Gym Gear Usage Advice & Recommendations

[ungod]

This might be a strange query (hopefully not!) but I'd really appreciate any advice.

I'm trying to get back into training to lose around a stone of fat, increase overall fitness, and possibly put on a bit of muscle down the line.

The only regular training I do at the moment is 1.5 hours of Wing Chun Kung Fu on Thursday from 19:30 to 21:00.

The other training I plan on doing is as follows:

Cardio
Monday to Friday 06:45 - 07:30

Weights
Monday, Wednesday 18:30 - 19:30
Saturday morning/afternoon

I'm OK with training regimes, workouts, etc. But where I'm stuck is on how much gym gear I need, and how much use I should get out of it between washing it. E.g., unless I sweat worse than Christy Moore, should I use the same gear for a morning and evening gym session and then chuck it in the wash, or should I chuck it in the wash after one use?

I'm curious what other people do in relation to this.

Also if anybody could give any recommendations into the best type/brand of sports wear to use. I understand that a lot of it is down to personal preference, but I'm curious as to whether e.g., shorts or tracksuit bottoms are preferred for cardio or weights sessions, certain types of socks (e.g. 1000 mile socks) are better at preventing blisters for long sessions on the treadmill etc.

Please post on this if you have any advise.

Cheers, Mel

 

[DanH84]

You're possibly worrying too much about it but here goes...
I'd personally want fresh gear on every time I did a workout just don't like the thought of putting on clothes that I've been sweating in.

Brand matters jack in the gym, you're there to work not to impress. Only real thing I would say is find yourself a decent pair of trainers espescially if you plan on running, I'd suggest going to a running shop so they can have a look at whats right for you.

As to shorts or tracksuit bottoms for me it depends how chilly it is on the morning I go out, only thing i would say is if you wear tracksuit bottoms make sure they fit well enough not to tangle in any equipment and if you wear shorts make sure you have lots of packaging round your parcel as people really don't need to be seeing that kind of thing while working out.


If mel is short for melanie then you probably shouldn't worry about your parcel, I would suggest a decent sports bra though.

 

[hyper_piper45]

I wear t-shirts a few times. I'd prefer if they were fresh but being at uni its not that easy. As for brands i wear nike t-shirts and just some joggers. For running i always wear shorts, just keeps me cooler.

But as dan says it dont really matter that much. Just wear what your comfortable in. The most important thing is your at the gym, not what your wearing.

 

[#Chri5#]

I run hot, so after a gym session everything had to be washed.

I'd vote that a Coolmax or similar breathable / wicking fabric T is nicer than a standard cotton tee-shirt. I started with cotton T's but they'd end up soaked and somewhate unpleasant.

Shop around you should be able to pickup Coolmax Ts for under £10.

Other than that, I'd go with the others and wear what is comfortable and functional.

 

[zain]

hahaha I just joined a virgin gym S) it feels wierd from a small gym and funny, anyone seen them articles "what to wear at the gym" "how to look good in the gym" lol :/

I wore some clown size adidas joggers (which fell off when I was running) now its just adidas trackies, a shirt and an adidas jumper with my much needed mp3 for cardio

Forget what people think, you are there to train. I went into virgin and everyone is looking at me like a freak....I was the only one in there who was sweating!

If you can, wash the clothing otherwise just let it dry or use a dryer (lol) I would be more focused on what to do in the gym not what to wear and so on

 

[ungod]

If mel is short for melanie

It's not. Proof

then you probably shouldn't worry about your parcel, I would suggest a decent sports bra though.

Luckily I'm not that much overweight that I need to use one but if it gets to that stage I'll borrow the wifes!

Thanks for the replies. I know it was a strange question to start with.

I'm sorted with good runners having Asics GT-2100 and Kayano X. Now to put them to good use.

I have some Coolmax Ts, so I'll just stock up with lots more and a lot of cheap tracksuit bottoms. That should do the trick...and keep wifey busy with all the washing!

 

[Ed]

But where I'm stuck is on how much gym gear I need, and how much use I should get out of it between washing it.

You'd be surprised how many new gym users ask this. Pleeeez man, don't wear worn clothes. Nothing worse than that ming that hangs in the changing rooms. Personally, I go at 6:30am so am virtually on my own. I just wear a pair of loose fit adidas bottoms, a cheap vest and a clean hand towel to wipe off benches etc. My trainers are very lightweight with thin soles. It's a preference of mine when I'm lifting, as it feels my feet and ankles are stabilising me, not some huge, flat boot.