean612 · 07/10/2011 16:58

Make sure you get proper (i.e. Asics, Saucony, New Balance, etc) running shoes if you're going to be doing any amount of running. I didn't and I'm quite sure running in ancient old trainers is what helped to mess up my knee. I now have Asics but deeply regret being a cheapskate initially...

Also, vests/tops in sweat-wicking fabric if you find you sweat like a beast as I do when running or cycling Grin. Ordinary cotton/lycra just soaks up the sweat and eventually your tops will stink no matter how much you wash them Grin Grin

Just telling it like it is Wink

TeamEdward · 07/10/2011 16:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Pollykitten · 07/10/2011 18:03

Shock Absorber bra for norks (ridic out of hand currently) three quarter leggings, wicking vest. If you look all matchy matchy and made up you'll look like you aren't there for actual work out! I get so irritated when I see women all dolled up and not breaking a sweat. And oh yes, DON'T READ whilst you're working out!

SachaF · 07/10/2011 18:16

For classes, aerobics shoes are generally better than running shoes. Running shoes have very little forefoot cushioning as most people strike with their heel and then push off with their toe, so impact is weighted towards the back of the foot. With aerobics style classes you'll be on your toes more as you are doing things on the spot so running shoes might not suit. Of course, you might get away with it ;)
This is written as a runner who has taught aerobics, started teaching in running shoes and then got aerobics shoes when I could afford to and they were great!

nappyaddict · 07/10/2011 18:27

Are 3/4 joggers or leggings cooler?