Being new to the gym can be intimidating. There’s so much to learn about working out, how often to go and what exercises to do.
Then you also have to think about what to wear, what to buy and what gear you need.
Well, this is the perfect guide for you because you’ll see what gear and attire you need and what you DON’T need.
These are all items I personally use. I don’t get a monetary kickback from some of the product links I’ll show you. So you know that I’m not just plugging crap so I get paid.
Apparel
When choosing what to wear in the gym it’s most important to pick what you feel most comfortable and confident in.
There’s already enough to do at the gym as a beginner. You don’t want to have to overthink what to wear.
Just make sure the clothes fit right so you don’t have any wardrobe malfunctions.
I was training one of my clients the other day and she was wearing the newest style of workout pants. They didn’t fit exactly right and she had to keep checking and retying them to make sure they stayed on right. That only kept her distracted during the workout.
Bottoms
Again, you want to find shorts or pants that you feel comfortable in.
For most of my weightlifting workouts, I wear American Eagle classic khaki shorts. I know. It’s kind of silly because those shorts aren’t even “athletic” wear.
I like American Eagle shorts specifically because they have a little flex in them while also being sturdy. I don’t like wearing athletic shorts because they feel so thin, loose and ride up on me in an uncomfortable way.
Shirts
You can wear a classic T-shirt or an athletic T-shirt. Or wear a more open shirt like a tank top. You choose what you feel most comfortable and confident in.
I like mixing up what I wear depending on the type of workout I’m doing.
For example, if I’m doing leg day I’ll typically wear a classic T-shirt. It’s just what I feel comfortable in.
If I’m doing an upper body day I’ll usually wear a sleeveless shirt or tank top. That’s so I can see my arms looking yoked! LOL. I know it sounds ridiculous but I feel more motivated seeing my arms. It helps show me I can make progress.
Apparel Brands
Here are some of the brands I like for gym apparel. I’ll typically wear Gymshark or Alphalete shirts and the American Eagle classic khaki shorts I mentioned earlier.
American Eagle (for the classic khaki shorts)
Shoes
Picking the right shoes is essential for what kind of workout you want to do. Different shoes are good for different workouts.
If you’re going to do more weightlifting then you want a solid base shoe.
This is because you want your foot supported in the right way. Also so that your foot is firmly planted on the ground. And finally, so that you don’t have squish in the soul of your shoe. You want it to be solid to support the weight you’re lifting to give you a better foundation.
If you’re going to do more running or workouts that involve running you want a running shoe.
This is because they’re designed in a way that’s going to optimize your ability to move forward without added weight. You want squish in the soul with this shoe so you have soft padding for when your feet land. And you want it to be shaped correctly so you get the most out of each step.
Running
For running shoes, my favorite are the Adidas no lace runner.
For lazy people like me who hate tying shoelaces, these are perfect! Just slip them on and go.
They’re also extremely comfortable. My feet used to get tired and sore from shoes I wore in the past but never with these.
Weightlifting or Non-Running Workouts
For weightlifting and workouts, I love the NoBull shoes. They are also shoes many CrossFitters wear.
They are comfortable, stylish and have the solid soul bottom to support the foot for lifting weights.
My favorite is the high tops they have. I just think it looks different than the average shoe.
Headphones
As a beginner, maybe you feel intimidated in the gym. It happens and is totally normal.
If that’s the case, the best advice I can give you is to just put on headphones, listen to music that pumps you up and just do your thing. Forgetting about what others think of you or how you look.
Find headphones that are comfortable for you and ideally are WIRELESS. You don’t want to have to deal with the wire when working out.
You can choose big over-the-ear headphones or in-the-ear earbuds.
My favorite are the Apple wireless AirPods.
They have great sound, they cut out noise and don’t have the annoying wire to deal with. I can’t stand over-the-ear headphones, especially when working out. But find what works for you.
What You DON’T Need
Gloves
You do not need gloves.
When you first workout with weights the skin of the palm of your hands may feel roughed up and sore. But that’s okay.
After a couple of weeks, your hands will develop small callouses and the weights won’t hurt your hands anymore.
Notice I said SMALL callouses. People sometimes wear gloves to stop their hands from getting callouses because they think their hands will get ugly looking. Again, that’s not true.
Your hands will get tougher skin on the palm and then the weights won’t hurt. That’s it.
Straps
Straps are helpful when lifting heavy weights for pulling exercises. Such as deadlifts.
Sometimes when lifting heavy your grip can give out before the larger muscle groups you’re trying to work. So straps can get mitigate this by providing extra assistance.
But as a beginner, you want to grow your grip strength. Only once you get into heavier weights will you maybe need straps. That won’t be for at least several months.
Want to know how to workout so you don’t look clueless in the gym? Then schedule your call with me now to discuss my 1:1 coaching program.
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