How to Get Ready Before School P.E. (Girls)

When you envision a day in P.E. class, you might wonder what you can do to be prepared for all of the physical activity, sports and sweating. Because you'll be heading straight to gym from your previous class, you'll need to know how to get ready quickly once you get to the locker room! There are some simple ways you can quickly prepare for your gym class when it comes to clothes, hair and makeup, and general hygiene.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Changing for P.E.

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Pick out your gym clothes. Check the weather to make sure you won't get too cold or hot in the clothes you choose, especially if you'll be going outside. Make sure you bring layers in case it's cold.^{[1]XResearch sourcev161293_b01. 9 March 2020.} Most schools won't allow tank tops, so go with a T-shirt and shorts or sweatpants.
- Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothes.^{[2]XResearch sourcev161293_b01. 9 March 2020.}
- Similarly, your T-shirt shouldn't be restricting, but it also shouldn't be too baggy. T-shirts can be fun... wear a graphic tee or wear bright colors if you want to mix it up!^{[3]XResearch source}
- Check the tag... Don't wear all cotton clothing because it will absorb your sweat, and a wet T-shirt against your skin is not ideal! Wear fabrics that will keep you dry such as CoolMax or Dri-FIT.^{[4]XResearch source}
Regular bras are uncomfortable to run in.^{[5]XResearch source} Wearing a sports bra will ensure you are comfortable while working out. Remember to put on your regular bra after gym class so you don't smell like your sweaty sports bra for the rest of the school day!
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Put on your gym clothes. If your gym class is in the morning, put your gym clothes on before school so you don't have to change back into them once you get there. Otherwise, quickly put them on in the locker room at school. If you're uncomfortable changing in front of others, go to a private area of the locker room to change.
- Be sure to apply plenty of deodorant after you put your shirt on.
- You can also just wear your gym clothes to school on days you have P.E. so you don't have to change.^{[6]XResearch sourcev161293_b01. 9 March 2020.}
Yes, you will be changing into your gym shoes, but try not to let your bare feet hit the floor. Catching warts from locker rooms is more common than you may think, so it's best to cover your feet. It's also polite and respectful of other people who may have hygiene concerns when it comes to locker rooms.^{[7]XResearch source}
If you don't want your feet to be stinky for the rest of the day, change into a fresh pair of socks for gym class, then change back into your other socks right after gym.^{[8]XResearch source}
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Put on your gym shoes. Wear athletic tennis shoes that are comfortable on your feet.^{[9]XResearch sourcev161293_b01. 9 March 2020.} Sit on a bench while putting on your tennis shoes and socks, and make sure your bare feet don't touch the dirty, germ-covered floor. Lace up your tennis shoes tightly in a double bow so you don't trip on your shoelaces while playing sports or running!^{[10]XResearch source}
- Don't wear flip flops, flats, slip-ons or any other shoe that might fall off during physical activities, as it could lead to injury.
Put your jewelry in a small bag and keep the bag in your locker during gym class. You can even place the post of your earrings through a button hole, then clasp the back end on. This will ensure that they don't fall off during physical activity, and you can easily find them in the bag you keep them in.^{[11]XResearch source}

Part 2

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Preparing Your Skin

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Wash your face if you didn't in the morning. Washing your face before gym ensures that extra dirt and oil isn't going into your open pores while you're hot and sweaty. You wouldn't want your pores to get clogged!^{[12]XResearch source}
Although washing your face will keep your pores from clogging while you sweat, the process is time consuming. Use a facial wipe if you don't have time to wash your face before your gym class starts.
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Apply spot treatment if needed. Avoid applying moisturizer because it could run down your face and into your eyes if you sweat during gym class.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Quickly apply a sunblock made for sports to the visible areas of your skin if you're going outside.^{[14]XResearch source}
Use little to no makeup and a tinted lip balm to liven up your face. You're going to be doing physical activity, so it's likely you will sweat some or all of your makeup off. Plus, your pores open up when your face gets warm which could lead to makeup clogging your pores.^{[15]XResearch source}

Part 3

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Doing Your Hair

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Squirt a small amount of deep conditioner in the palm of your hand and quickly apply it to the ends of your hair, avoiding the root area. Wash it out after gym class and follow up with shampoo.^{[16]XResearch source} Your hair will look shiny and moisturized after gym class so you won't have to do much with it while quickly preparing for your next class.
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Put your hair in a ponytail if you have long hair. Pull your hair up using either a scrunchie or a hair tie. Wrap your hair up in a bun if you want the deep conditioner you applied to keep your hair looking healthy and moisturized. This way, you'll be prepared to run around in gym class without your hair falling all over you.^{[17]XResearch source}
- There's no need to brush your ponytail so that it's perfectly free from bumps! You're probably just going to fix it again right after gym class so your hair looks on point for the rest of the school day.
- Put a headband on if you really want to even out the bumps and keep your hair in place.^{[18]XResearch source}
- Keep extra hair ties on hand in your gym locker because they're easy to lose.
If you're going for a more girly look, pull your hair back in a loose braid to keep your hair intact during gym class. You can keep it up for the rest of the day after gym, or undo the braid so your hair falls into luscious waves.

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What should I wear to P.E.?
Paige Bowen, MA, EdM
Physical Education Teacher
Paige Bowen is a Physical Education Teacher at Oconee County Primary School in Watkinsville, Georgia. Paige has over 20 years of physical education teaching experience. She was awarded the Oconee County Primary School Teacher of the Year for 2002-2003. She received a B.S.Ed. in Health and Physical Education from the University of Georgia in 1996 and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education in 2003 from the same institution.
Paige Bowen, MA, EdM
Physical Education Teacher
Expert Answer
Wear loose-fitting clothes and short sleeve shirts. It's a good idea to bring layers in case it gets cold. Make sure you wear comfortable tennis shoes too. Avoid open-toe shoes, like flip flops or sandals, and any shoes that have a very high heel, like boots.
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If you are a bit worried or concerned about getting changed, what is your top tip?
Community Answer
You can always find a private area to change in gym class. Try to lay out your clothes so that they are ready to quickly put on. Remember that other girls might feel the same way, so you're not alone.
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I always forget to bring hair ties. What should I do if I forget one for gym class?
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Ask someone else if they have a spare one. A friend or teacher might have one.
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Tips

Make sure you're hydrated before your work out, and take a few sips of water from the drinking fountain or a water bottle. If there's not a drinking fountain nearby where your gym class is being held, bring your water bottle along with you.^{[19]XResearch source}
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Make sure you have your locker code memorized, and put all of your stuff in your locker. Anyone could walk into the locker room while you're working out and steal your day clothes, cell phone, accessories, or bookbag, so locking up your stuff is always a good idea.^{[20]XResearch source}
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Be confident in yourself. It doesn't matter what you look like.
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