Work it out: proper workout attire for men & women

Just getting to the gym or making a commitment to a fitness program can be a big step toward healthy living. But before you begin your quest to burn some calories or tone flabby abs, you should make sure you are dressed appropriately for your workout.

"When people first started going to the gym back in the 1980s--when it first became fashionable to go--you could just throw on whatever," says Allegra Feamster, personal trainer and group fitness instructor for Bally Total Fitness. "Now we are realizing what you wear does add to the activity, and there should be some thought behind it."

While your activity generally determines what type of clothes you should wear, the following are some items that can and should be worn during almost any type of workout routine.

Sports Bras

Fitness experts recommend women wear sports bras when they exercise, regardless of the fitness activity. "If you wear a bra during the day, wear a bra at the gym," says Feamster. "No matter what your breast size is, it's for support," she says. There are different styles that are available; some bras feature a hook-closure and others have pullover styles. Comfort is key when purchasing a sports bra. Experts suggest you try the bra on and even do certain movements that you do while exercising. The clasps or straps should not dig into your skin. You also need to look for bras that have good ventilation because when sweat is trapped it can increase friction and chaffing, according to the American Council on Exercise. Some tank tops offer support for women with smaller cup sizes and can be worn with or without a T-shirt. Generally, bras should be replaced about every six months because over time elasticity is lost.

Athletic Supporters

An athletic supporter is generally worn by men when playing certain full-contact sports or high-impact athletic activities. Most supporters have a wide elastic waistband with a support pouch that holds an impact-resistant protective cup. The protective cup helps protect the testicles from injury. The supporters absorb less moisture, which can provide a cooling effect, and they also help prevent scrotal chaffing. Some men say the supporters are uncomfortable and opt not to wear them when exercising, according to Feamster. If you are one of those guys, a pair of form-fitting briefs or biking shorts worn under your workout attire is another option.

T-Shirts

For both men and women, T-shirts are very comfortable. Experts recommend you wear T-shirts that are made of breathable synthetic material or fabrics that keep the moisture from sticking to your body. If you wear a jacket, pullover or something that has pockets with zippers, zip up the pockets to prevent the pockets from getting caught on outside objects.

Shorts & Jogging Pants

You can wear either shorts or sweat pants, it's all a matter of comfort. If you wear sports shorts, experts recommend getting a pair of shorts that are made of breathable synthetic material because it dries quickly and keeps moisture away from your skin.

Shoes & Socks

There are a variety of athletic shoes available on the market. Nowadays most are labeled accordingly (i.e., running, walking, cross-training, tennis, basketball). Experts say that your fitness activity often determines what type of shoe you will need. However, if you don't want to buy several pairs of shoes, a multipurpose gym shoe like a cross-trainer is a good alternative. Your socks should have enough cushion and support, but they also should be designed to take away moisture from your feet so that they can breathe.

Experts also recommend that you pay attention to how your foot is designed. People who have high-arched feet often need greater shock absorption and people with a lower-arch often need shoes with less cushioning, but greater support and heel control, according to the American Council on Exercise. One thing to keep in mind when buying shoes is that they lose cushioning after about three to six months. As shoes lose cushioning, they are not able to adequately absorb the pounding or jarring of the exercise you are participating in, which can lead to knee and ankle injuries, according to the American Council on Exercise.

Pads, Wraps & Gloves

If you are participating in contact sports for your fitness activity (i.e., inline skating and hockey), you should wear knee or elbow pads for added safety. Some dance aerobic classes, like hip-hop, may have you on your knees with certain movements and knee pads can shield your knees from injury.

Wrist wraps are generally used when doing heavy bench workouts. They are not a necessity, but are often worn if you suffered a wrist injury and need support. Knee wraps are used when performing squats or using leg extension machines. Experts suggest you limit the use of wrist and knee wraps because a significant amount of the workload is taken off your muscles and transferred to the wraps.

Gloves are generally used when weight-lifting, but aren't mandatory. Some people wear them to prevent callused hands. If you opt to wear them, make sure you have a pair that fit comfortably without restricting your movement. The gloves should also have a good grip in the palm area.