Get Fit in Style
Today we want to discuss a topic that we know is super important to our clients, and really everyone who frequently works out and that is: what to wear to the gym.
It can be pretty tough to decide, right? You want to be comfortable and be able to move, of course. Studies have shown when you look good, you feel better and more confident. Exercise is hard enough and we have so many stories in our heads about ourselves and our bodies. Sometimes having to stand in front of the mirror in a fitness class can be challenging. So finding your best fit in clothing that makes you feel good about yourself is a good start.
Here are our top tips to help you look and feel your best while you workout - and not have to stare into your closet anxiously for an hour before you head to the gym:
Breathable fabrics. You don’t want to feel sticky and gross during your workout. Choose fabrics like polyester or nylon blends for moisture wicking and keeping sweat off your skin. They will help you stay cool and also allow you to move easily as you work through your exercises. Be aware that with light colored leggings, the sweat does show through.
The right fit. Wear something that is not too tight and not too loose. You want to be able to move freely but you don’t want extra fabric getting in the way. Also be mindful of the type of movement you will be doing in class. For example, will your shirt fall down and display parts you would rather keep covered while you are inverting in yoga class? Will the waistband of your shorts travel while squatting or bending?
Get support. This one is mainly for the ladies: the right sports bra can really make all the difference during your workout. When you’re trying them on, move around. Strike a yoga pose. Stretch. Jog in place or do a few jumping jacks (if you can manage safely in the dressing room). Make sure you have the support you need without feeling too… squished.
Don’t forget your feet. The best thing running shoes are good for is running. Make sure your shoes have the right support for the type of workout you’ll be doing - talk to your coach during class if you’re not sure. At the Studio, for our SPT classes, we recommend a good lifting shoe like a Metcon (Nike), No Bulls (our favorite), or if you have a bunion, neurona, or arthritis a Hoka - Arahi or Kawana. If you crosstrain, a cross trainer could work too. Note: If you’ll be taking your shoes off for class to grab a pair of socks that you haven’t been wearing all day.
Choose clothing that will last. We know that some brands of workout clothing that we love, like Athleta, Lululemon, and Alo, can impact your wallets as well as your workout. But remember workout clothes will get a lot of wear (and hopefully a lot of washing, too). Some inexpensive workout leggings start to become see-through after too much use. Elastic stretches, colors fade, and some fabrics hang onto odors more than others. It may be more economical to buy one expensive pair of workout pants that will last rather than replacing them every few months.
Ultimately, we want you to look good, feel good, and smell good when you’re in the Studio. If you want more suggestions or tips on where to get great workout clothes, feel free to ask!