gym wear

carolbee

Hi there

am going to the gym for the first time ever, they said to wear comfortable clothing, shoes etc

As I need to buy some new stuff, any tips on good value, don't necessarily want the cheapest, but good quality, as it will be in and out of the washing machine (I hope from me using it). Like the look of M&S stuff. Have been in the likes of 'sports clothing warehouses', but a lot of it seems more suited for fashion wear?

also need to get some trainers, any tips please? thanks guys

absolutebounder

carolbee wrote: »

Hi there

am going to the gym for the first time ever, they said to wear comfortable clothing, shoes etc

As I need to buy some new stuff, any tips on good value, don't necessarily want the cheapest, but good quality, as it will be in and out of the washing machine (I hope from me using it). Like the look of M&S stuff. Have been in the likes of 'sports clothing warehouses', but a lot of it seems more suited for fashion wear?

also need to get some trainers, any tips please? thanks guys

Nike and addidas. You dont want to go to a gym looking like a cheap MSE bimbo so buy good stuff because it lasts.

skintlass

M&S stuff is fine for the gym unless you're going to pose rather than workout. The gym that I go to has a mix of gymwear but most people are concentrating on doing the workout rather than what they look like.

melancholly

for gym kit, decathlon is pretty good value (especially when there's a sale!) - but they aren't always close to everyone. cheap trainers are rarely a good idea but the type to buy will depend on what exercise you want to do. asics and new balance are good brands that runners use (obviously that's not an exclusive list!), but don't feel like you need a brand new all singing all dancing pair from the nike store! go into a sports shop (and i don't mean a 'trainers' shop like JD Sports!!) and you should get some good advice.

(i have no problem wearing cheap things to the gym either!! old t shirts that i wear as pyjamas work a treat for me - i don't care if anyone else notices, but i agree with skintlass that anyone actually working out won't even think about it!! it's actually more 'odd' if someone completely new to exercise turns up all in lycra and all the kit but can't work out how to use the machines - that does look silly!)

oh - get a good sports bra too! well worth the money!

Silaqui

I have a couple of pairs of black joggers that I got from teaco for about £8, they've lasted for at least a year so far. Then I just wear old teeshirts that have been relegated to gymwear.
I used to have an expensive sports bra but when I lost weight it didn't fit me any more, I bought one from Primark as a 'stop gap' for £7.50 and it's excellent, easily as good as the branded one I had before that was 4 times the price! It's the 'high impact' one that they sell. Don't go without one though.
Have fun
x

ayamjay

Most importantly, invest in a proper sports bra. I find Shock Absorber suits me best (especially their Pump model - I have it in 3 colours now).
I love strappy tops and most of my 'gym' ones come from H&M. Having said that, I've recently bought some very nice Adidas ones in John Lewis on sale (reduced from £35 to £6!).
I can only train in 'light-weight' trousers, either knee-length or very long. Very thin, breathable material. My favourite ones are Reebok, bought in the sales for £10 (in an outlet shop). I also have some loose, long trousers from Peacocks (I think they were about £8 - not on sale).
I have some very comfortable Reebok trainers (black) for all my aerobics classes. I use the same ones for the gym. And tomorrow I'm going to a specialist running shop to get some Asics for running.
Socks are also important as you don't want blisters, do you? Mine are from Primark (sports socks) and they are far better than the 1000 miles ones.
Check out sweatybetty too as they sometimes have good deals!
Good luck with your training!

carolbee

Well, I am all sorted now, with a good pair trainers, long trousers, shorts, socks and a vest top. have some other bits that will do, fleece tops to come and go to gym in, just need to get another swimsuit now, as I get to swim included in the monthly cost.

many thaks for all your tips, am I too old at 53 for a new PE bag for the beginning of term??:D

ayamjay

carolbee wrote: »

am I too old at 53 for a new PE bag for the beginning of term??:D

No way! I find that new gear gives me a proper boost now and again. Go for it!

recycler1967

Hi Carolbee - you are definitely not too old at 53! I'm also 53. At 5ft and not an ideal weight have finally found some great flattering lightweight M&S joggers that suit and cost only £12 - they wash and tumble dry if you follow directions. I bought 3 pairs because I go so often now. I have been a gym member for a longtime but it is only these last 3 years that I have really got into the exercise thing and enjoyed - in June did 26.2 mile moonwalk in Edinburgh for charity and I am also in a dance group that performed on stage - not bad for a former sofa slouch! Good luck and enjoy.

carolbee

thanks for your encouragement, I went to see another of the gyms that I can use - its all under the same council umbrella, and this has has all sorts of classes, I can go on the way home from work, so no excuses! plan is to gym and swim, and then maybe a class in the evening, start slow and build up. As a social in the sea swimmer, I didnt realise how much chatting and not much swimming we do until I did 6 lengths yesterday...bit achy today but will carry on

financegirl

get yourself a decent a sports bra - £20.00 min spend I would say and some decent sports trainers - you don't want to end with not supported boobies and sore feet.

regarding the rest - if people have time to notice whether people are weariing named brands, they're not concentrating on their workoouts!!

I got 2 pairs of soft, cotton black trakkie botttoms from primark £4 each.

Then i put an oversized, trendy t shirt on - somehting like those vintage disney ones (even though they are not!!)

Got a bright pink mr men one in new look sale for £5.00

For me, spending £20 or more on a branded vest or sports top is madness, but I suppose each to their own.

You could try ebay as well.

By the way, I used to be quite depressed and my god my moods have complety changed, since going to the gym. I chose a small, council run one because of finances, and I didn't want to pay £50 permonth to watch 'gym goers' hang around juice bars, pretending to work out.

Enjoy it - the hardest part is working through the door!!!