When I get ready to exercise I always change out of my every day clothes and into something more flexible, comfortable and absorbent {for the sweat}.  I can’t imagine working out in, say, jeans or a polo shirt or work boots.  My typical gym outfit consists of a sports bra, a dry-fit type shirt, a light weight fleece, yoga type pants, athletic socks and sneakers.  It takes me maybe 3 minutes to get into said outfit.

After going to the gym three days a week for the past month, I’ve found that not everyone feels the need to dress the way I do for working out.  In the past three weeks, I have seen. it. all.  I try to avoid letting my jaw hit the floor when I see people dressed inappropriately for the gym, but sometimes it’s pretty difficult.  Let me give you a rundown on some of the outfits I have seen:

1) Wear Your Work Clothes to the Gym – This is much more common than I would have ever thought.  There are no less than two people on any given day that I’m at the gym dressed like they’ve just come from work.  And they probably have done just that.  I’m talking about button down oxford type shirts, khaki pants, dress socks and even a belt!  This can not possibly be a comfortable outfit to work out in.  I’m guessing that these people are in some sort of rush or maybe they forgot to pack a gym bag.  Whatever the case may be, it’s ridiculous.  Do these people NOT see everyone else around them dressed in gym attire?

2) I’m Going Clubbing After I Workout – and apparently I don’t have time to change before I head out.  I’ve seen numerous young (mostly teenage or early twenties) girls wearing skin tight leggings and glitter/sequin type tank tops while on the elliptical.  They usually have on full jewelry – earrings, necklaces, rings – and full make up – sparkly eye shadow, eye liner, lipstick, manicured nails.  They usually have their hair down and it’s perfectly straightened and highlighted. I know they’re only there to socialize and scope out guys because I’ve never seen them break a sweat and they always work out in packs.  I’ve yet to see one of these girls in heels or FMBs but I wouldn’t put it past them!

3) I Can’t Afford a Gym Wardrobe So I Stopped at Goodwill – While I totally agree that the gym is not a fashion show (see I’m Going Clubbing After I Workout), I don’t think that means you should show up looking homeless (unless, in fact, you are and in which case, what are you doing at the gym?).  Anyway, these gym-goers usually have on a T-shirt that is at least 3 sizes too big for them adorned with food and armpit stains.  They have on shorts that are either much to big or much too small and a pair of LA Gears circa 1984.  I’m sure their Sony Walkman is playing the soundtrack from Richard Simmon’s Sweating to the Oldies.

4) Oh, I Thought I Was Going to Gang Initiation – These are the guys.  You know the ones.  They show up in jeans, usually very baggy and sometimes covered in metallic designs.  They have on their best work boots, a knit hat and an oversized hoodie.  They make eye contact with no one and wear those huge headphones.  They don’t go near the cardio equipment and gather in groups near the free weights.  Don’t even think about trying to work in a set when they’re around.

It completely amazes me to see what people will wear to the gym.  I think it’s crazy but it’s also a bit entertaining. And don’t even get me started on the things that people DO while they’re working out.  I’ll save that for another post.

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