The short version
Choose clothes that cover you comfortably, keep you cool and stay out of the way of the equipment.
- A top that covers your shoulders and midriff, in a fabric that dries quickly
- Leggings, joggers or shorts of a modest length that let you squat and step freely
- Closed trainers with a sole suited to your training
- Nothing loose enough to catch on a cable, a treadmill belt or a bike pedal
- A light layer if you feel the cold in air-conditioned rooms
Rules differ between gyms, and between sections within a gym. RPM's club overview explains who trains in which section.
Shoes for what you train
| Training | Shoe to choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting | A flat, firm sole | A soft running sole can feel unstable under a heavy bar |
| Treadmill and cross-trainer | Running shoes | Cushioning for repeated strides |
| Classes and the functional area | Trainers with a stable sole and good grip | Sled pushes, step-ups and quick changes of direction |
| Fitness boxing | Light trainers with grip | You move on your feet throughout. Ask about any shoe rules for bag work |
| Spin bikes | Stiff-soled trainers | Ask whether the bikes take clip-in shoes |
| Reformer Pilates | Often none | Many studios ask for grip socks, so ask before your first class |
Modest activewear that works on the floor
Covering up and training hard go together. Sportswear brands sell long-sleeved tops, longer tunic-style tops, loose track trousers and full-length leggings in technical fabrics that let sweat dry, so you do not have to choose between modesty and comfort.
- Pick tops long enough to stay put when you bend or lie on a bench, but not so loose that they fall over your face in a plank or on a reformer.
- Choose technical fabric over cotton for long sessions. Cotton holds sweat and gets heavy.
- Avoid long, loose garments such as an abaya on the training floor. They can catch in moving parts, so change into training clothes at the gym.
- Check that your clothes stay opaque when stretched, especially leggings in a squat.
For reformer classes, RPM's reformer Pilates page suggests close-fitting clothes and asking whether grip socks are required.
Sports hijabs and head coverings
Many women train in a sports hijab, a pull-on covering in stretch fabric that stays in place without pins. It is cooler than an everyday scarf and less likely to slip during floor work, running or Pilates.
- Leave out pins and brooches, which can come loose or scratch you mid-exercise.
- Choose a breathable fabric and a length that tucks in, so it cannot catch on equipment.
- Test it at home with a few squats and lying movements before your first session.
In a women-only section, some women remove their headscarf to train and put it back on before leaving. If you do, ask where you can do that out of sight of shared areas.
Women-only sections, and what changes
A women-only section lets you train in whatever you find comfortable, including lighter clothes you would not wear on a mixed floor. Two things still matter. You may walk through shared spaces between the changing area and the section, so check the route. And many sections have rules on phones and photos that protect what you wear.
At RPM, the Ladies section is for women only and has its own strength and cardio equipment and the Pilates studio. Ask the team to show you the route from the changing area to the section, and whether the section has any dress or phone rules. For the wider list of what matters to women in a gym, see what women should look for.
Dressing for the heat on the way in
From May to September, the hardest part of your outfit may be the walk from the car. Dress for the outside first, then for the inside.
- Travel in light, loose, light-coloured clothes and change at the gym if you can.
- Keep a light layer for air-conditioned rooms, where you may feel chilly between sets.
- Change out of damp training clothes before you get back into a hot car or walk into an air-conditioned office.
- In Ramadan, many people dress more conservatively in public, so cover up for the trip in and out.
There is free on-site parking at AD HUB Sports Complex, with a lift to Level 4, but plan your outfit around whatever walk your own day involves.
What to leave at home
- Jeans, work trousers and anything without stretch
- Sandals, slides or bare feet on the training floor
- Rings, bracelets and long necklaces that catch or scratch equipment
- Clothes that turn see-through when you sweat or stretch
- Strong perfume, out of courtesy to the people training around you
If you are unsure about a gym's rules, ask before your first visit. A two-line message saves an awkward moment at reception.
Questions, answered.
Can men wear sleeveless tops?
It depends on the gym. Some allow vests and some ask for sleeves on the floor. A T-shirt is accepted everywhere, so wear one until you know the rules.
Can I train in an abaya?
It is better to change into training clothes, because long, loose fabric can catch on a treadmill or a cable machine. Wear your abaya to and from the gym, and change in the changing area.
What should I wear to reformer Pilates?
Close-fitting clothes, so the instructor can see how you move and nothing catches in the springs or straps. Ask whether grip socks are required.
Are shorts acceptable?
Usually, if they are a modest length. On a mixed floor many people choose shorts that reach towards the knee, or wear leggings underneath. In a women-only section the choice is more relaxed, but ask about any rules.
Do I need gloves for lifting?
No. Some people like them for grip, and others prefer chalk where a gym allows it. Start without and see how your grip holds up.