PT attire (female)

[sonti]

What is 'proper' female PT attire for commercial gyms? I'm getting ready to replace my wardrobe (no joke, it's been almost 10 years since I've clothing shopped) and part of that is going to be for clothing that is suitable for work. I'm not a qualified PT yet, it's still in the works, and I don't actually go to a commercial gym so I don't know what is standard. I appreciate any (legit) responses

[rdferguson]

It'll depend on the setting as to exactly what's appropriate, but you'll generally want clothing that looks professional but is still functional (ie you can demonstrate exercises in it as naturally as you could perform them). A polo shirt and workout pants is probably on the right track.

Depending on the environment and your clients, what you're wearing in your avatar might be appropriate (or it could still be a little too casual).

[SFT]

Yeah it really depends, but generally speaking, you're probably best off not wearing anything that brings the wrong kind of attention to yourself. At the Y, both men and women wear polo shirts or dry fit t-shirts. Women usually wear normal workout pants, not too loose, but nothing excessively tight such as spandex.

[sonti]

Thanks very much! A nice fitted polo and workout pants sounds good. Don't worry, I'm in my 30's & a mom, I'm long past the "I need to look hoochie" stage

[Azza84]

Topless with a pink fluffy g string on.

[IndyS3]

Everything from Lulu Lemon.

[SugarFree1]

Ya Im a guy and a bit of a perv but honestly would say that if you want to be a PT it would have advantages to show it off a bit...

[ericmackcarter]

Check out the adidas3si program..

[discdoggie]

What is 'proper' female PT attire for commercial gyms? I'm getting ready to replace my wardrobe (no joke, it's been almost 10 years since I've clothing shopped) and part of that is going to be for clothing that is suitable for work. I'm not a qualified PT yet, it's still in the works, and I don't actually go to a commercial gym so I don't know what is standard. I appreciate any (legit) responses

When I worked for a gym vs solo, there was a required "uniform." Black pants (sometimes I wore yoga pants) and their fitted t-shirt with TRAINER emblazened on the back.


If you're indendent you can wear whatever you wish. Some female clients are motivated by seeing a muscle-y trainer showing lots of skin, others are intimidated or even put off. Don't spend too much money. The pay sucks.

[Footballa_19]

As a PT manager, my biggest issue with women trainers is making sure they separate themselves from members. It doesn't always have to mean a polo and slacks, I allow them to dress in sporty clothes, even spandex and sporty tops sometimes (although it should still be conservative). They have to be labeled "trainer" somewhere on the clothes though, so people can differentiate that they are not just some jack off trying to train a buddy. On the floor working with clients, in my experience people have responded better to trainers that are dressed like they want to workout and get to it. IMO it adds to the image of the trainer and client relationship more than takes away its professionalism. Now if its a consult or business revolving around being in the offices with a client, they should be dressed professionally, which is why I encourage them to carry both at work.

[zalesguy]

Everything from Lulu Lemon.

lol!!! yeah... see thru baby.

[KyleAaron]

For men or women, a fitted polo shirt, sport shorts (not booty shorts) or track pants, runners. Only difference from men to women is that women can get away with tights.

Most worthwhile places will supply a uniform anyway, at least the shirt, and will have guidelines on the rest, eg "only black shorts", etc. So I'd wait on getting the job before buying a lot of gear.

They have to be labeled "trainer" somewhere on the clothes though, so people can differentiate that they are not just some jack off trying to train a buddy.

If someone watching can't tell the difference between a trainer and a random idiot coaching someone, then that trainer has got some professional development to do.

[sonti]

Appreciate the (legit) responses. You're right, uniforms are mostly supplied out here, but I am looking to go independent right from the start, I'm dealing with some language barrier issues here and I'm not sure I can work in a commercial gym right away. I will try, but I don't know if they will accept me. Thanks!

[SerpentHearted]

as an independent trainer, unless you think it would be a bad move for a specific reason related to location and target clientèle, forget about trying to be "generic respectable female PT #83957" and think about setting yourself apart from the multitudes of generics. Of course you have to be good at what you do as well, but primarily you are selling yourself... so trying to package "yourself" into some preconceived notion of what a trainer should look like, dress like, act like is missing the point IMO. Send the message that you have complete confidence in who you are and what you do.

Of course it took me a while to learn this myself...

[ctgblue]

Thanks very much! A nice fitted polo and workout pants sounds good. Don't worry, I'm in my 30's & a mom, I'm long past the "I need to look hoochie" stage

And here I was going to suggest "go with the hoochie look", nevermind now though.
Casual - professional is best, slightly form fitting but not 'skin tight', you want to show you are in shape, but not that you are the wild 'hoochie momma' we secretly know you are...

[Keltron]

I work in a co-op studio w/other independent trainers so we don't have a set uniform or anything. Anyway, a while back this girl joined our co-op and she would come to work in a freakin' sports bra! lol. I guess she thought she could cash in on the horny male population but even her new male clients were kind of uncomfortable. The rest of the co-op members made me bring it up to her (assh0les lol).

Sonti, I think that if you're in shape (which you are even though you feel you dont have your pre-mom physique) any type of female athletic wear will show it w/o looking hoochie-ish. Forming fitting bottoms are fine but I would stay away from shorts just to be on the safe side. And as for a top, I think you're fine as long as it's not cut too low or the bottom is not cut too high. I think even if your navel shows when you raise your arms it's fine but any higher than that I would stay away from.

[SilhouettePT]

What is 'proper' female PT attire for commercial gyms? I'm getting ready to replace my wardrobe (no joke, it's been almost 10 years since I've clothing shopped) and part of that is going to be for clothing that is suitable for work. I'm not a qualified PT yet, it's still in the works, and I don't actually go to a commercial gym so I don't know what is standard. I appreciate any (legit) responses

In most commercial gyms I've worked at or trained it the tend have a specific uniform for the PT's. Just remember to keep to keep it professional.

[Endevorforever]

Sonti. What is wrong with a fitted T-shirt and some workout pants, capris and such? The clothes should fit the environment. I wouldn't wear shorts if it were below 50 degrees F(because I'm from Southern California). You are your own boss, you don't have to wear a uniform.

[Ronin4help]

The idea is to show off your attributes without being overly sexy or offensive. Don't hide behind a baggy sweet suit or shorts that don't enhance your physique. Of course you must have a physique that inspires people to want to learn what you know before any of this is relevant.

[sonti]

Thanks Keltron I've come along with in the 5 months so far so I think I'm getting close. Will never be back to before kids (hooray for stretch marks) but I'd say I look pretty darn fit for someone with 3 pregnancies behind her.

I decided to go with basic Adidas athletic capris (functional) and my standard zipped Lululemon sweater for now, and a nice fitted polo - I think the polo is a good blend of looking athletic but functional but professional. Appreciate the serious replies.

RE: shorts
I don't have my location listed but it's April and still snowing so...... yeah, shorts aren't an issue for me LOL. Quebec.

[Simmo0508]

Depends on where you're working at, their requirements, their le-way with certain things, and whom you're training in regards to target market.

If you have a smokin bod, it's stupid not to play that up if you have the opportunity to. There's a ton of sexy fitness clothing these days. So as long as you aren't half naked, you can still have fun with it and show off your good points. Regardless of what we as trainers might say to each other and the importance of trainer's looks, it does impact on certain members/clients and motivate others.

If you're a bikini model for example, no reason why one shouldn't be wearing tights to emphasise their bum and legs. Not everyone looking at a trainer thinks negatively or judges harshly. Again, if there's anyone that acts a certain way without KNOWING you, then you don't really wanna work with them anyway.

If you're a guy with good arms, then you'd wear a singlet etc.

All this is assuming your target market are not old fuddy duddies however. If you do target older people, then you'd tone it down and do the whole cover up deal.