8 gym-ready looks that will keep you stylish as you break a sweat

One of the most popular resolutions year after year is to be more active. Whatever your motivation, you may find yourself going out for a walk or heading to the gym more than normal in the coming weeks. However, it's not always obvious what to wear to the gym, especially if it's a new activity for you or you're looking into different workouts. We rounded up eight gym outfits for various movements and exercises so you can reach your goals in style.

1. For breaking a sweat at your next spin class

Attending a cycling or spinning class often requires specific attire, mainly clip-in cycling shoes for a more comfortable and secure ride. Many studios offer them to rent, but if you're a frequent rider, it's worth investing in your own pair of shoes like the Pearl iZumi v5 Bike Shoes, available in women's shoe sizes 37 to 43.

Cycling classes are often intense and include core or arm workout options while riding, and some classes even feel like a dance party. So, you'll want to dress for an engaging, sweaty class. Start with a medium to high-impact bra like this Adidas option, available in women's sizes XXS to 4X in over 15 colors.

We recommend a tank top like the Vuori Energy Top, available in women's sizes XS to XXL, so your arms aren't restricted, along with a pair of bike shorts so your legs don't get too hot. The Float Ultralight Bike Short from Girlfriend Collective comes in four rich shades and is sold in sizes XXS to 6XL. You may also want a headband to keep your hair up and off your face, and Nike has plenty of options. For a thicker headband try the Dri-Fit Fury 3.0.

• Get the Adidas Don't Rest Alphaskin Padded Bra from $12.25 at Amazon

• Get the Nike Dri-Fit Fury 3.0 Headband for $16 at Nike

• Get the Vuori Energy Top from $37.80 at Nordstrom

• Get the Float Ultralight Bike Short for $48 at Girlfriend Collective

• Get the Pearl iZumi v5 Bike Shoes for $90 at REI

2. For holding poses during yoga class

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to wear tight clothes to a yoga studio or gym center, though you won't want super loose clothing either because it may frustratingly bunch up or slip over your head when you are in a forward fold. For an in-between outfit, look for stretchy leggings and a t-shirt that keeps its shape. Alo's 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging, available in women's sizes XXS to XL and 15 colors, are a favorite among many yogis for their comfort and opacity.

A low to medium-impact sports bra should provide enough support, but if you are doing aerial yoga or a rapid vinyasa class, you can always look for more support. Cropped tanks like the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Slim Racerback, available in women's sizes XS to XL double as a bra and tank top, making them perfect for hot yoga classes.

If you prefer to just wear a bra to class with a t-shirt thrown on top, find one like Lululemon's Hold Tight Short Sleeve Shirt that won't roll down in inverted poses. Shop the style in women's sizes 0 to 20 in a variety of colors. Lastly, make sure you're wearing the right undergarments that will remain comfortable even when you're in stretching or balancing poses. We suggest the Lululemon UnderEase High-Rise Thong Underwear, available in women's sizes XS to XXL in three colors. And don't forget a yoga mat with grip!

• Get the UnderEase High-Rise Thong Underwear for $18 at Lululemon

• Get the Hold Tight Short Sleeve Shirt for $58 at Lululemon

• Get the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Slim Racerback for $66 at REI

• Get the Manduka EKO Lite Yoga Mat from $84 at Amazon

• Get the 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging for $128 at Alo

3. For strength-training days

Trying new things may be one of your resolutions for the New Year and lifting is a fun one to start with. We'll consider lifting to be a strength training exercise that can be done on machines or with free weights. Lifting at a gym is stereotypically intimidating to many, but it doesn't have to be! To pick up this new habit, wear an outfit that makes you feel strong and comfortable.

From the bottom to the top: wear flat shoes and good socks for lifting, especially if you're lifting heavy. Nike's Cotton Crew Socks are an all-time favorite of many and the New Balance 715 V4 Cross Trainer, available in sizes 6 to 11,  is a great footwear option for strength days. For bottoms, try GS Power Original Leggings (available in sizes XS to XXL) from Gymshark because they're flexible, opaque, and have a stay-put waistband. As for tops, consider the Daily Crop---available in sizes XXS to XXL from Vuori which is a bra and tank-top combination. For additional support, you can layer another bra underneath, like the Ultimate Bra A-C from Athleta, available in women's sizes XXS to XL.

• Get the Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Socks for $18 at Nike

• Get the Ultimate Bra A-C for $49 at Athleta

• Get the GS Power Original Leggings for $60 at Gymshark

• Get the New Balance 715 V4 Cross Trainer from $64.95 at Amazon

• Get the Daily Crop for $68 at Vuori

4. For first-time gym goers, a casual gym outfit

If you aren't sure which machines to use or you only have an hour for a quick weight session, going casual may help you feel more at home, even if you're a first-time gym-goer. We recommend the Venice Joggers from Athleta because they're roomy and have a wide waistband and back pockets. Plus, they come in women's sizes XXS to 3X and six colors including white, gray, and black. Wear shoes that you can use for cardio, machine workouts, or lifting like the versatile Under Armour Charged Assert Running Shoe, available in women's shoe sizes 7 to 12.

On top, opt for layers that will keep you warm on your commute that you can take off after you warm up. I'm a long-time fan of Girlfriend Collective, and its Cupro High Neck Tank is a great base layer that you can also wear in the gym without setting off the lunk alarm. Under the tank, wear a low-impact bra like the Flow Y Nulu Bra from Lululemon, available in women's sizes 2 to 14 in over a dozen colors and prints.

The final top layer is key to being casual: you can wear it as you try new machines, wear it around your waist if that makes you feel more comfortable in exercises like hip thrusts, or leave it on to keep you cozy in air-conditioned areas. We like the Lite-Waffle Cozy Neck Pullover from Pact because it's easy to take on and off while wearing headphones. Shop the style in six colors and patterns in women's sizes XS to XXL.

• Get the Cupro High Neck Tank for $28 at Girlfriend Collective

• Get the Flow Y Nulu Bra for $48 at Lululemon

• Get the Under Armour Charged Assert Running Shoe from $54.95 at Amazon

• Get the Lite-Waffle Cozy Neck Pullover for $64 at Pact

• Get the Venice Jogger for $98 at Athleta

5. For dancing to the oldies during a cardio class

Cardio and HIIT workouts are often upbeat, so it's important to wear an outfit that will stay in place. Cardio workouts also include activities like dance classes, Zumba, and group fitness. We recommend a supportive bra for this type of movement, and the Advance Bra from Athleta, available in bra sizes B to G checks all the boxes. The On Running Performance T-Shirt, available in women's sizes XS to XL, is also a great option to layer on top since it is moisture-wicking and lightweight.

The Wunder Train High-Rise Tight, available in women's sizes 0 to 20 in 11 colors at Lululemon is excellent for cardio workouts because it's sleek and quick-drying. Because HIIT can include jumping, balancing and varying movements, wear an all-around training shoes like the Adidas Swift Run Sneaker. Last but not least, have some wide-banded hair ties at the ready in case the dancing around causes your ponytail to let loose.

• Get the KooShoo Plastic-Free Hair Ties for $18.25 at Amazon

• Get the Advance Bra B-G for $69 at Athleta

• Get the On Running Performance T-Shirt for $79.99 at Nordstrom

• Get the Adidas Swift Run Sneaker for $85 at Nordstrom

• Get the Wunder Train High-Rise Tight 25" for $98 at Lululemon

6. For a comfortable gender-neutral look

While clothing shouldn't be gendered, most items tend to be categorized as either Men's or Women's items. Nevertheless, sometimes a loose-fitting gender-neutral look is the stylish and comfortable outfit that'll keep you returning to the gym throughout the entire year.

The 7'' Repetition Short from Alo has a straight leg fit, performance fabric, and pockets. The style is available in sizes S to 2XL. Nike's Sportswear Premium Essentials T-shirt comes in 15 colors and is minimal and loose, making it perfect to wear on its own or over undergarments. You'll want quality socks and sneakers for the gym. We suggest Lululemon's Macropillow Ankle Running Socks, which are available in men's sizes M to XL. Finally, Hoka One One sneakers are a favorite among runners and everyday wearers alike. The shoes have ultra-comfy soles, and come in a wide range of color combinations in men's and women's sizes.

• Get the Macropillow Ankle Running Sock for $24 at Lululemon

• Get the Sportswear Premium Essentials T-shirt for $45 at Nike

• Get the 7'' Repetition Short for $68 at Alo

• Get the Hoka One One Clifton 8 Running Shoes for $139.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods

7. For the running-focused workout

Some people go to the gym just to run, especially when the weather outside is less than ideal. Putting together a stellar running outfit is straightforward, but making sure you feel comfortable is still the most important aspect.

Start with a supportive bra like this affordable Puma Seamless Sports Bra, which is available in women's sizes S to XL and eight colors. Then layer on a lightweight shirt that allows your arms to cross your body comfortably. The Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Shirt does just that and is specifically designed for running and training.

Next, select bottoms that you won't need to adjust every few strides. The High-Rise Run Short from Girlfriend Collective comes in sizes XXS to 6XL, so you should be able to find a color and fit that works for you. Wear shoes designed for running like the Women's Tree Flyers from Allbirds. We tested the Tree Flyers and were thrilled with the cushion and support. Shop the style in women's shoe sizes 5 to 11 in ten bold colors. And if you like to track your runs, don't forget to wear your watch! The Garmin Forerunner 735XT tracks your steps and heart rate, among many other runner-friendly features.

• Get the Puma Seamless Sports Bra from $12.87 at Amazon

• Get the High-Rise Run Short for $48 at Girlfriend Collective 

• Get the Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0 for $68 at Lululemon

• Get the Garmin Forerunner 735XT for $129.99 at Amazon

• Get the Women's Tree Flyers for $160 at Allbirds

8. For the pilates class

Pilates is a popular low-impact movement class that is strength-building without putting too much stress on your body. Many of the stretches and exercises are done with your body weight, which makes it a good fit for people looking for low-intensity strength training or those with limited mobility. Since many movements are done laying down, you can dress freely.

To create an outfit for pilates, consider wearing layers that you can take off or add on as class progresses. A low-impact sports bra like the Lineage Crisscross Four-Way Top, available in women's sizes XS to XL, should keep your chest secure. Wear a t-shirt or tank overtop along with a full-zip hoodie like the YPB NeoKnit Full-Zip Hoodie from Abercrombie & Fitch, (available in women's sizes XXS to XXL) for quick and easy removal during class.

You could wear joggers or sweats, but many people prefer leggings for comfort and fit. We recommend the Manduka Presence Leggings because the mesh allows you to move in all directions and they have pockets. Shop the style in women's sizes XS to XL. Complete the look with stylish everyday sneakers from Tory Burch, available in women's shoe sizes 5 to 11, and a wide headband to keep your hair from being in your face.

• Get the GiLi Wide Headbands for $14.99 at Amazon

• Get the Manduka Presence Leggings for $88 at REI

• Get the Lineage Crisscross Four-Way Top for $68 at Wolven

• Get the YPB NeoKnit Full-Zip Hoodie for $90 at Abercrombie

• Get the Tory Burch Hank Sneaker for $238 at Nordstrom

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.