What to wear for working out in winter

I love working out in winter. The gym isn't super hot and stuffy, and you don't have that 'hot weather fatigue' like in summer (or is that just me?). Walk outside after a workout in winter, and you're greeted with crisp, fresh air - rather than walking into a roasting oven in mid-July. Your water stays cold, you aren't absolutely drenched in sweat, and you might even be able to get away with not washing your hair afterwards (long and curly-haired girls, you feel me?).

One thing that's difficult about working out in winter, however, is deciding what to wear to keep you warm and comfortable while allowing you to work out with ease. You want to feel unencumbered by layers, but at the same time, you don't want to catch a chill when you walk outside.

I've put together a list of items that I like to wear for my winter workout. It took me a few attempts to nail the perfect combination, but now that I've found it, it's all I wear. Here's my go-to winter workout look.

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Cropped hoodie

For me, a full-length hoodie is too much fabric to wear while working out - and you don't want to have to take it off at the gym and carry it around with you. A cropped hoodie is a far better option, giving your body some breathing room during your workout, and keeping you warm once you leave the gym.

Acid Wash Cropped Hoodie, £34

Sweat-wicking leggings

When you really go for it during your workout, there's no doubt that you'll get a sweat on. In winter, this situation gets a little uncomfortable when you leave the gym and the cold weather makes you feel even colder because you're sweaty. I like to use sweat-wicking leggings when I work out - they draw sweat away from the skin and allow it to evaporate on the surface of the fabric, meaning that you won't feel drenched after your workout.

These leggings from MyProtein are the same ones I'm wearing in the photo at the top of this post [gifted]. They're a customer favourite on the MyProtein site, thanks to their sweat-wicking design, body-hugging material and high waist. They're really comfortable and easy to move around in, whether I'm doing cardio or weightlifting. And I love the colour!

Curve Leggings, £32

Ear muffs

These probably seem like an unlikely accessory for gymwear, but they're only for entering and leaving the gym. If, like me, you wear your hair up when you're working out, your ears will be unguarded from the cold weather when you leave the gym. My ears are quite sensitive, and if they're cold for too long, I become susceptible to ear and headaches. Therefore, a pair of ear muffs keeps my ears toasty and ache-free.

You might be wondering why I don't just wear a sweatband - it's because I haven't found one that's warm enough for my ears! I'm also a little adverse to wearing beanies after working out, as it feels a little uncomfortable with all the sweat.

Ear Muffs, £19.99

What do you like to wear to the gym during winter? Let me know in the comments below!