Correct gym and swimming pool attire query
Discussion
Have joined a new ( still being built) health club with gym, swimming pool and spa that I'm interested in making use of. It's due to open late March and I want to know what the suitable attire would be for swimming pool and spa - with my first attempts at gym work being on the stationary bicycles.
I'm guessing a swimming cap is essential ? and full black/navy blue swimsuit? Do people wear bath robes to the pool/spa?
Possibly a track suit top and bottoms for my first attempts at gym work?
I'm guessing a swimming cap is essential ? and full black/navy blue swimsuit? Do people wear bath robes to the pool/spa?
Possibly a track suit top and bottoms for my first attempts at gym work?
I haven't been to a gym/ purpose built swimming pool for serious swimmers or spa. Don't think it's that absurd an idea to ask for advice.
I'm a woman and don't have any suitable attire at all. I see I'll do better asking at the health club nearer to it's opening time - just thought I might get a heads up here on what is normal gym/pool/spa gear.
I don't have a pair of flip flops, so thanks, that was a good suggestion.
I'm a woman and don't have any suitable attire at all. I see I'll do better asking at the health club nearer to it's opening time - just thought I might get a heads up here on what is normal gym/pool/spa gear.
I don't have a pair of flip flops, so thanks, that was a good suggestion.
condor said:
I haven't been to a gym/ purpose built swimming pool for serious swimmers or spa. Don't think it's that absurd an idea to ask for advice.
I'm a woman and don't have any suitable attire at all. I see I'll do better asking at the health club nearer to it's opening time - just thought I might get a heads up here on what is normal gym/pool/spa gear.
I don't have a pair of flip flops, so thanks, that was a good suggestion.
One piece navy Lycra based swimsuit for doing lengths, a cap/goggles if you intend to swim head down. Avoid the brightly coloured stuff until you're the quickest person in the pool then go for something colourful.I'm a woman and don't have any suitable attire at all. I see I'll do better asking at the health club nearer to it's opening time - just thought I might get a heads up here on what is normal gym/pool/spa gear.
I don't have a pair of flip flops, so thanks, that was a good suggestion.
Baggies and budgie smugglers are unacceptable for men unless you're paddling.
Full swimsuit, a modest cut, perhaps a sports brand like nike, adidas or speedo. For serious swimming, goggles are a must.
Gym attire should be appropriate for the sport your doing, for ladies that's usually sports leggings/yoga pants and a an appropriate top or you can wear 2 tops one tight and one loose, don't forget the sports bra, also don't forget to take water and perhaps an after workout snack, if your doing weights a small towel for wiping down is correct etiquette and gloves to stop you getting rough hands.
If your going in the pool/spa, take 2 towels, one for the pool area and one for the showers. A cap isn't usually compulsory, its more about keeping your hair dry and away from the chlorine.
Gym attire should be appropriate for the sport your doing, for ladies that's usually sports leggings/yoga pants and a an appropriate top or you can wear 2 tops one tight and one loose, don't forget the sports bra, also don't forget to take water and perhaps an after workout snack, if your doing weights a small towel for wiping down is correct etiquette and gloves to stop you getting rough hands.
If your going in the pool/spa, take 2 towels, one for the pool area and one for the showers. A cap isn't usually compulsory, its more about keeping your hair dry and away from the chlorine.
I would agree with Foliage, however when it opens pop down there just to have a look around, go at a busy time and you will see a wide range of users wearing a wide range of gear. You will know then what others are wearing and you can dress suitably.
I would advise buying decent quality clothes as they will last. Sports direct have a good range of Nike, Adidas and Puma, you will no doubt find something in there (inc swimwear).
I would highly recommend flipflops for the pool and showers oh and don't forget your washbag, you will need a large gym bag to carry your gear (2 pairs of shoes, clean clothes, towel,toiletries and a carrier bag for dirty/sweaty stuff).
I would advise buying decent quality clothes as they will last. Sports direct have a good range of Nike, Adidas and Puma, you will no doubt find something in there (inc swimwear).
I would highly recommend flipflops for the pool and showers oh and don't forget your washbag, you will need a large gym bag to carry your gear (2 pairs of shoes, clean clothes, towel,toiletries and a carrier bag for dirty/sweaty stuff).
joshcowin said:
I would agree with Foliage, however when it opens pop down there just to have a look around, go at a busy time and you will see a wide range of users wearing a wide range of gear. You will know then what others are wearing and you can dress suitably.
I would advise buying decent quality clothes as they will last. Sports direct have a good range of Nike, Adidas and Puma, you will no doubt find something in there (inc swimwear).
I would highly recommend flipflops for the pool and showers oh and don't forget your washbag, you will need a large gym bag to carry your gear (2 pairs of shoes, clean clothes, towel,toiletries and a carrier bag for dirty/sweaty stuff).
Don't buy Adidas swimwear, it goes see through really quickly. Stick to Speedo...I would advise buying decent quality clothes as they will last. Sports direct have a good range of Nike, Adidas and Puma, you will no doubt find something in there (inc swimwear).
I would highly recommend flipflops for the pool and showers oh and don't forget your washbag, you will need a large gym bag to carry your gear (2 pairs of shoes, clean clothes, towel,toiletries and a carrier bag for dirty/sweaty stuff).
Gym
top- tshirt, or whatever is comfy for you
bottoms- shorts, jogging bottoms, leggings, whatever is comfy for you.
There's no point in spending excessive amounts on clothing if you're using cardio machines. the basic stuff from dechathlon, hell even primark will suffice, Sports Direct is a good shout too.
top- tshirt, or whatever is comfy for you
bottoms- shorts, jogging bottoms, leggings, whatever is comfy for you.
There's no point in spending excessive amounts on clothing if you're using cardio machines. the basic stuff from dechathlon, hell even primark will suffice, Sports Direct is a good shout too.
WinstonWolf said:
Don't buy Adidas swimwear, it goes see through really quickly. Stick to Speedo...
I'm a regular swimmer and used to swim competitively in my youth. I'm a Speedo fan through and through. I've never worn any other make. They do an 'Endurance' range which lasts a lot longer than their normal range. I have recently thrown out an Endurance costume that I've had for about 8 years. I've recently deflected on Goggles though and have tried a pair of Zoggs for the first time. So far, so good. I only got them as Speedo didn't have any that were comfortable enough and looked good without spending a fortune.Make sure you rinse your costume with clear water after every use. Don't leave it rolled up in your towel all day - take it out to dry as soon as possible. I put mine in the washing machine on a rinse as soon as I get home, but put it on a slow spin as lycra is delicate.
If you're planning on plodding up and down doing lots of lengths then invest in a pair of comfortable goggles. Make sure you try them on before you buy to make sure they fit your face. Speedo do goggles specifically for women, they may fit better. The last thing you want to do is stop after every length because they're leaking. Spend your time trying on different makes. I bought new goggles recently and it took me several weeks of on & off looking to find a pair I was happy with. I found Sports Direct had the biggest selection with different brands as well.
If you have long hair it may be worthwhile investing in a hat too. Silicone ones last longer than the latex caps. I have short hair but still wear a hat because when your hair is wet it gets tangled in your goggle strap, sticks to your face etc. Hats also protect your hair from the effects of chlorine.
If you're planning on swimming regularly then it may be an idea to invest in an anti-chlorine shower gel/shampoo. Boots and Superdrug both do one. It doesn't remove the chlorine from your skin completely but is better than a normal shower gel.
If you're planning on doing lengths then a one piece costume is probably best. If you're just going to be lazing around at the spa then a bikini will be fine.
Hope this helps :-)
Edited by bluelightbabe on Wednesday 22 February 12:58
bluelightbabe said:
WinstonWolf said:
Don't buy Adidas swimwear, it goes see through really quickly. Stick to Speedo...
I'm a regular swimmer and used to swim competitively in my youth. I'm a Speedo fan through and through. I've never worn any other make. They do an 'Endurance' range which lasts a lot longer than their normal range. I have recently thrown out an Endurance costume that I've had for about 8 years. I've recently deflected on Goggles though and have tried a pair of Zoggs for the first time. So far, so good. I only got them as Speedo didn't have any that were comfortable enough and looked good without spending a fortune.Make sure you rinse your costume with clear water after every use. Don't leave it rolled up in your towel all day - take it out to dry as soon as possible. I put mine in the washing machine on a rinse as soon as I get home, but put it on a slow spin as lycra is delicate.
If you're planning on plodding up and down doing lots of lengths then invest in a pair of comfortable goggles. Make sure you try them on before you buy to make sure they fit your face. Speedo do goggles specifically for women, they may fit better. The last thing you want to do is stop after every length because they're leaking. Spend your time trying on different makes. I bought new goggles recently and it took me several weeks of on & off looking to find a pair I was happy with. I found Sports Direct had the biggest selection with different brands as well.
If you have long hair it may be worthwhile investing in a hat too. Silicone ones last longer than the latex caps. I have short hair but still wear a hat because when your hair is wet it gets tangled in your goggle strap, sticks to your face etc. Hats also protect your hair from the effects of chlorine.
If you're planning on swimming regularly then it may be an idea to invest in an anti-chlorine shower gel/shampoo. Boots and Superdrug both do one. It doesn't remove the chlorine from your skin completely but is better than a normal shower gel.
If you're planning on doing lengths then a one piece costume is probably best. If you're just going to be lazing around at the spa then a bikini will be fine.
Hope this helps :-)
Edited by bluelightbabe on Wednesday 22 February 12:58
If you're a gym/swim newbie, in all honesty, wear whatever you'll feel comfortable in. There's no point in buying a sporty swimsuit if you're going to feel like mutton dressed as lamb in the pool and would rather wear something flowery from Debenhams.
You need to feel confident in whatever you're wearing. 'All the gear and no idea' comes to mind, though I'm not saying you have no idea, just that it really doesn't matter if you don't have all the gear when you're first starting out!
On a hygiene note, +1 for getting yourself some flip flops for the pool. And don't forget a hair band for the gym (and pool).
Some decent trainers are a good shout, depending on what you're doing. If you're using the treadmill, ill-fitting/worn out trainers will end up doing you more harm than good.
Don't forget the extra undies if you're swimming after gymming! Nothing worse than having to put sweaty socks back on after a nice shower.
Invest in a water bottle too - they usually have a good range in TKMaxx (and not as manly as the ones in Sports Direct, if you care!) That way you can keep it with you in the spa as well (sitting in the jacuzzi always dehydrates me).
You need to feel confident in whatever you're wearing. 'All the gear and no idea' comes to mind, though I'm not saying you have no idea, just that it really doesn't matter if you don't have all the gear when you're first starting out!
On a hygiene note, +1 for getting yourself some flip flops for the pool. And don't forget a hair band for the gym (and pool).
Some decent trainers are a good shout, depending on what you're doing. If you're using the treadmill, ill-fitting/worn out trainers will end up doing you more harm than good.
Don't forget the extra undies if you're swimming after gymming! Nothing worse than having to put sweaty socks back on after a nice shower.
Invest in a water bottle too - they usually have a good range in TKMaxx (and not as manly as the ones in Sports Direct, if you care!) That way you can keep it with you in the spa as well (sitting in the jacuzzi always dehydrates me).
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