Equipping yourself for exercise

You’ve taken the plunge and joined a gym. Now what essentials do you need?
Nov. 8, 2009 | By: The Health Local Staff

You’ve finally joined a gym or a fitness centre. Good for you! But once you’ve signed the membership agreement, you might be wondering what you need to get ready for your first workout.

For starters, don’t just rush out and buy a bunch of fancy workout gear. While having high-tech, moisture-wicking clothes is nice, it’s not 100 per cent necessary. If you find you’re working out a lot and that your gym routine sticks, that’s probably the time to invest in more expensive workout gear.

For your first visit, here’s what you’ll really need:

1. A good pair of shoes. Whether it’s running shoes or a cross trainer, good shoes are a must to protect your feet. If you’re not sure, visit a local orthotics centre or pedorthist to get the right advice.

2. A water bottle. You don’t need the fanciest water bottle, but good hydration is a must. Remember that disposable bottles can add more waste to the landfill and some reusable plastic bottles can leach chemicals into your drinking water, so try to find a good stainless steel, reusable bottle.

3.  A towel. It doesn’t have to be fancy – grab an old towel from home and bring it with you. You’re going to sweat.

4. Loose-fitting, light, comfortable clothes. No, you don’t need anything fancy, but shorts, a t-shirt and socks are a must. As long as they are light and comfortable, you should make it through your workout just fine.

5. A lock. If you’re leaving any valuables in a locker, be sure to lock everything up with a strong combination lock. Try to avoid using a padlock – where will you keep the key?

Eventually, you may want to invest in other equipment, such as a heart rate monitor or moisture-wicking clothing, but if you’re just starting out, these essentials will help you make it through your first few weeks at the gym.