What to wear, and what not to wear to the gym? When this million-dollar fitness equipment apparel question presents itself on gym days, even the strongest muscles turn to jelly.

Fitness equipment apparel has the potential to become the make-or-break factor in a fitness program - especially if you are just starting out with your get-in-shape routine.

The idea isn't to make your fitness equipment apparel part of your workout-routine. This can easily happen if you are constantly lifting straps, instead of weights; tying laces, instead of being tied up at the workstation; doing pull-downs, instead of pull-ups; or giving an entirely new meaning to doing push-ups.

You don't want to be wrestling to improve the flexibility of your fitness equipment apparel, instead of your body's. If your clothes have some stretch in them, it will be much easier to stretch yourself to the limit!

Let's start with fitness equipment apparel fabrics. To make the most of your time in the gym, you have to feel completely comfortable. Dryness, tear and abrasion resistance, stretch, ventilation, ease of movement, and durability are all factors to keep in mind.

Look for labels with references to materials such as Supplex, Lycra, Spandex, Cotton, Polyamide, Coolmax, Dri-Fit, or a combination of these. Cotton on its own is usually not the best choice. It tends to hold on to moisture, becoming unpleasantly clammy and heavy. Who goes through the workout effort in order to gn weight?

If you want to keep your cool, it is important to choose light-weight, tight-fitting fitness equipment apparel. The materials should have the characteristic of pulling sweat away from your body, transporting it to the outside of the material. The moisture can then evaporate, leaving you dry and comfortable.

An example of this is the Nike Dri-Fit range, where a high-performance microfiber polyester fabric with this quality is used. On a hot day, you wont need more than this. On a cold day, a base layer can be added for extra warmth.

For superb ventilation, knit-in mesh panels under the arms, and at the back are incorporated into some fitness equipment apparel ranges. Make sure you have no excuse to throw in the towel during those first, demanding weeks, by checking for tubular seamless body construction, and flat stitching. You don't want a seam chafing you raw in an unmentionable place!

The bottom-line in fitness equipment apparel usually consists of shorts. If you don't feel comfortable in these, choose easy-to-wear calf-length or full length workout pants. A good choice is Moving Comfort's range. DriLayer fabric, a mixture of Polyester and Lycra, will keep you cool, and it remains almost pill-free even with repeated washing.

You can also try the Adidas fitness equipment apparel range. Their Mind Body Moisture-Wicking Pants, will keep you cool and dry. These come with an elasticated waist, and a drawcord. It has handy on-seam pockets. The hem is open for comfort.

A fitted t-shirt or tank top takes care of the top half of your fitness equipment apparel search. Try a stylish, Nike Rock 'n Sport Top for women. A nice touch is the sleek racer back.

A vital part of your fitness equipment apparel is your shoes. Cross-trainers may be your best choice for the gym. Look for good support, flexibility, and cushioning.

The Optima is a good shoe to start with. It is durable and receives excellent reviews. It offers a 5mm sole. The breathable canvas upper ensures comfort, and a good fit.

Another sensible choice would be New Balance. With ABZORB cushioning in the heel, you are assured of excellent shock absorption. Leather upper offers comfort and breathability. Durability is improved with the solid rubber outsole.

The Nike Shox range includes lighter, flexible shoes in their fitness equipment apparel. These are excellent for workouts. Nike concentrated on cushioning and impact protection in the design. Internal stitching, and a one-piece tongue and innersleeve prevent chafing.

The four Nike Shox columns are made of a resilient foam that enhances the durability of the shoe. The shoe has an extremely responsive feel. Lightness is added with a lattice design.

It is a good idea to keep the color scheme of your fitness equipment apparel on the dark side throughout. This will give you a more streamlined look. A loose t-shirt for before and after the workout, may also lessen any self-consciousness. All the major manufacturers such as Adidas, Reebok, and Nike, offer quality, moisture-wicking gym wear.

When you buy fitness equipment apparel, little thought goes into the research behind the brandname. Nike's laboratory, for instance, has some of the most sophisticated scientific equipment to enable researchers to come up with the best designs and materials for peak performance.

The processes involved in testing include motion analysis, kinetics, foot-pressure measurement, ankle range of motion, heart-rate monitors, high-speed video, temperature sensors, and much more. All this to bring you the best possible shoes, shorts, or tops.

If you are partial to a particular equipment range, why not show your loyalty by wearing fitness equipment apparel with their brand name? Companies such as Cybex and Nautilus offer all you need to be able to make the most of your time in the gym. Nautilus offers the Dri-Release range, with shorts, tanks, and other apparel choices for your workout.

You have to feel so comfortable that you are able to forget about your attire. You can't work on your own flexibility if your clothes doesn't show some flexibility first! Your fitness equipment apparel has to be able to MOOOVE with you...