Between the wetness wicking clothing, expensive athletic shoes, heart monitors, yoga mats, and mp3 player belts, how is one to know what is necessity and what is convenience? Some of these items make fitness seem a cost prohibitive endeavor for many new to the “scene”. There are certainly items that are not to be taken lightly, and some on which you can skimp and do no harm. Do you need to know?

SHOES: This critical item is your fitness foundation. Your footwear is more important than almost anything when it comes to proper work out gear. Some activities like soccer, basketball, tennis and running have specific shoes in which you should invest for your safety and longevity. Do not skimp on shoes. Yoga and Pilates participants who do nothing else can count themselves blessed to be able to avoid this somewhat expensive arena of those new to fitness. The good news is, for around $100 you can get a very high quality pair that, with proper care, can be adequate for 3-6 months. If you are new to fitness, have previous foot/ankle injuries or suddenly experiencing foot pain for the first time, visiting a large shoe specialty store for a fitting may be in your best interest. All shoes are not created equal and getting this piece of equipment right is critical to your success. If you do not have access to such a store, talk to your trainer, podiatrist, chiropractor, or someone else who knows your activity level and injury history who may be able to assist you.

SOCKS: Yes…even socks are important to the exerciser. A number of different fabrics exist now to provide for athletes of all kinds. If you workout an hour or less per session, there is probably no need for you to invest in anything beyond a standard, cotton sock wardrobe. If, however, you are prone to blisters, excessive foot odor, or long exercise sessions, you may want to investigate some synthetic blends that help with these and other issues. When trying on socks, make sure there are no pressure points, slippage, or sharp seams. These may indicate an improper fit and leave you open to sores, blisters, or bruises. If you feel you do need a specialty sock, again, consult an expert in a shoe store or a professional you trust before investing in what may be an unnecessarily expensive item.

PANTS/SHORTS: What you wear over your workout wear is of no consequence to your success. Track suits and the like look nice, but have no impact on your ability to competently exercise unless you need to psych yourself up by wearing them. What you wear during an activity, however, may be of more importance. Being cute on a tennis court or matching in a group exercise class is up to you and your budget. Padding your bottom in cycle class or a long outdoor trek is far more important. Also, wearing clothing that fits you comfortably can completely change your experience in a mind/body discipline. Other areas of concern are odor and comfort from perspiration. There are new fabrics that help with wetness wicking and odor control. Be careful, here, of bargain fabric which can actually exacerbate unpleasant smells. If you have particularly stinky sweat, stick with natural fabrics or invest in the good stuff. Being self-conscious at the gym can work against you. Control the odor, be comfortable, and spend wisely. Also, be careful to follow care label instructions so that the drying or anti-smell benefits of specific items are not compromised.

TEE SHIRT/TANK TOP/JOG BRA: This one is tough. For men, most wear fitted shirts or tee shirts and move on. For ladies there is often a fine line between what is attractive and what is inappropriate. Tee shirts are appropriate for most if that is comfortable for you. Tank tops and wetness wicking fitted tops are also great options. Jog bras present a unique difficulty. Every female should wear a supportive, activity specific bra to protect the fragile ligaments around the breast. In most cases, however, a jog bra is actually not intended to be worn solo. Your own comfort notwithstanding, be aware of those around you, especially in a coed environment. Your own level of confidence and/or modesty may permit you to wear next to nothing and sweat away. Men in the center, however, may find this distracting and women may be made uncomfortable as well. Knowing the facility and its population will help you make the best decision not only to allow you to be free to express yourself through clothing, but also to avoid impeding the progress of your fellow exercisers. Regardless of the top you choose, be aware of color. Know that white becomes almost clear when drenched with sweat and colors like heather gray will show sweat immediately. Ladies, check your tops in the locker room mirror by bending forward and making sure you are comfortable with the view!

OTHER EQUIPMENT:

* Heart monitors can be expensive, but if you have specific training goals or health issues, it may be worth the investment. No gym provided machine will give the level of accuracy a heart monitor will provide when used properly. Before dismissing this piece, consult your physician and/or trainer.
* Yoga mats can be tricky. Many clubs provide mats, but one cannot be assured of the cleanliness or availability of them. Bringing your own is definitely one way to eliminate cleanliness questions and make sure that one will be available to you. This piece is purely for your own peace of mind and convenience!
* Mp3 player belts are another strange one to tackle. If you use your mp3 player at the gym, you need to protect it from your sweat and inadvertent drops. Belts, arm bands, and other options exist to eliminate damage to your music player in the gym. Again, this is for your convenience and if your facility has cardio theater options, you may choose just to leave your personal equipment at home.
* Wrist bands, head bands and/or work out towels are another subject not often addressed. Wearing a wrist or head band does help keep sweat out of your eyes. If you use them, wash them EVERY time. Viruses and bacteria can grow in there! Towels provided by the club are an option, but you are then relying on their cleanliness standards. Be safe, bring your own and wash every time!
* Safety equipment is non-negotiable for sports in which your safety is an issue. Goggles for racquetball, mouth guards for martial arts, and other personal protection as required should be purchased and utilized every single workout.

There are plenty of other items on which to spend lots of money. Gym attire and equipment, however, should be purchased with caution. Good shoes, comfortable clothes, and protective covers for your personal equipment are usually all you really need.

(Source: SCW Fitness Newsletter 4/9/09 www.scwfitness.com)