Q&A for How to Dress for the Gym

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Do men need to wear underwear to the gym?

Michele Dolan
Certified Fitness Trainer
Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.

Michele Dolan

Certified Fitness Trainer

Expert Answer

Underwear helps soak up sweat and keep it off of the benches at the gym. However, only you can choose whether you wear underwear or not. If your underwear chafes, consider baggy, light-weight briefs or light-weight sweat pants instead.

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Question

Should I wear sweat shorts at the gym, or do I need to buy gym shorts or sweatpants to wear instead.

Michele Dolan
Certified Fitness Trainer
Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.

Michele Dolan

Certified Fitness Trainer

Expert Answer

Wear what feels comfortable and allows your legs to move freely during all your exercises. Remember that when you are lying on a bench, if your shorts are too short or baggy, people can see up the leg. The gym is full of mirrors so be aware of the views you are giving to other gym goers.

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Question

Should I take water instead of a protein shake?

Community Answer

Yes, drink the protein shake before or after the work out and take water to the gym.

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Question

How can I dress in a manner that won't attract negative attention at the gym?

Community Answer

For both women and men, this generally means not wearing anything too revealing or trying to look sexy. Keep your shirt on and don't wear really short shorts or tight clothes. Remember to clean up after yourself (e.g. wipe down the machines after using them) and be courteous to everyone.

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Question

Can I wear plastic?

Community Answer

No, I wouldn't wear anything plastic. It will get uncomfortable when you start sweating.

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Question

What would I wear if we go outside and it is 32ºF and we do the same workout routine we do inside?

Community Answer

Depending on what you are acclimated to, you would wear cold-weather athletic gear. Over the base layer as described, wear a hat, gloves, scarf (as required), perhaps a sweatshirt and a coat. Dress in layers so you can open up layers for ventilation as necessary. Be sure that you are not getting sweaty and then getting chilled when the sweat cools off.

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Question

Can I wear half shocks?

Community Answer

Yes, you can wear whatever you want as long as it doesn't violate your gym's dress code.

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Is it okay for a young teenager to work out at the gym?

Community Answer

Yes and no. Gyms aren't usually "kid friendly," so depending on how young you are, you might be better off finding a sports team or something instead. You could also consider just working out at home. If that's not possible though, it's still okay for you to go to the gym.

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Question

Can I wear a sweatshirt in a gym?

Community Answer

Sure, but if you tend to sweat a lot while working out, you might get very hot and uncomfortable.

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Question

What should I do if I feel shy during the gym session?

Sienna78

Community Answer

Its quite common to feel shy or anxious in the gym, especially when you're surrounded by super fit trainers, but it's important for you to remember that everyone is there for the same reason, unless you are working with a personal trainer no one will pay attention to what you are doing and do their own thing. Don't stress!

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Question

How do I dress for swimming lessons?

Iforgotmyoldpass

Community Answer

Wear a one piece if you are a girl (make sure it is a plain sports one which you can find from shops like Decathlon). Or, if you’re a boy, then wear swimming shorts.

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Question

How can I carry a phone and listen to music if my clothes don't have pockets?

Lpeterson

Community Answer

If you are working out and need to be able to carry your phone, look for workout pants that have side pockets for your phone. If you don't want to buy new workout pants, you could simply buy a fit belt, which goes around your waist and has a compartment for your phone.

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Question

What kind of shoes are ideal for a workout?

Field_hockey_superster

Community Answer

Trainers/sneakers are the best shoes but you can get specialized shoes such as running shoes if you are spending your time on the treadmill. Basically, anything that supports your feet properly and you find comfortable.

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Question

Can I wear a lightweight long top at the gym?

Field_hockey_superster

Community Answer

You can wear whatever you want that makes you feel confident - just make sure that the long top doesn't make you trip/get caught in the machines. If it is too long, just tuck it in.

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