Deciding to change your lifestyle and going to the gym is a big step. However, not every person for the very first time when going to a workout will be able to take with them everything they need and nothing more, but this is very important. Therefore, before you start exercising in a fitness club, you should understand 4 things that you should take to work out.
Sportswear
For sportswear, both men and women, there are several requirements that contribute to the achievement of goals and provide comfort:
- Comfort while driving. It is important that the clothing is the right size, and does not hang or squeeze, as this causes discomfort, makes it difficult to train, or makes it impossible to perform certain exercises. It is better when choosing shorts, trousers, or T-shirts to test them: how comfortable it is to bend over, stretch, etc.
- Thermal comfort. During training, a person quickly warms up and begins to sweat, so it is recommended to choose a short-sleeve T-shirt made of highly absorbent knitwear, as well as shorts below the knees or light, stretch trousers.
- Quality material. Despite the well-established opinion that it is better to wear clothes for sports activities made of linen or cotton, this is not correct. Since such material, although it absorbs moisture well, remains wet for a long time, sticking to the body and cooling it excessively. It is best to use clothes made from synthetic fabrics that are designed specifically for training. They are characterized by breathability, rapid absorption and evaporation of moisture.
For beginners, 100% cotton T-shirts seem to be perfect for training. Already at the first training session, you will understand your mistake. Cotton absorbs sweat and dries slowly, which can cause skin irritation. In sports stores, you will find fitness clothing made from special materials that wick moisture away from the body.
Equipment
As equipment for sports, there are wristbands, a jump rope, a belt for strength exercises and bandages. The former is designed to fix the wrist, they are used not only for basketball but also for simple exercises.
Jump ropes can be attributed to the most demanded equipment, so they are often not enough in the gym. In order not to shift the training plan, and not to wait until someone releases the equipment, it is better to purchase your own jump rope.
The belt is designed to work with a lot of weight: it helps to keep the abdominal muscles and lower back in the right position. Without its use, training may result in injury.
Bandages are used to wrap the palms and fingers, they protect against friction, fix the tendons and bones, and increase the force of impact. Additionally, they absorb sweat.
Having chosen the right clothes, shoes, equipment and accessories, it remains only to decide which fitness club to start going to.
Sport shoes
When choosing shoes and a pair of new shoe insoles, it should be borne in mind that they should not only provide comfort during sports but also protect against unnecessary injuries. If it is chosen incorrectly, then falls or other injuries cannot be avoided.
Tip: you should not wear sneakers, rough but fashionable sneakers, ballet shoes or Czech shoes (applies to girls) to fitness or the gym, even if you feel good in them.
When choosing shoes for men or women, it is recommended to focus on the following rules:
- the sole of the sneakers should be corrugated and stable, and have cushioning properties;
- the upper should best be made of an easily breathable fabric, such as mesh, it is also recommended to avoid synthetic material;
- the heel of the sneaker should have a solid seal, like the entire frame: soft shoes easily warp under load, which causes injury;
- near the heel, sports shoes should be expanded – this will provide additional stability;
- it is important to follow the tongue of the sneakers – they must be well sewn and not twisted;
- it is recommended to purchase lace-up sneakers – they are more securely attached to the leg.
Take clean, good-quality sports shoes with you. These can be sneakers with a flexible sole of at least 1 cm, in which the load on the foot is distributed evenly. In terms of materials, opt for lightweight sneakers with mesh for ventilation. Important: shoes should not be worn out. Training involves heavy loads on both the body and the equipment. In sneakers with a thin sole, the load on the joints and muscles increases, and if the shoe breaks at the most inopportune moment, you risk injury.
Accessories
In addition to sports shoes and fitness clothing, it is recommended to take additional accessories that will come in handy during or after training, as well as facilitate the process of exercising. The most important and obligatory item is a bottle of water. During the entire power load, the body needs to replenish the supply of fluid to restore strength. The bottle should be at least 1.5 litres in volume, water should be taken still.
In addition to a water bottle, you also need to take:
- Sports bag – should be roomy and comfortable to carry, made of wear-resistant material.
- Hair band – applies to both men and women with long hair. It can be replaced with a headband, but you should not deal with loose hair.
- Smart watches will help to make your training more productive and effective. The heart rate monitor allows you to calculate the zones you need and not go beyond them.
- Towels – as a rule, it is worth taking two or three towels – one for the bath for the shower, another for the face and the third – to wipe down the sports equipment.
- Shower accessories – this can be a standard set consisting of a washcloth, gel, shampoo and comb.
- A phone and headphones are optional accessories, but they are not prohibited in fitness clubs, so you can take them with you if you wish.
Wash your uniform after every workout
Sportswear is made from durable and washable materials. Feel free to wash the form at least every day, because it is always more pleasant to practice in fresh clothes.
Good luck with your first workout!