Gym clothes

[FreshStar]

I don’t really own leggings, joggers, t shirts etc and I’m starting a gym wardrobe from afresh.

I want to start exercising more, I have some trainers (Nike metcons) but struggling with what else to wear for a capsule gym wardrobe. I plan on going to the gym a handful of times a week, but predominantly walking/running. I have also looked into
classes like Pilates

Nike leggings, socks that support the arches of your feet (I like ones that cover my ankles properly and keep them warm too). Start with a couple of tops in different styles and see how you like them. Go for a fabric that wicks away sweat.

Do you have sports bras?

You can spend as little or as much as you want on exercise clothing. Personally I'd get basic things until you know you're committed to a regular exercise habit and then invest a bit more in specifically suitable clothing.

Ordinary basics from decathlon will start you off for not much £ for most sports.

If you end up loving running you'll want different clothes than if you end up loving walking than if you end up loving tennis than if you end up loving the gym for instance. You can spend £100 on some fancy lululemon gym leggings - they won't make you love exercise but they will help you hate yourself if you end up with them languishing in a corner of your wardrobe only worn those two times you went to the gym!

I love walking/hiking so my exercise clothes suit that, but I'm not going down the gym in my hiking boots and waterproof trousers am I 😆 I used to run a lot and my exercise wardrobe at the time reflected that.

I like the M&S Goodmove leggings and Panache sports bras.

Your choice in tops will vary depending on the activity. You can wear a looser fitting one for the gym, walking and running etc, but you'll need a fitted one for pilates. Pilates involves planking, pike, shoulder bridges etc so a looser top will leave you exposed. I've gotten some decent and cheap tops in Primark.

Start off with cheaper stuff, just 2 or 3 of each item and you can add to it. If the goal is to lose weight, or tone up and lose inches, you don't want to be stuck with expensive gym wear that's too big.

The most important item, if you plan on doing any running, is a well fitting sports bra.

Metcons are fine for walking but only running short distances imo. I have them for weight training and may do an uphill walk on a treadmill but not for running more than 1k.

Other than that, just start with inexpensive stuff - just normal leggings and a t shirt would be fine in most places unless a v fancy gym. I don't like stuff flapping about when I'm working out so wear fitting gym clothes but others do similar training to me and wear loose clothing.

Don't spend ££ until you decide your needs.

Oh gosh, thank you all but I have realised I missed something from my OP. I don’t feel comfortable in my current figure/weight.

I’m around 20kg overweight. I used to be a size 6 petite. My stomach, arms and thighs are areas I’d like keep covered. Plus, my chest and back has acne so don’t want to flaunt that either! So I’m essentially looking to be covered but not sure what outfits work, especially in this heat

Get a good sports bra and then look to second had for the rest. I have picked up most of mine at charity shops.

What is your budget OP?

Armchair doctoring but - chest and back acne suggests some hormonal imbalance. Have you discussed it with a GP or had any tests?

Agree - just buy the cheapest stuff for now - Primark, maybe - until you know what you’re going to stick with. (I must say second hand exercise wear doesn’t sound appealing, but it’s probably better than not exercising at all.)

Personally I just went to H&M as nearest to to me for sports wear clothes and TK Maxx for the same.

I’ve bought more expensive sports wear too eg from Sweaty Betty, and whilst it can look and feel nicer, I’d probably only buy there in sales now.

A decent sports bra especially if you’re a larger bust size is a good idea though.

Asda active wear is brilliant, I exercise almost every day and it's my go to place for my tops. The leggings are good too if you are just getting started.

I forgot about M&S. Years ago I picked up exercise wear there in a winter sale, presumably it’s still good.

Agreed with which exercise. Eg for classes such as yoga, choose which tops are comfy, I used to go for a looser top over a tighter top.