We often talk about what you SHOULD wear to the gym, but we also need to clarify what you SHOULD NEVER wear to the gym. We've made a handy list for you to refer to before you walk out your door.
- Denim
This happens more often than you think, especially with older adults who want to exercise but don't feel like buying or wearing athletic apparel. The downside of exercising in denim is that it's extremely uncomfortable; it can cause chafing, overheating, and restriction of movement. Stick with soft, stretchy, blended materials. We promise you'll thank us later.
- Regular Bras
The bras built for everyday wear do not offer the same support as good sports bras. Try doing a few jumping jacks in a regular bra and you'll see what we mean. Not only are your breasts going to get sore, but trying to get through a workout with that level of physical discomfort and distraction is nearly impossible. Finding a sports bra that helps you feel secure is definitely worth the investment of time and money.
- Boots
People who wear boots to the gym probably don't realize the amount of dirt and scuffing they can bring to the gym's floors, which is one of the reasons that most gyms don't allow boots at all. However, boots will also cause your feet to sweat and smell a lot more, which makes them a bad idea all around. Wear your boots outside only.
- Sandals
Between people tripping on treadmills and dropping weights on their toes, sandals are a major safety risk in the gym. They also just don't offer the right support you need for running or weightlifting, so there's no point in wearing them for your workout. They'll only make things needlessly difficult.
- Jewelry
Necklaces that bounce against your chest while you run on a treadmill can be a big distraction when you're trying to keep your focus, and rings on the fingers you're using to lift weights could cause a lot of pain, discomfort, and blistering. We understand not wanting to leave your jewelry in the locker room, so leave it at home instead.
We hope these suggestions help make your experience at the gym as comfortable and pain-free as possible!
