Gym advice?

[Lhastingsmua]

I’m completely new to gym/fitness life and would appreciate your advice.

Not necessarily on clothes, I’m okay there, but what trainers do you recommend? I’m mainly focusing on weight lifting.

Also what gym essentials do you take with you and which bag? I bought some resistance bands which I think would be a useful addition, feel free to recommend anything else!

For lifting, I think they suggest a fairly flat soled trainer. Maybe an Adidas Superstar or something?

I try and leave multiple hair-ties and a comb in my gym bag. On gym days, I go to work in my trainers, change into smart shoes (which I keep in my office) when I get there, and put my trainers on again to leave and head to the gym. Saves lugging around my trainers.

I know you didn't ask, but I'd really suggest some group fitness classes on top of the weights, if you're new to the gym. It's nice being shit, sweaty and confused with other shit, sweaty confused people. Group classes are quite uplifting.

With weight lifting you want your ankles to feel secure as it helps alot with balance, which you need when lifting. I have narrow feet and nike have never let me down.
Adidas are to wide for my ankles when training so I wobble.
I would look around sport shops and try on different trainers and brands to see what suits you the most.

Also weightlifting gloves, sold in most sport shops and tk maxx. After a while you will get calluses on your hands from lifting the weights which can cause discomfort and stop you progressing in lifting heavier. Plus gloves help with sweaty palms, chalk gets everywhere.

I defo recommend classes too they’re great to help with technique and it’s fun going through the pain together!

Yep, flat-soled shoes are best for weight-lifting. I use converse all stars (actually a cheap knockoff version, but same thing).

Great, thank you both! I have seen people wearing high top converse in the gym, initially thought it was odd but I guess I know why now! Should I buy different trainers for cardio then?

@RacheyCat I’ll do the same if I go straight after work! I hadn’t considered gym classes - thank you. Was going to initially start with a PT to get my form etc correct so I can feel more confident going by myself, my friends are much more advanced than me and I don’t want to hold them back if we go together!

@Dramaofallama That’s interesting. I have narrow feet & ankles too, thank you so much for the tip. I bought some gloves too! I’m not sure why but I assumed I’ll need to bring lots with me to the gym but I guess that’s not the case!

Nike metcons are great.

Thanks! I have Adidas ultra boost trainers already, and some old converse so I’ll see how I go with these before buying anything else! Hard to predict what suits me until I actually start training!

Get yourself a good coach do your research there’s good people out there but also money grabbing idiots who get the basic qualification and think they know it all. Someone who can show you how to lift correctly and to analyse your capabilities in your posture and body alignment. Worth every single penny for avoiding injuries.

I wouldn’t bother with gloves they can hinder your grip massively. Also a neck pad on a bar if you are barbell squatting it places the bar in the wrong place. Only time you need a pad is for glute bridges.

Another vote for Nike Metcons, I also like Reebok Crossfit.

Personally, I think it is better to go with just a water bottle and a sweat towel to start with, work out what would enhance your workout as you get more experienced. Don't have "all of the gear but no idea". Most definitely get a good coach to show you correct form during exercises and get it checked regularly whilst you are still learning.

I also find that glove affect my grip and bunch up, I've tried several, I now use wrist wraps instead but only for heavy lifts. I quite like my callouses, they make me feel a bit badass.

Are you planning on using the machines or the free weights? How do you see yourself using your resistance bands?

I 2nd Reebok CrossFit trainers. Great for lifting and cardio if you're doing hiit style classes.
You can always lift in just socks once you're a bit more comfortable
As pp said though, definitely take the time to get the lifts right. Technique is key for lifting well, progression and safety!

If you're planning on running anything further than 3k you'd probably want a separate trainer with a bit more comfort.

I'd see your PT and get into a programme you know you'll stick to before you start investing in trainers, gloves etc. You won't need gloves or wraps if you end up preferring machines to the bar bell, and don't get into really heavy deadlifts or other pull exercises. Any old trainers you already have will also do for a while until you really start upping the weights.

My practical tips are a padlock with a code rather than a key so you don't have to worry about losing the key. Then a small clutch bag size/pouch for the gym area. This keeps my phone, headphones, resistance bands, gym swipe card and sometimes some money or my debit card safe. The number of people who just leave their phone directly on the floor and get it walked over is scary. A cheap bum bag would do, but I know Nike and Adidas do them, and Sweaty Betty if you want invest. I don't mean an evening clutch!

Oh, and good water bottle!