The Sunday News
Rutendo Chidawanyika
YOU’RE rushing to the gym. Its 6pm, you walk in and it’s packed. You literally have to wait in line to use the bench press. The guy working out finally finishes, gets up and leaves, and there it is. Of course, a towel would solve this problem. But one step further? Proper gym attire.
There’s etiquette that needs to be followed at the gym. Additionally, you run into people you know.
Possible business opportunities. Single men, you’re on the alert because gyms are hotspots for attractive women. The point is — gyms are social hubs and any public space has a code of etiquette. Nobody wants to use the sweaty machines after you’ve dropped half-a-kilo of perspiration on the bench press.
Leave jewellery at home; Not only is jewellery unnecessary at the gym — it’s unsafe. You may have one accessory that you never take off. Mine is a wedding ring. Whether you’re wearing chains, watches, bracelets or ring, you risk damaging jewellery by banging metal against metal or snagging it on a machine. You can potentially damage your jewellery by not removing it during a workout.
Wearing rings while lifting heavy weights can result in scratches on the ring, distortion of its shape and discomfort for your fingers. To top it off, perspiration can react with the metal and cause an allergic reaction. Get in the habit of taking off your jewellery and storing it in the locker or leaving it at home before a sweat session.
Wear clothes that actually fit: Believe it or not, workout clothing that is too big is functionally worse to wear to the gym. Clothes that are too loose will: Constrict your movement and make you look smaller than you are. If you’re a size “M”, don’t wear “XL” — you won’t look bigger.
Choose material and a fit that gives you freedom of movement. The small percentage of spandex allows for a greater range of motion during exercise and provides a very comfortable fit without being too tight.
Clothing that is a little more fitted will also give you a more aesthetic appeal. Show off those New Year’s resolutions a little bit. Take pride in the fact that you have put in the hours, work, and sweat. Avoid the string tanks though. Self-care is not vanity, its sanity!
Wear moisture absorbing clothes: When you’re working up a sweat at the gym, stay cool and comfortable in moisture absorbing clothes. Workout clothes are designed to keep the perspiration away from your body. Wear a performance t-shirt that is designed to draw sweat away from your body and to the outer surface.
Absorbing or performance fabrics are generally made of polyester and Lycra blends. They cost more than your regular cotton t-shirt, but will last longer, dry faster and keep you comfortable throughout your workout.
Don’t wear flip flops/ sandals: The footwear you choose for a workout should provide proper support and protection to your feet. Wearing appropriate footwear actually reduces your risk of injury and improves your physical performance. The only time you should be wearing flip flops or sandals at the gym is after your workout. In the locker room.
Occasionally you’ll see someone running on the treadmill or preparing a heavy set at the squat machine in open-toed sandals or worse, flip flops. That’s just an accident waiting to happen. Wearing proper sneakers won’t hurt less if you drop a heavy weight on your foot. Wearing proper shoes gives you traction and prevents you from slipping.
Choose shoes that provide the support you need for the workout of your choice. Make sure they fit you properly. Removing your shoes and working out in your socks is also inexcusable. You will end up with blisters and possibly causing unnecessary discomfort to the other patrons at the gym.
Be considerate to the gym staff and avoid working out in the same shoes you wear outdoors. Don’t bring in the dirt, sand and mud from outside into the gym.
Stop cologne in the gym: When men wear cologne, it tends to be all or nothing. 5-10 sprays for a workout at the gym? Forget about it! You’re going to a gym, not a nightclub. It could be really annoying to others if your perfume is strong. Not to mention that you are wasting good cologne as you will have to hit the shower after your workout anyway.
Fragrances tend to linger and carry in closed environments, such as your local gym. Your perfume-marinated sweat is most likely inducing headaches around the gym. It is inconsiderate, especially to women who have a stronger and more sensitive sense of smell.
Denim: You will be surprised how many people wear denim at the gym. Usually, those are older men, as they are running the treadmill in jeans. And while that is somewhat acceptable, it is just crazy to lift weights while sporting denim jeans. We cannot even imagine the state you will end up in after wearing jeans to the gym.
Massive headphones: Another fashion statement that seems to be making a comeback, thanks to gyms, is massive headphones. Not only are they not suitable for the gym, they are not safe or practical. If you work out properly, you will sweat. And your sweat can damage the headphones. The 70s are gone, and so is the need for massive headphones.-Additional information from online sources.
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