Correct gym and swimming pool attire query

Correct gym and swimming pool attire query

Author
Discussion

condor

Original Poster:

8,837 posts

247 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
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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?

hornetrider

63,161 posts

204 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
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I think only a full body suit will do for the sauna area.

MTech535

613 posts

110 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
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Mum too busy to dress you today?

Patch1875

4,893 posts

131 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
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Tee shirt
2 in 1 shorts
Flip flops

smn159

12,443 posts

216 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
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That should do it

battered

4,088 posts

146 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
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Seriously? It's really not hard. Shorts and T shirt in the gym, swim shorts in the pool. Clean trainers in dry areas, bare feet or flippies by the pool. Swim shorts may double for the gym bit depending on what you are doing. Unless the gym/centre has specific rules then that's you.

condor

Original Poster:

8,837 posts

247 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
quotequote all
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.

HTP99

22,442 posts

139 months

Sunday 29th January 2017
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A one piece swimming cossie; the wife's gym stipulates this.

As for workout attire, just the usual stuff but I would say nothing too revealing.

helix402

7,832 posts

181 months

Monday 30th January 2017
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Mankini at all times.

WinstonWolf

72,857 posts

238 months

Monday 30th January 2017
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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.

Baggies and budgie smugglers are unacceptable for men unless you're paddling.

Foliage

3,861 posts

121 months

Monday 30th January 2017
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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.


condor

Original Poster:

8,837 posts

247 months

Monday 30th January 2017
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Thanks smile Great info been given in the last few posts smile

joshcowin

6,775 posts

175 months

Wednesday 1st February 2017
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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).

techguyone

3,137 posts

141 months

Wednesday 1st February 2017
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LOL I bet the 'flipflops & shorts' crowd are cringing. Glad some sensible posts came up - it was fairly obvious the op was a woman.

WinstonWolf

72,857 posts

238 months

Wednesday 1st February 2017
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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...

ambuletz

10,690 posts

180 months

Wednesday 1st February 2017
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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.

bluelightbabe

297 posts

167 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2017
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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

WinstonWolf

72,857 posts

238 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2017
quotequote all
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
I've just bought a pair of MP goggles, not cheap but bloody good. The strap came slipped over my cap and they still stayed on and didn't leak, how do they do that biggrin

SunnyD

698 posts

175 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2017
quotequote all
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).

WinstonWolf

72,857 posts

238 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2017
quotequote all
Seriously, don't buy something flowery nono