Working Out What to Wear to the Gym

A lot of people go to the recreational center while at college to play sports, workout, or have fun with friends. Whether you are going to avoid the freshman 15 or shoot some hoops there are ways you can exercise and look good.

Shirts

A dri-fit shirt

When it comes to shirts, you want to wear something comfortable. I love to wear dri-fit shirts because they do not soak up sweat and are breathable. There are plenty of people who wear old t-shirts at the gym, and that is certainly a good idea. The key is to find something that allows you to move around without impeding yourself. It is important to note: many rec centers have rules about having to wear a shirt. So, you may want to show off the guns while pumping some iron; however, be aware this will not be possible.

Pants/Shorts

Wearing athletic shorts is the way to go when deciding what to wear to the gym. They are versatile enough to be used when playing sports or just working out. I usually do not wear pants when I am going to the gym, yet sweatpants can be useful. If you must hike over to the rec in the cold, thanks Indiana weather, throwing a pair of sweatpants over your shorts can help prevent your legs from freezing off. Sweatpants also can assist in sweating out some more water weight if you are going for a heavy workout. I would avoid jeans or khaki shorts because they are big and baggy. Please do not try to workout in jeans for your own and others’ safety.

Shoes

There are hundreds of options of shoes to wear when going to the rec. The first thing you want to ask yourself is, what am I planning to do? If you are not sure maybe bring an extra bag, if possible, with different types of shoes, such as basketball and running shoes. If you know what you want to do, then you can just wear the type of shoe that fits your exercise or sport. For example, if I was going to the rec to play basketball, I would wear basketball shoes or a shoe with good ankle support because it is likely I will be getting crossed up. The shoes you want to avoid wearing are flip-flops or slip-ons. These shoes are dangerous because they expose your feet to hazards in the gym or court. It is essential to wear shoes providing support for your feet no matter what activity you are doing.

Miscellaneous

There are many things that can fall into the miscellaneous category. The two main topics I want to discuss are headphones and extra gear.

I love to listen to music when working out, and I know most people do too. You will see countless different versions of headphones and earplugs people utilize to get their energy up. The popular means of listening to music today are AirPods, but I believe any Bluetooth headphone would work fine. You could use earplugs with a cord, but it seems slightly dangerous to have a cord exposed that could tangle with you or equipment.

When I use the term “extra gear” I am referring to workout gloves, towels, or workout belt. I do not bring workout gloves, yet they could be valuable when lifting heavy weights, protecting your hands, or getting a better grip. Bringing an extra towel; however, is imperative. You are going to get sweaty when at the rec and a towel helps get rid of some of this residue in between sets or after you are done. Lastly, workout belts can be helpful and prevent injuries when doing workouts with lots of weight. Despite this, it is not essential to bring your own to the gym because most recreational centers have an area where you can check-out belts to use while you are there.

My desired Bluetooth headphone: MPOW

On a final thought, remember to wear clothes at the rec which provide safety and comfort. Most people do not think fashion is applicable to working out, but it is important to choose the right clothes when being physically active.