What to Wear to Workout

Since I have "revealed" a few things through some confessions recently, I thought we'd switch it up today and talk about covering up - more specifically What to Wear to Workout.

Now, I have heard from friends, and clearly seen in others, differing opinions on what to wear to the gym. I have seen carefully coordinated color schemes,  clothes that you can wear from the office to the gym, clothes that people THINK they can wear from the gym to the office (psst...yoga pants are NOT the same as black dress pants), people working out IN dress clothes, teeny tiny clothes and big baggy clothes, and I have even seen someone in wrinkly pajamas.

 Ultimately, whatever you need to wear to get yourself there DO IT!  Just remember, people CAN see you.

So, let's keep a few things in mind:

1. Function - When choosing your workout clothes, it is important to take into account the exercise you are doing, the level at which you are doing it and your safety. Ask yourself - am I getting the support I need to (name your exercise)? Will I be able to perform the movements and actions for this exercise? Will wearing this put me or someone else in harms way (i.e. baggy pants while biking, too dark of clothes for early/late runs, etc.) And, take it from me, those cute fashion sneakers out there, NOT the same as running shoes, even if it's a quick run. I mistakenly took some for my workouts while traveling since they took up less space. NOT SMART! So, first and foremost, keep in mind the functionality of your workout clothing to fit your chosen workout.

2. Fit - Men, this section is NOT just for women. While we have a little more to take into consideration when clothing ourselves for the gym, we want your clothes to fit you properly too! (I don't care to see your buttcrack - thank you) Anyway, the reason that fit is so vital is that your focus while working out should be on taking it to that next level, giving your best, and not on trying to keep your pants up OR your shirt down. If you have to fidget and adjust throughout your workout, the fit isn't correct. Ladies, please use a little judgement on modesty too. I have NO problem with anyone coming to the gym looking smokin' hot! You've earned it. BUT just like we don't want to see men's cracks, we don't need to see any of yours either.

3. Finese - Since when did personal style have to be limited to outside the gym? I recognize that not everyone may enjoy fashion as much as me, but EVERYONE has their own personality. You can love and embrace your individuality at the gym. I HAVE been known to wear a sparkle or two, and I am LOVING the bright colors and creative cuts that are trending now in activewear.  For those of you possibly rolling your eyes at this, that is okay. I am not saying that everyone has to be that person who matches each and every article they wear to the gym. I am not even saying that you have to brush your hair (sometimes you oversleep and that's what you have to do to make it to that 5am class), BUT please, please, do not judge or look down on those people who want to look nice inside the gym as well as outside. For some people, it's not a vanity thing, but a self-respect issue. Sometimes if you look good and look like you care on the outside, it's just the thing needed to feel good on the inside.

I have loved seeing women in my class over the past few months, get new workout clothes that I KNOW make them feel more confident AND allow them to actually see the changes that have taken place. If you have great legs, sport some killer shorts. If you love your arms, go sleeveless! Check yourself out while you're lifting. Isn't that part of why you're working out in the first place?

Browse some of the sites below (or head to your nearest Target, TJMaxx or sports store)! Pick something out! I give you permission to get something new and fun - something you won't be able to wait to wear to your next workout!

www.lululemon.com
www.zobha.com
www.underarmour.com
www.zappos.com
www.nike.com
www.puma.com
www.reebok.com

I am doing this and SO CAN YOU! Make it a Level 10 Day!