Enlisted military men and women must care for their looks, which may mean going to civilian gyms. However, a common concern is whether it’s possible to work out in physical fitness clothes (PTs). Can you wear Army PTs to the gym? Does the Army allow it? Is it weird to do it?
Yes, you can wear Army PTs to the gym. PT uniforms are comfortable for exercises like squatting, lifting, and more. Plus, both the Army and the Air Force allow it, and they don’t prohibit mixing your PT uniform with civilian clothes. As such, it’ll be easier to work out without drawing everyone’s attention.
Learn here how to do that, as well as the benefits and disadvantages of PT uniforms.
Am I Authorized to Wear PT Clothes with Civilian Clothes Off Base?
Army members can wear PT clothes with civilian clothes off the base unless the commander restricts it. You will notice that Army Regulation 670-1 addresses this issue very clearly in Chapter 12 Physical Fitness Uniform:
The physical fitness uniform is authorized for wear on and off duty, on and off the installation, unless restricted by the commander. Soldiers may wear all or part of the physical fitness uniform with civilian attire off the installation, unless restricted by the commander.
Moreover, the Air Force also allows its personnel to wear PT uniforms with civilian clothes off the base. In Chapter 8, section 8.1.10. of the Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel guidance memorandum, you can read the following.
PTG items are authorized for wear with conservative civilian/personal attire during individual/personal PT or while off-duty (e.g. PT shirt with personal shorts/pants, PT jacket with personal shirt/pants/shorts, etc.). No civilian/personal items with offensive wording, graphics or photos are to be worn with the PTG items at any time.
These two quotes show that both the Army and the Air Force authorize the use of PT uniforms with or without civilian clothes at the gym.
Are NMDs Suitable for Gym Workouts Like Army PTs?
When it comes to wearing NMDs for gym workouts like Army PTs, caution is advised. While NMDs are trendy and comfortable for everyday wear, they may not provide the necessary support and stability required for intense physical activities. It is recommended to opt for specialized athletic shoes designed for gym workouts to ensure safety and maximize performance.
Is It Weird If I Wear PTs to a Civilian Gym?
Wearing PTs to a civilian gym may get eyes on you, but it isn’t illegal. As long as you’re complying with military guidelines and the gym allows them, PT uniforms are excellent workout clothes. They’re comfortable, flexible, and give you plenty of freedom to move as you please.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons so that you can make a decision.
Advantages of Wearing PTs to the Gym
These are the reasons why you may want to wear PTs to the gym.
- Save Some Money
If you already have a PT uniform due to your military service, there’s no need to spend more money on gym gear. Workout clothes can be a bit expensive, and PTs are perfectly fine for backing you up during physical activities.
- Comfortable
Since PTs are designed for physical activities, they are comfortable and flexible. As a result, you can wear the uniform to the gym and complete most of the exercises just fine. Use the uniforms for lifting weight, squatting, or running on the treadmill.
“Apparently, there are no regulations against it unless it is a local command thing. Therefore, if you find it comfortable, go for it. If anyone gives you grief, just ignore them,” commented one person.
- Style
Wearing your PT uniform, fully or partially, should be something to feel proud of. While heading to the gym, you can put on your uniform to show your commitment to the country and yourself.
If you feel good about yourself and the way you look, your performance at the gym will be considerably better.
Disadvantages of Wearing PTs to the Gym
Here’s what you need to keep in mind before wearing your PTs as gym workout gear.
- Attention
The biggest drawback of wearing PTs to the gym is that people will most likely notice your presence.
“There are way more comfortable options out there in the civilian market, and it makes you look like a tool. But it’s your prerogative, I guess,” said one person on a Reddit military forum.
This situation can go both ways, whether people approach you in good or bad faith. In either case, you’ll end up losing your concentration and your workout rhythm.
Luckily, there’s a possible solution to this issue. Instead of going with all of your PT uniforms, mix some of it with civilian clothes.
For instance, you could try wearing a PT shirt with personal shorts or pants. Another option would be to mix a PT jacket with civilian pants or shorts. This way, it’s likely that people won’t approach you as regularly.
Conclusion
Wearing Army PTs to the gym is fine, but you may want to mix it up with civilian clothes to avoid unwanted attention. As long as the commander allows it, military regulation for the Army and Air Force don’t have any rule against working out in PTs.
So, if you feel comfortable in this type of uniform, go for it.
