Weight Training Attire

Weight training requires no standardized clothing. You will see everything from tight-fitting one-piece suits (similar to those worn by wrestlers) to baggy pants and shirts. Men often wear tank tops or T-shirts and shorts. Women may wear similar clothing or choose to wear shorts over a bodysuit or shorts and a Lycra sports bra (with or without a tank top or T-shirt). Beyond your clothes, you should consider other attire while working out.

Gloves

Weight training gloves are not a necessity, but they will help you avoid developing calluses and will provide a better grip. Buy flexible gloves with leather palms and mesh backs that fit your hands snugly.

Shoes

Wear shoes that have firm support, especially from side to side. Look for shoes that have a normal-sized heel width, such as tennis shoes, rather than the wide or waffle heel of running shoes. Cross-training shoes are an excel- lent choice because they provide the best overall stability and versatility.

Weight Belt

Another type of gear seen in weight rooms is a weight belt 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) wide made of leather or nylon. Weight belts add support to the lower back, especially during overhead lifting or heavy squatting exercises. See chapter 5 for more information about this popular piece of weight training equipment.

What Not to Wear

Before you enter the weight room, take care to remove any items that may cause injury. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, and rings can catch on equipment and be ripped off or smashed, or they can create abrasions and cuts. Also, if you have long hair, secure it back so that it will not be caught in the moving parts of a machine. The same recommendation applies to oversized shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, and sweatpants.

Weight Training Attire