Fitness Guides

A good training top should allow you to move comfortably while helping you stay cool as your workout gets harder.
You can train in a standard cotton T-shirt, but technical sportswear is usually better suited to regular workouts.

Look for:

Breathable fabrics
Lightweight materials can help heat escape during exercise.

Moisture-wicking materials
Technical fabrics are designed to move moisture away from your skin and dry more quickly than traditional cotton.

A comfortable fit
Your top shouldn't restrict your shoulders or arms when lifting, stretching or using machines.

Some people prefer a relaxed T-shirt, while others like a closer-fitting training top. Neither is inherently better — choose what makes you comfortable.

What you wear on your lower half will depend partly on the type of workout you're doing.
Training shorts

Shorts are one of the most versatile gym options.
Look for lightweight, flexible materials that allow you to squat, lunge and move without restriction.
They're particularly useful for:

Strength training
HIIT
Cardio
Indoor cycling
General gym sessions
Leggings


Training leggings offer a close, secure fit and plenty of freedom of movement.
For gym use, look for stretchy, supportive fabrics and a waistband that stays comfortably in position while you're moving.

Joggers

Prefer more coverage?

Lightweight training joggers can work brilliantly for lifting, warming up and lower-intensity sessions.
Just avoid anything excessively loose that could interfere with equipment.

Your shoes are one of the most important parts of your gym outfit.
But the right pair depends on what you're actually doing at the gym.
For general gym workouts

A versatile training shoe is a great starting point.
Training shoes are designed for movements in multiple directions and generally provide a stable platform for exercises such as squats, lunges and gym circuits.
For treadmill running

Planning to spend most of your session running?
A proper pair of running shoes will usually offer more appropriate cushioning for repetitive forward movement.

For weight training

For exercises such as squats and deadlifts, many lifters prefer footwear with a stable, relatively firm base rather than very soft running shoes.
You don't necessarily need specialist weightlifting shoes as a beginner.
Can you wear running shoes to the gym?
For general workouts? Often, yes.
But highly cushioned running shoes aren't designed specifically for heavy lifting or multidirectional training.
If you're doing a mixture of weights, machines and functional exercises, a dedicated training shoe may be more versatile.

For women, a supportive sports bra can make a major difference to comfort during exercise.
The amount of support you need will depend on both your body and activity.

Low-impact activities

Yoga, stretching and some strength-training sessions may be comfortable with lighter support.

Medium-impact activities

General gym sessions, cycling and more dynamic strength workouts may benefit from medium support.

High-impact activities

Running, jumping and intense cardio generally require greater support.
Look for a sports bra that feels secure without creating uncomfortable pressure or restricting your breathing.

You might be cold walking into the gym and considerably warmer 15 minutes later. That's why layers work so well.
Wear a hoodie, sweatshirt or lightweight jacket over your training clothes, then remove it once you're warmed up.
It's also useful when travelling to and from the gym — particularly during colder months.

A simple combination could be:
Training T-shirt + shorts/joggers + hoodie + trainers
No complicated styling required.

They're easy to overlook, but uncomfortable socks can quickly become annoying during a workout.
Sports socks are usually designed to handle exercise better than everyday dress socks.
Look for:

A secure fit that doesn't constantly slip down.
Breathable materials to help manage moisture.
Strategic cushioning around areas that experience greater pressure.

Crew socks have become particularly popular with gym outfits, while trainer and ankle socks offer a more minimal look.
Choose whichever feels best inside your training shoes.

You don't need to bring half your house with you.
For your first few sessions, keep it simple:

                                          

Gym essential	Why bring it?
Water bottle	Stay hydrated throughout your workout
Small towel	Useful during harder sessions
Headphones	Music or podcasts can make training more enjoyable
Padlock	Some gym lockers require your own
Spare top	Useful after particularly sweaty workouts
Deodorant	Handy if you're heading somewhere afterwards
Training accessories	Only if your workout requires them

*Check what your gym already provides before buying accessories you might not need.