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Original poster

Joined a gym..... what basics do I need?

21 replies

applecrumbleandcream · 08/10/2013 21:43

Need to lose a few lbs and get a bit fitter really so bit the bullet and joined my local gym. Any ideas on what I need to buy to get me started on a budget and where best to buy? Not into brands so not bothered about logos or anything? I was thinking trainers, leggings (are the proper running leggings worth buying?), a zip up hoody? but don't know which tops would be best. Don't want anything too tight or revealing.

Any help would be appreciated.

OP posts:
StrictlySazz · 08/10/2013 21:45

I get my stuff from Sports Direct. Choose dri wear or wick away fabrics as they look and feel less sweaty. I like Nike and Reebok leggings about knee length

GeordieCherry · 08/10/2013 21:47

Spend the money getting fitted with proper trainers & invest in a sports bra. The rest, just buy one of something & see if you like it first

Good luck!

StrictlySazz · 08/10/2013 21:51

Bra top which is actually very supportive but only up to E cup

dri fit leggings which are VERY comfy fit

dri fit top with arms if you don't want too revealing

You won't wear a hoody top much in the gym - just to warm up so any old one will do

HTH Smile

thepurplepenguin · 08/10/2013 21:52

I recently did this. Went to Sports Direct (bleurgh) and got one pair of cropped ie mid calf leggings, one pair of yoga pants and two tank style vests. All black or charcoal with a bit of hot pink detailing. And all adidas. I then got a surprisingly nice hooded fleece in m&s. Noone really wears full length leggings at my gym. I already had running trainers which I am using but they are a bit meh for some aerobics classes so cross training shoes might be better.

However, I am working out 4 times a week and I run out of clothes really quickly. The laundry is a nightmare!

kaumana · 08/10/2013 21:55

Sports bra for a start. H&M do a good range of reasonable kit. Keep an eye out for wickable fabrics. Stay away ftom cotton tees/trews etc as you will be a sweaty betty ( strangely the name of a good range) No need for a hoodie.

Original poster
applecrumbleandcream · 08/10/2013 21:58

Oh thank you for your ideas. I'd forgotten about a sports bra, could've been a bit embarassing plus two black eyes Wink !!

I'm not very keen on the capri length leggings (until I've toned my legs up a bit), I'd prefer full length ones to start with. Going to have a look at the Sports Direct website, prices not too bad.

OP posts:
Original poster
applecrumbleandcream · 08/10/2013 22:02

Oh why does no one wear full length leggings? I think I'd feel daft in capri length as ive got cankles (probably overthinking this but just want to feel a bit more confident).

OP posts:
StrictlySazz · 08/10/2013 22:20

Gyms are generally pretty hot, so full length are a bit much for me. Honestly, in a gym (well certainly mine) no-one is really looking at anyone else. Especially their ankles Grin

kaumana · 08/10/2013 22:26

Strictly I agree. I dress for comfort. No one will be looking at your ankles! and tbh 3/4 are more flattering.

Abzs · 08/10/2013 22:40

Spend your money on the bra, trainers and socks. Then go bargain hunting for tshirts and leggings.

I have the Nike drifit capris. I got a size up, as I can't abide snug elastic round my middle. The Nike are more comfy than the karrimor and asics I also have.

Original poster
applecrumbleandcream · 08/10/2013 22:54

Thanks everyone that's a massive help. Going shopping this weekend so will try capri length leggings and will spend money on good sports bra and trainers.

Looking forward to starting now. Have joined mainly to do classes, you can wear the same sort of gym gear can't you?

OP posts:
Littlepumpkinpie · 08/10/2013 23:15

Yes you can wear the same thing for classes as in the gym. The dri fit stuff is the best addidas and nike do their own version. I prefer the nike one feel less sweaty. Hoody I only wear mine after a workout but at the minute weather is nice so I walk home in just what I worked out in.

Original poster
applecrumbleandcream · 08/10/2013 23:31

Thanks that's great, I'll have a look for the Nike dri fit gym gear. I fear I may well be very sweaty Wink

OP posts:
Original poster
applecrumbleandcream · 09/10/2013 00:49

Can anyone help me with trainers please?

OP posts:
HardFacedCareeristBitchNigel · 09/10/2013 00:54

Tesco have got sports stuff on sale at the mo. I got a new pair of bottoms and a vest yesterday for £6

HardFacedCareeristBitchNigel · 09/10/2013 00:55

I like USA pro trainers, you can pick them up for £25 in JJB at the moment as they always have sales on

Monty27 · 09/10/2013 01:15

Money, time, energy and willpower Grin

dexter73 · 09/10/2013 06:48

Just get trainers that fit and are comfortable. You don't need to worry about about getting your gait analysed for the gym. Go somewhere like JJB and try different makes on. I like Asics or Nike and they are always reduced. I usually spend about £30 on a pair of trainers.

Cherrypie32 · 09/10/2013 07:38

If you aren't worried about labels all the supermarkets sell a sports range and I've also bought bargain bits in Gap in sales.

Jesseismysecretcrush · 09/10/2013 08:06

I haven't tried them but noticed asda were selling sports capri pants and tops in dry wick fabric for about £10 each

plentyofsoap · 09/10/2013 08:49

I have had some good sports wear from Sainsburys which I don't normally buy from but have been quite impressed. They wash well too.

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