Woman reveals why you should lift weights wearing jeans: “No pain, no gain”

A new gym outfit is enough to boost workout motivation for many, and while that typically means new activewear, such as shorts or leggings, for Angela Roth, it means exercising in jeans.

A 2020 OnePoll survey of 2,000 adults, conducted on behalf of Trunk Club, found that 92 percent of Americans said they’d be more likely to use their gym membership if they had workout clothes they liked.

Last month, Roth, 22—who posts under the handle @angelaroth on TikTok—shared a montage of herself performing various exercises while wearing different pairs of denim pants. She captioned the post, “No pain, no gain sis.”

Roth told Newsweek, “It can be more challenging as the thicker material adds more resistance to my training.”

The London-based online fitness coach said she had been training her legs wearing jeans for two years and hadn’t had any problems. However, another personal trainer who spoke with Newsweek advised against her choice of clothing.

“I find them comfy,” Roth said, adding that leg days occur two to three times weekly.

“There’s nothing wrong with daring to be different at the gym,” she added. “Sometimes people ask me, but most people in the gym don’t care, as everyone is getting on with their workouts.”

The September 27 clip, which has garnered 71,500 views, has left TikTok users in shock and confusion, with one viewer commenting, “This is insane.” Another wrote, “What if they rip?”

While the thought of wearing jeans may not appeal to everyone, Roth said she wears a brand that specializes in denim jeans for workouts, so they aren’t too rigid.

‘Skip the Denim’

Justin Kraft, a personal trainer in Denver with 15 years of experience, told Newsweek that people should stick to sportswear while training.

He said: “I get the logic behind the added resistance jeans might create, but that’s pretty much where the benefits stop.

“The drawbacks, on the other hand, could set you back. Unless your jeans are super loose (and let’s be honest, how many of us own workout-friendly jeans?), I wouldn’t recommend it.”

The owner of Aspire 2 More Fitness advised gymgoers to wear something loose and stretchy, such as joggers, shorts or leggings. This ensures the body can move freely and circulate blood properly.

Kraft added: “Restricting that flow with tight fabric is a fast way to hinder your performance and could lead to bigger issues, especially if you have conditions like high blood pressure or sciatica. It’s like trying to do a bicep curl with your arm half asleep—awkward, uncomfortable and ineffective.

“Jeans also limit your range of motion, which is crucial for exercises like squats, lunges and deadlifts. If you can’t hit those full ranges, you’re not only cheating your muscles but also increasing your risk of injury.

“Plus, the thick material, seams and lack of breathability in jeans will turn a good sweat session into a chafing nightmare.

“So skip the denim when you’re hitting the gym—your legs will thank you! Go for breathable, flexible fabrics that allow full motion, proper circulation and muscle engagement to get the most out of your workout.”

Instead of adding more resistance through clothing, Kraft said, those exercising should try different workout methods—such as sandbags, slam balls, battle ropes and balance discs.

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