Style
Style
Not everyone thinks of the word ‘style’ when it comes to working out at the gym, but if more people did, perhaps they would get more out of their workout in the way of added comfort and performance. Let’s be clear that we are not talking about looking your best or winning any beauty pageants while working up a sweat. What we are speaking of here is wearing the appropriate gear for your intended activity. Just as you wouldn’t show up at a campfire in business attire, don’t even consider wearing things that are not practical to the gym. I’ve spent more than two decades frequenting various types of gyms; everything from the local YMCA to racquet clubs, country clubs, boxing clubs and fitness centers. While I’d like to say that I’ve never seen anyone in any ridiculous workout garb, obviously I have seen my fair share of things that run the gamut; from the inappropriately provocative to the slouchy, fresh out of bed look. I’ve seen people painfully squeeze themselves into ill-fitting spandex and I’ve seen people try to run in clothing that is clearly too large for them, as their shirt billows behind them and falls from their shoulders.
A good rule of thumb when deciding what to wear when you workout, whether at home or in a gym, is to be comfortable, but don’t wear things that limit your movement or impede your ability to move freely without excess clothing in the way. Those that choose to wear oversized, baggy clothing to the gym are not only bogging themselves down with more material than they need, but they could possibly be jeopardizing their own safety since an overly long shirt tail or baggy pants could get caught in a machine and cause serious injury. Having battled (and ultimately won) weight loss issues myself, I understand the train of thought: you think you are ‘hiding’ by wearing baggier clothing. The fact of the matter is that oversized clothing causes someone already carrying a few extra pounds to look even bigger. Additionally, once you’ve gotten into your workout and started to perspire, the heavier this larger clothing feels, now clinging to you. It’s not fun.
Additionally, when considering your personal workout style, take it seriously. Don’t decide to go exercise when you are fresh out of bed and disheveled. If you are serious about your health and getting into a true exercise routine, approach it like you would any other job. Don’t be the person that shows up in pajama pants and your significant others’ oversized tee. We are not suggesting you spend a lot of time in front of the mirror primping for your workout, but you should look like you genuinely want to be there and someone didn’t force you out of slumber to go.
So what choices does all this leave you? Some favorites that work well both at home and at the gym are a pair of bike shorts paired with a fitted tank top, yoga pants and a fitted tee, or cropped track pants. Making an investment in some fitness-related apparel will serve you well; once you put these items on, you know it’s time to buckle down and get to work. Those that make some sort of small monetary investment in good exercise apparel will be more apt to feel confident in the gym, and ultimately stick with their fitness program.
