Do you concentrate too much on your workout and too little on the type of clothes you wear during it? Rhea Dhanbhoora & Gargi Bansod tell you why the right clothes are important and bring you a few great picks
great picks
Ditch the spandex and those tight fitting shorts, throw out the headgear and get practical — you need to feel your best, not look your best when you’re at the gym. Fitness expert and vice president of Gold’s Gym, Althea Shah tells us, “The gym is perhaps the most important setting to wear the proper clothing because sporting baggy clothes, long track pants or ill-fitting shoes may result in injury.” She lists down a few essentials and tells us how to wear them right:
sports Tops
The easiest fashion choice is a t-shirt. To ensure that you choose a functional tee, you should look for a few characteristics. T-shirts should be made of light, breathable material, such as cotton. Avoid polyester or anything too large or too tight.
Bottom basics
Wearing spandex is fine for women but for men, it's neither a privilege nor a right; it's a very, very bad mistake. If you have some reason to wear form-fitting spandex shorts, wear longer shorts to cover them up. Your best bet is to wear simple cotton gym shorts that don't extend more than an inch or two below the knees. There really isn't any reason to be wearing long pants at the gym, unless you are self-conscious about your legs. You've probably seen pants or shorts that are all the rage with women at the gym — the ones with "Juicy" scrawled across the back. These shorts are only delightful for guys to look at, not for you to wear.
Socks & shoes
With so many versatile and stylish athletic shoes in the market, it shouldn't be hard to find a pair that is functional and that appeals to your personal taste. Never wear any kind of shoe other than a sneaker, because you won't get the appropriate type of arch support you need. Don't wear socks that come up much past your ankle. Wear pulled-up tube socks only if you live in a place like the Himalayas.
Head
Hats are generally a bad idea. They can get in the way of your weightlifting. They also trap heat coming off your head, making it harder for you to stay cool. Also, most people do not wash their hats as often as they wash their other clothes, so they develop a less-than-savoury odour rather quickly. Headbands are unnecessary unless you're playing basketball and tend to look silly.
General pointers
Althea says that gym clothes are really important because they prevent injury. And likewise, there are certain things you should have with you and certain things you should leave at home. Take a look at her expert tips:
Go with gloves: Weight gloves are a good idea if you do a fair amount of weight training because calloused hands aren't attractive. Find a breathable pair or they will start to smell like your hat.
Ditch the jewellery: Only wear a watch if you must. In that case, make sure it is a plastic, lightweight sports watch. Other than a watch, you should leave your jewellery at home, as it will only get in your way. Besides, the gym isn't the place for bling.
Towels aren't terrible: If your gym provides a towel, use it. If not, bring one. There are few things grosser than sitting on a bench and realising you are in a puddle of the last guy's sweat. Don't be that guy. Or girl.
Bring extra clothes: If you do intense cardio before weights, you will sweat all over the gym. To avoid this problem, you might want to consider bringing a change of clothes for the rest of your workout, as you are likely to sweat through your first set of clothes.
Workout Wise
Clothes differ according to the type of workout you’re going in for as well. No matter what workout you choose, trainer and nutritionist, Munira J. Kawad tells us you should keep in mind certain things. “Comfort, protection, quality and clothes that fit the activity you are opting for are essential,” she tells us. Here are a few quick tips for what to wear depending on the type of workout you’re choosing:
Yoga: Wear breathable clothes but make sure they are fitting. Loose clothes slide as you go through the motions. Cotton tights are great for yoga.
Aerobics: Wear materials that don’t absorb moisture. Sturdy aerobic shoes are a
good option.
Gymming: Loose clothes or extremely tight fitting ones aren’t good. A comfortable t-shirt and shorts works great.
Swimming: Ditch the fancy swimwear and wear something comfortable that doesn’t restrict movement. Don’t forget your swimming cap!
Innerwear
tly, Don’t forget the importance of wearing the right innerwear when you’re working out. For women, a good sports bra is essential. Opt for one that fits snugly but not too tighdoesn’t ride up during your workout and is made of a breathable material. Boxers are not a good idea for guys; make sure that you get support as well!
Did you read our tips and think you need a whole new gym wardrobe now? Here are a few of the best options to choose from when you go shopping for your workout:
Shoes
Colour coded
For running or walking, you don’t have to make do with a boring pair of sneakers. The range from Puma has interesting colour combinations and are high on comfort and stability.
Where Puma, Lower Parel
Price `3,999
One foot forward
These foot shaped sandals from Fila give you a better grip when you’re walking and are extremely comfortable, giving you an easy, barefoot feeling.
Where Fila, Bandra (W)
Price `2,999
Athletic and Agile
Fila’s range of shoes are built for endurance and sports. The Fila DLS (Dynamic Landing System) range represents the latest in lightweight and extra cushioning for athletic footwear.
Where Fila, Bandra (W)
Price `2,499 onwards
Shield Yourself
The Nike Shield footwear collection is waterproof and has reflective shields. It protects your feet, keeps them dry and warm and are extremely comfortable too!
Where Nike, Andheri (W)
Price `4,495 onwards
Walk this way
If walking is your exercise of choice, pick a walking shoe instead of a running shoe. Pavers England has a great range for men that are stylish and functional.
Where Pavers England, Vile Parle (E)
Price `7,699
Clothes
Tee culture
Getting the right t-shirt is important. You have to make sure it’s made of material that breathes and is not too tight or too loose.
Where GAS, Bandra and www.freecultr.in
Price `1,200 and `549 onwards respectively
SUIT UP
Why get only the tracks when you can get the entire suit? This track suit is great for the winter chill with it’s matching jacket.
Where Puma, Lower Parel
Price `2,999
bits of blue
Can’t keep away from the denims? You can’t wear them to the gym, but you can wear tracks like these that look like them.
Where Tommy Hilfiger, Malad (W)
Price `3,499
A short story
Shorts are great for running, the gym or your favourite sport. We love this simple pair of shorts from Puma.
Where Puma, Lower Parel
Price `1,399
COTTON CALLING
Cotton is comfortable and helps you feel cooler. Opt for cotton tracks like these during the summer.
Where GAS, Bandra (W)
Price `5,200
Accessories
Box back
Boxing is a great way to stay fit, but make sure to invest in a good pair of boxing gloves before you get started, like these from Thwack Sports.
Where Zainabli Sports Shop, Khar
Price `2,599 onwards
Twist of a wrist
Maxxport, from the house of Sanspareils Greenlands has a range of wristbands to help you play a sport sweat-free.
Where www.sgcricket.com
Price `139
Get socked
Ankle length is the perfect length of socks for a workout. Invest in these comfortable, breathable range of socks
from Maxxport.
Where www.sgcricket.com
Price `129
Fuel up
Watch out for Nike’s innovative band that’s releasing soon to track your daily movement and help you get more active.
Where Nike, Andheri (W)
Price Approximately `7,300