LBT Workouts: Choosing the Best Attire and Gear

What to wear for legs, bums, and tums?

For optimal performance and comfort during Legs, Bums, and Tums (LBT) workouts, prioritize moisture-wicking, flexible fabrics that allow full range of motion, combined with supportive footwear and undergarments that facilitate dynamic movements and floor work.

Understanding Legs, Bums, and Tums (LBT) Workouts

Legs, Bums, and Tums (LBT) is a popular group fitness class designed to specifically target the lower body, glutes, and core musculature. These sessions typically involve a combination of bodyweight exercises, light resistance (e.g., resistance bands, light dumbbells), and often incorporate a significant amount of floor work. Exercises range from squats, lunges, and glute bridges to various plank variations and abdominal crunches. Given the dynamic nature, frequent transitions, and emphasis on multi-directional movement, appropriate attire is crucial for both performance and safety.

Core Principles of Workout Attire for LBT

When selecting your LBT workout gear, consider these fundamental principles:

• Freedom of Movement: The clothing must not restrict your range of motion during deep squats, lunges, hip abductions, or core rotations. Fabrics with significant stretch are paramount.
• Moisture Management: LBT workouts can be intense, leading to considerable sweating. Your attire should effectively wick sweat away from the body to keep you dry, comfortable, and prevent chafing.
• Comfort and Fit: Ill-fitting clothing can be a major distraction. Garments should fit snugly enough to stay in place without being overly compressive or restrictive. Flat seams are beneficial to prevent irritation.
• Support: For women, a supportive sports bra is essential. For all participants, proper footwear provides stability and cushioning.
• Hygiene: Materials should be durable and easy to wash frequently to maintain hygiene.

Essential Attire Components for LBT

Selecting the right garments for each body part ensures a focused and effective workout.

• Bottoms:

  • Leggings/Tights: These are highly recommended for LBT due to their full coverage, support, and flexibility. Look for high-waisted options that stay put during bending and twisting movements. Materials should be opaque, especially when stretched, to ensure modesty during squats and floor work. Lengths can vary from full-length to 7/8 or capri, based on personal preference and climate.
  • Athletic Shorts: If you prefer shorts, opt for cycling shorts or fitted athletic shorts that offer a good balance of coverage and mobility. Looser shorts can be acceptable if they don't ride up or interfere with movements, but fitted options often provide more security and less distraction.
  • Key Considerations: Ensure the fabric has at least 10-20% spandex (elastane) for optimal stretch and recovery. A wide, comfortable waistband is crucial for core work.

• Tops:

  • T-shirts and Tank Tops: Choose tops made from breathable, moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics. A fit that is neither too baggy (which can get in the way or obscure form) nor too restrictive is ideal. For women, consider built-in bras in tank tops for lighter support, or layer over a dedicated sports bra.
  • Sports Bras (for women): Given the dynamic nature of LBT, a medium to high-impact sports bra is advisable to minimize breast movement and provide adequate support during squats, lunges, and any jumping or transitional movements.

• Footwear:

  • Training Shoes/Cross-Trainers: These shoes are designed to provide multi-directional support, stability, and cushioning, which is ideal for the varied movements in LBT. They offer good grip on studio floors and sufficient cushioning for impact.
  • Barefoot: Some LBT classes or specific exercises (e.g., certain core work) may be performed barefoot, particularly if stability and proprioception are emphasized. However, for the majority of the class, shoes are recommended for support and protection.

• Undergarments:

  • Moisture-Wicking Underwear: Just like outer layers, underwear made from synthetic, moisture-wicking materials will help prevent chafing and keep you dry. Avoid cotton underwear, which retains moisture.

Fabrics: Your Best Allies

The material composition of your workout gear significantly impacts comfort and performance.

• Synthetics (Polyester, Nylon, Spandex/Elastane): These are the gold standard for activewear.

  • Polyester and Nylon: Excellent for wicking sweat away from the body and drying quickly. They are durable and resist shrinking and stretching.
  • Spandex (Elastane/Lycra): Provides the necessary stretch and elasticity, allowing garments to move with your body and retain their shape.

• Avoid Cotton: While comfortable for everyday wear, cotton is highly absorbent and retains moisture. This means it will become heavy with sweat, stay wet, and can lead to chafing, discomfort, and a chilled feeling as your body cools down.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Opacity Check: Before purchasing leggings, perform a "squat test" in front of a mirror to ensure they remain opaque when stretched, especially during deep movements.
• Seams: Look for flatlock seams. These are designed to lie flat against the skin, reducing friction and preventing chafing, which is particularly important during repetitive movements and floor work.
• Layering: If you tend to get cold easily or are exercising in a cooler environment, consider wearing a light, long-sleeved moisture-wicking top that you can easily remove once you've warmed up.
• Personal Preference vs. Performance: While performance is key, personal comfort and confidence in your attire also play a role. Choose colors and styles that make you feel good and motivated.
• Hygiene: Always wash your workout clothes promptly after each session to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.

What to Avoid

To ensure a safe and effective LBT workout, steer clear of the following:

• Restrictive Clothing: Jeans, non-stretch pants, or overly tight garments that impede full range of motion.
• Excessively Baggy Clothing: While comfort is good, overly loose tops or bottoms can get caught on equipment, obscure your form from instructors, or simply get in the way during dynamic movements or floor work.
• Cotton Clothing: As previously mentioned, cotton absorbs and holds sweat, leading to discomfort, chafing, and a potential drop in body temperature.
• Footwear Without Adequate Support or Grip: Running shoes often lack the lateral support needed for multi-directional training. Avoid shoes with poor grip that could lead to slips.
• Excessive Jewelry: Large necklaces, dangling earrings, or rings can snag, get caught, or cause injury during active movements.