Have you ever had that experience where you had on some baggy, schlumpy, unflattering workout clothes in public and, not only did you not feel like exercising, but you felt like people were staring at you… and not in the good way? I definitely have! There is nothing motivating about unflattering and ill-fitting workout wear!!
Fitness apparel doesn’t have to cost a fortune or be the latest trend, but I guarantee that you will get a better workout in if you feel good about your appearance. I’ll even go a step further and predict that if you have really cute gym clothes, you might even WANT to play tennis, go to kickboxing or spin class, or be seen lifting weights at your gym.
If you are self conscious about your current size, that’s ok – everyone is self conscious about something. A good strategy would be to wear some dark colored pieces, but add a pop of color or fun design detail. If you are in the process of losing weight or changing your shape, maybe just invest in one or two cute fitness outfits that you feel great in for the time being. If and when your size changes, update your outfits periodically. Trust me… it will be worth the investment. This doesn’t just apply to the ladies… guys, if you are wearing gym clothes that are clean, attractive and flattering to your body type, you too will have more confidence to hit the gym hard. There’s really a psychology behind the expression “Clothes make the (wo)man!”
My friends know I will buy exercise clothes basically anywhere!!! And the less expensive or more unusual the better!! I have gotten amazing deals on gym wear at ROSS, TJ Maxx, Target, Big 5, and from Amazon and Fabletics. There are often amazing finds on the sale racks at Lululemon and Nordstrom, or even at your local gym or yoga studio. Also, many stores such as Lane Bryant, Lands’ End, Fabletics, and Macy’s now offer super stylish and affordable plus size activewear, as do online retailers like Juno.
Last but not least, keep your gym wear in great shape by washing it in cold water on the delicate cycle or by hand (not my preference,) and ALWAYS line dry anything with spandex in it. This goes for all types of apparel. You will get incredible longevity out of garments by not putting them in the dryer. Also, do yourself, and your fellow exercisers, a favor by not leaving sweaty workout clothes in the hamper more than a day or two before laundering them. Trust me… mildew happens! Fast! We never want to be the person at the gym or in class… or anywhere else for that matter… who smells bad! If necessary, you can use non-chlorine bleach, but bleach of any kind tends to degrade fabric over time if used too often. Enough about laundry…
I hope this article provides some fun information to get or keep you motivated to exercise! As always, please feel free to message me with questions or suggestions. I would love to feature your ideas, giving you credit, of course!
LM💗
Lisa Melora 