Worried about what to wear at the gym!

2

Replies

  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    Wear whatever is comfortable for training in.

    I train in a vest (or wicking T-shirt) and a pair of combats; I play tennis in the same - because I do rock climbing in the same and I'll be pushing when climbing and require far more flexibility than I do in the gym or on the court. :-D
  • somefitsomefat
    somefitsomefat Posts: 445 Member
    I think most people at the gym spend more time looking at themselves than other people. Sure, you notice other people but for me they only really stand out unless they're doing something wacky or they're dressed really wacky (all neon and fuzzy leg warmers anyone?). Even then they mostly just get a passing glance.
  • Snow3y
    Snow3y Posts: 1,412 Member
    It's just a complexity you have which most other people probably won't think twice to notice.. But if you want to feel confident then try the suggestions for clothes that people have mentioned :)
  • turtledove773
    turtledove773 Posts: 122 Member
    So to add to this topic, what the heck do you wear to a Water Fitness class? Ugg do I really need to put on a swimsuit? NOOO!

    Can I wear a one piece with a tshirt over it?
  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    So to add to this topic, what the heck do you wear to a Water Fitness class? Ugg do I really need to put on a swimsuit? NOOO!

    Can I wear a one piece with a tshirt over it?

    If I wanted to cover more of me (and I were female), I'd wear a one-piece.
  • DeeVanderbles
    DeeVanderbles Posts: 589 Member
    My theory is, who the heck cares? At least I'm there and getting *kitten* done. I used to hate working out in front of people. I still do if I'm doing something new and have no idea what I'm doing. But once I get into a routine, I totally don't care anymore. For me it was sweating so much in front of so many people. Everybody sweats. Even skinny people.

    I wear yoga capris 99% of the time when I work out. And tanks that are somewhat loose. And as you can see from my profile picture, I definitely have a muffin top.

    Welcome, feel free to add me and good luck!
  • lgrix
    lgrix Posts: 160 Member
    Check with your pool and ask if you can wear a tshirt over your bathing suit. Some pools may not allow this.
    Definitely go with a one piece bathing suit to exercise. In the pool, no one cares what you look like but a more modest approach is generally appreciated!
  • rubyred138
    rubyred138 Posts: 22 Member
    I usually throw on a baggy tank top over my sports bra/ workout top or a zip up hooded sweatshirt. I prefer the sweatshirt because it has pockets so its hiding my parts of my body I dont like and then I have a place for my keys and phone. Most likely nobody notices you but I know how you feel about not wanting to show the parts youre uncomfortable with.
  • SJ46
    SJ46 Posts: 407 Member
    Wear what you find comfortable, seriously no one is judging your outfit and if anyone is judging you in a negative way who cares what they think?
  • Inkratlet
    Inkratlet Posts: 613 Member
    So to add to this topic, what the heck do you wear to a Water Fitness class? Ugg do I really need to put on a swimsuit? NOOO!

    Can I wear a one piece with a tshirt over it?

    I wear a one piece with slightly longer legs (like hotpant length) for full bum coverage. Of course, they roll up over my thigh chub but at least no bum flesh is on show.
  • JG762
    JG762 Posts: 571 Member
    I don't have any clothing options, but I suggest finding the fattest person at the gym and just exercising besides them. You won't be the focus. I'm typically the biggest gal at the gym all the time (325+ pounds here) so I'll let you run on the treadmill next to mine while I trot along at a 2.0 pace, sweating my rolls off.

    That right there is funny, I don't care who you are!
  • Inkratlet
    Inkratlet Posts: 613 Member
    I can honestly tell you that no one gives a damn what you look like/are wearing at the gym!
    My only bit of advice is to please don't wear perfume/body scents when you work out, your exercising neighbors will thank you!

    Really? Why?

    Not that I spray on perfume before my workout - I've seen girls do this but to me it's a waste of expensive perfume - but I don't understand why it would annoy others?
  • Amermaid98
    Amermaid98 Posts: 1 Member
    wear something loose, long & comfy and airy. don't worry about what others think. wear what is practical .
  • anotherwarriorgirl
    anotherwarriorgirl Posts: 38 Member
    The more you start going to the gym, the less uncomfortable you'll feel! Keep on keeping on and in a few weeks, you'll be so used to seeing the same people that you'll forget about your insecurities. It may take some time, but you can do it!

    Sending a friend request, too :)
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    People don't look as much as others think. People there are like you, they are more worried about how they look and not how others look.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • jsj024519
    jsj024519 Posts: 400 Member
    I like food.
  • KristinaB83
    KristinaB83 Posts: 440 Member
    Screw everyone else! You wear what you wanna wear, and if they're grossed out, well then they shouldn't be looking!
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    If you're already in a t-shirt, I can't see it getting much more modest. Wear whatever you find comfortable to work out in. I wear a loose, quick-dry shirt and running shorts.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    I don't have any clothing options, but I suggest finding the fattest person at the gym and just exercising besides them. You won't be the focus. I'm typically the biggest gal at the gym all the time (325+ pounds here) so I'll let you run on the treadmill next to mine while I trot along at a 2.0 pace, sweating my rolls off.

    I do this, but in terms of sweatiness. I'm always disgusting and totally soaked, so I like working out next to "Sweaty Guy" (as I call him), so I look dry by comparison.
  • Efflictim
    Efflictim Posts: 147 Member
    Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Im pretty sure people are focused on their workout.
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    I can honestly tell you that no one gives a damn what you look like/are wearing at the gym!
    My only bit of advice is to please don't wear perfume/body scents when you work out, your exercising neighbors will thank you!

    Really? Why?

    Not that I spray on perfume before my workout - I've seen girls do this but to me it's a waste of expensive perfume - but I don't understand why it would annoy others?
    For those of us with Asthma or other breathing difficulties, it makes it more difficult for us to breathe. For others, it causes sneezing etc. It's just generally a pain for people around you, breathing heavily, in close proximity.

    @OP - If you're concerned, put on a loose vest or t-shirt over your sports bra or w/e. Most people don't care, though.
  • EddieHaskell97
    EddieHaskell97 Posts: 2,227 Member
    I certainly don't care at all, in the slightest about how anyone looks at the gym. I care only that they:

    1. Wipe off equipment and machines when they're done with them.
    2. Really put for an effort (else why tie up resources that someone who's serious about their workout could be using)
    3. Take cell calls in the lobby, or at least keep them brief and quietly subdued. Thankfully, my gym ejects "meatheads, pad-holes, and cell abusers".

    Seriously, no one will care. As long as clothes are clean (well, not rank and smelly) they aren't an issue.
  • BonecrusherBrews
    BonecrusherBrews Posts: 131 Member
    I certainly don't care at all, in the slightest about how anyone looks at the gym. I care only that they:

    1. Wipe off equipment and machines when they're done with them.
    2. Really put for an effort (else why tie up resources that someone who's serious about their workout could be using)
    3. Take cell calls in the lobby, or at least keep them brief and quietly subdued. Thankfully, my gym ejects "meatheads, pad-holes, and cell abusers".

    Seriously, no one will care. As long as clothes are clean (well, not rank and smelly) they aren't an issue.

    ^^ yup!
  • Pipsg1rl
    Pipsg1rl Posts: 1,414 Member
    I like pants that have a higher or wide waistband. So items like basketball shorts or leggings don't work for me.

    I used to love bootcut pants but now I wear tights since they don't fall down my legs if I'm doing leg raises or something similar. Capri length tights are also great! WalMart has some Danskin brand that have the nice waist bands.

    Also, if i'm feeling "muffiny" but want to look cute I LOVE tank tops that have a blouson waist. They have a bottom band that makes them "fluff" over the waist area and you still have the shape of your natural body showing. They are great for showing off your arms and back. I have purchased these from Victoria's Secret (only one and it was on clearance) and at Old Navy.

    For yoga I hate wearing regular tees because when you do a downward dog they gather into your face.

    One thing I will say is that I don't like the Under Armor dry tees. For some reason they always roll up and my back is hanging out. It becomes annoying during a workout. Also now that I work out in the office building I work in i don't want all the CEO's to see my tatts. Not because I'M bothered, but because THEY might be.

    And i always like to look cute for myself since i am staring in the mirror (to watch my form) and not at a treadmill.
  • whitebalance
    whitebalance Posts: 1,654 Member
    Wearing clothes in the gym is definitely a good idea. Optional in home gyms, IF the windows are blocked sufficiently and the bar knurling isn't too abrasive. Or if you just roll that way, I guess.
  • jabarih
    jabarih Posts: 65 Member
    You shouldn't feel embarrassed by how you look. Everyone at the gym is focused on the same goal as you (or should be). But if it is an excuse you know you will use to not go to the gym, get something you are comformtable in, like jogging pants. Don't buy some yoga pants and then say you are embarrassed to go and then don't go... :)
  • janelleross
    janelleross Posts: 61 Member
    I am very self conscious about my arms. I never wear tank tops or sleeveless tops. So, I used to always wear a baggy cotton t-shirt to the gym. Until my wise daughter said, "Mom, if you would just wear a work-out tank to the gym, you'll be so much more comfortable." You know what?! She was right! The work-out tank is so much cooler than a t-shirt, and easier to move around in. And you know what? I look just fine! My arms might not be toned and sexy, but I'm working on it!
  • RobertHButler
    RobertHButler Posts: 50
    I just make sure my shorts are long enough in case "things" start falling out while on the stationary bike. I also wear compression shorts under my short shorts.
  • JONZ64
    JONZ64 Posts: 1,280 Member
    Just wear clothes for Comfort & Function. If I feel comfortable and it works for me I use it. I learned over time & trial and error that things like: Cotton shorts are NOT so great for running because I sweat and they bunch up and cause scrape burns.

    Good luck :smile:
  • Jerrypeoples
    Jerrypeoples Posts: 1,541 Member
    if its clean i wear it

Categories