The gym is something I have always been a huge fan of. I remember when I got my license, at the ripe age of 17, I signed up for a gym membership. I felt so cool driving whatever car my parents would let me borrow to the gym for a workout. I remember then wearing soffee shorts and XXL shirts and three-year-old sneakers to the gym. Repulsive.
Nowadays, the gym is something I take very seriously. I go on a routine schedule, and feel physically awful when I miss a few days. So in taking the gym seriously, I have had to take my outfits seriously too. A lot of people will argue and say, "Why bother looking nice for the GYM?," to which I say, "WHY NOT?" When you look good, you feel good, and sometimes the gym is a tough place to feel good at. So make your best effort, and put an outfit together that is functional and fashionable.
- The perfect leggings: OK, this is the most serious part of the outfit, something not to buy cheap. My favorites are Lululemon Athletica -- "Run Inspire" Cropped Leggings, $95. I know as college students, that that is the most ridiculous price on Earth for a pair of pants you’re going to sweat your ass off in (literally). But these pants are WORTH IT. They never fall off while you’re running, they aren’t see-through, the keep their shape, wick-away sweat, and last FOREVER. I have had one of my pairs for five years and I still wear them for heavy workouts.
- Sneakers: Sneaker comfort is different for everyone. My suggestion is to go to a real place and get yourself fitted for what you actually need. Don’t just buy random sneakers because they are on sale or they are the right color, there is pure science behind every pair. My personal favorite is Nike Free 5.0 running sneakers. They are light and breathable but still have enough support for my long runs.
- Sports bras: SPEND THE MONEY ON A GOOD SPORTS BRA. This really is the most important thing. Victoria’s secret has good ones, and Lululemon of course. As a die-hard Lululemon fan, I really like the ‘Free to Be’ bra, and the ‘All Sport’. Again, go there and get fitted for what will work best for you.
- Tank tops: This is where you can get cheap and literally buy whatever. I really like GapFit tanks, but they are too expensive for Gap, TBH. So go to Marshalls or Old Navy and get something that fits tightly so nothing slips out and you’re good.
- Socks: Last but not least, socks really are a crucial part of your gym outfit. One time, I had a pair on that fell down as I was running on the treadmill and I had to leave the gym. There’s nothing worse than bad socks. I have pairs from Old Navy Active that breathe well, and don’t slide down.
- The fun stuff, accessories: The easiest way to make an outfit for the gym more fun is by adding on accessories in your favorite prints and colors. I love to be wearing all black and then have on a cheetah-print headband, or hot pink lifting gloves, etc. Make it fun in your own way!
