With 2025 in the rearview mirror, many of us have entered the new year with the best of intentions for whichever New Year’s resolution we’ve committed to. It goes without saying that one of the most, if not the most, popular resolutions is getting back into the gym, starting an exercise routine or losing a few pounds.

For some people, sticking to resolutions of this nature simply requires adhering to a workout plan or tracking calories at each meal. If you carry a gun for self-defense, sticking to your fitness goals requires an extra layer or two of consideration. Unlike in the past, there is a wide array of products available that help incorporate your firearm into this new aspect of your daily routine, rather than leaving your carry gun and your ability to protect yourself at home.

Before diving into exercise-friendly gear and tips and tricks for staying comfortable during a workout while wearing your carry gun, there are certain things you must take into consideration, as available solutions won’t necessarily be a one-size-fits-all fix for everyone and their unique situations.

Top Considerations When Working Out While Carrying Concealed

When you add a firearm to your workout routine, every movement matters. Exercises that feel routine without a holster can feel very different once weight, retention and concealment are part of the equation. There are several things to consider when adding concealed carry to working out.

  • Movement & Stability

    • Type of movement involved – Running, bending, jumping and twisting will affect your comfort level and test your holster’s retention.
    • Body position changes – Exercises such as sit-ups and burpees that greatly change your body position increase the risk of your gun working loose from its holster or simply becoming exposed to those nearby.
    • Holster stability – Your chosen holster and/or firearm run the risk of shifting, bouncing or working loose during the dynamic movements of a workout.

  • Clothing & Comfort

    • Fit and fabric – Typical gym favorites, such as loose-fitting gym shorts and stretchy leggings, typically cannot fully support a holster or conceal your firearm.
    • Sweat and moisture – The sweat produced during a workout can cause skin irritation where your holster and carry gun contact bare skin, affect overall comfort, and compromise the integrity of your holster or gun’s finish.
    • Gear weight and distribution – The weight of your carry gun may pull down your pants or even move unnecessarily during exercise.
    • Skin contact and comfort – Chafing or tenderness may be caused by the area where your holster contacts your skin.

  • Environment & Access

    • Weather conditions – Heat, cold, rain and even humidity will impact the type of clothing you wear, which may very well affect several aspects of carrying your CCW.
    • Access and ability to draw – The clothing you wear, the workout machine you use and where your workout is taking place will all affect how easily you can access your firearm.
    • Activity-specific equipment – Weighted vests, backpacks, hydration packs and even various gym machines run the risk of interfering with your chosen carry position.

Gear for Working Out and Carrying a Firearm

Thankfully, concealed carry is becoming increasingly popular each year, which drives innovation. In the past, basic running shorts had little to no structure to support even the smallest of handguns. Jogging pants weren’t much better, although they provided a bit more concealment than running shorts. And leggings were able to secure and conceal more than other options, but most lacked belt loops.

There are many companies nowadays that produce purposefully designed workout gear, complete with features such as built-in holsters, reinforced waistbands that secure your handgun and moisture-wicking fabric, just to name a few. These features and many others have allowed many, over the years, to head into their workouts without sacrificing their means of defense.

Here are a few of my favorites:

5.11: Athene Legging
These leggings are packed full of features, and in true 5.11 form, plenty of pockets! The moisture-wicking material also sports an anti-odor finish to keep you feeling fresh all day long.

The thigh pockets are perfect for stashing your phone, license and cash. The belt loops along the waist are large enough to accommodate even larger-width carry belts.

Most importantly, there are multiple internal stretch pockets in the reinforced waistband, should you wish to skip the belt and secure a holstered firearm.
511Tactical.com

CrossBreed: Modular Belly Band Package 2.0
If you’re the type of person who simply does not like to wear belts, or perhaps you’re wearing pants that don’t have belt loops, a belly-band style holster is a great option for you.

The new Modular Belly Band Package from CrossBreed feels comfortable against your skin while wicking away moisture.
Carefully crafted with panels that keep it from slipping out of place, it features additional pockets to secure your phone and even a couple of spare magazines.
CrossBreedHolsters.com

Vertx: S.O.C.P. Tactical Fanny Pack
When the weather is nice, many people enjoy incorporating a long bike ride or hike into their workout regimen. For activities such as these, fanny packs are a fantastic option.

Vertex is among several companies that manufacture purpose-built fanny packs capable of safely securing your sidearm, spare magazines and other everyday carry essentials. These fanny packs can also be worn across the chest in a cross-body style for added comfort and accessibility.
Vertx.com

Arrowhead Tactical: Carrier Traveler Joggers
Nothing beats a pair of comfy sweatpants, except a pair that can secure your firearm! The Carrier Traveler Joggers from Arrowhead Tactical are the epitome of high-speed, low-drag sweats, packed full of features you’d never know existed unless told.

These features include their famed Carrier Retention Waistband, a zippered fly, lightweight, water- and odor-resistant fabric, ventilation points, and multiple pockets in both the front and rear.

These pants also lack any branding on the outside, further helping you to fly under the radar, gray-man style.
ArrowheadTacticalApparel.com

Making Fitness and Concealed Carry Work for You

Carrying concealed during your workout involves more than simply tossing on your usual EDC setup and heading to the gym. Gear that safely secures your sidearm while blending seamlessly into your routine, remaining comfortable and hidden, requires experimenting with different options and a willingness to adapt.

With the proper gear, clothing and training, you will no longer be forced to compromise your safety due to having to leave your carry gun at home. When you approach the decision to combine concealed carry with your new healthy lifestyle, you’re creating a well-rounded approach and mindset towards personal protection.

❓ Fitness and Concealed Carry FAQ

Can you work out while carrying concealed?
Yes, but it requires more planning than everyday concealed carry. Working out involves movement, sweat and body positioning that can affect comfort, concealment and firearm security.

Why is exercising while carrying concealed more challenging than normal carry?
Exercise introduces constant motion, bending and stretching, which can cause printing, discomfort or shifting gear. Clothing choices and sweat also play a significant role in how well firearms can be concealed.

Can I wear workout clothes while carrying concealed?
Most standard gym clothing is not designed to support the weight or stability of a firearm. This is why many people struggle when trying to combine fitness and concealed carry without purpose-built gear. Gear designed specifically for concealed carry during physical activity can improve comfort, security and concealment.
Different activities place different demands on your body and gear. Experiment to find what works best for your body type, fitness routine and comfort level.

Should you always carry concealed while exercising?
That decision is personal. You will have to balance your fitness goals, comfort and personal safety, understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

What’s the most important takeaway when combining fitness and concealed carry?
Preparation matters. Carrying concealed during workouts requires thoughtful choices about clothing, gear and movement, but it doesn’t mean you have to choose between staying fit and staying prepared.